---
title: "Prepaid credits made simple"
description: "Why MeinGPT runs on prepaid credits, how to top up — by card, by invoice, or automatically — and what happens when your contract starts"
canonical_url: "https://meingpt.com/en/docs/admin-guide/prepay"
language: en
---

# Prepaid credits made simple

MeinGPT bills AI usage through a **prepaid balance**: your workspace holds a credit balance, and every AI request consumes a small piece of it. This page explains why we do it this way and shows you every way to top up.

For what credits are and how they're consumed, see [The concept](/en/docs/admin-guide/concept). Short version: **1 credit = €0.01** — so 10,000 credits equal €100.

## Why prepay?

Unlike usage-based billing in arrears, the prepaid model never produces a surprise invoice: you only spend what you loaded beforehand, and your balance doubles as your cost ceiling. Top-ups are one-off, plannable amounts with a proper invoice, which makes budgeting easier for procurement and controlling.

You can see your remaining balance and consumption at any time under **Settings → Usage & Billing**; detailed breakdowns per model and user live in the [AI Cockpit](/en/docs/admin-guide/ai-cockpit). Because credits are only consumed by actual usage, quiet months cost less and intense ones more, without switching plans. The [six usage tiers](/en/docs/admin-guide/usage-limits#usage-tiers) ("Very low" through "Unlimited") let you additionally give individual groups or people their own budgets so the workspace balance stays fairly distributed (details under [usage limits](/en/docs/admin-guide/usage-limits)). All models, image generation, translation, workflows, and API usage draw from the same credit pool — there are no separate quotas to manage individually.

**What happens when the balance hits zero?** New AI requests are paused until you top up again — so unintended costs can never occur. To make sure it never gets that far, there's [automatic top-up](#3-automatic-top-up-auto-topup).

## Starting balance at contract signing

You don't need to do anything at the start: **when your contract is signed, we load the agreed balance for you.** Your team can start on day one — the starting balance is part of your contract and immediately available in the workspace.

How much starting balance makes sense is something we work out together in the closing conversation — based on team size and expected usage. For your own estimate, use the [cost calculator](/en/docs/admin-guide/cost-calculator).

## Three ways to top up

After that, you top up yourself — whenever and however suits you:

| Method | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| **Credit card (Stripe)** | Credits available **instantly** | Quick, uncomplicated reloading |
| **By invoice** | Credits instantly, invoice follows by email | Workspaces with billing details on file, larger amounts |
| **Automatic (auto-topup)** | Fully automatic in the background | Worry-free operation without manual reloading |

### 1. By credit card — instant

The fastest way: under **Settings → Usage & Billing → Buy credits**, pay by credit card via Stripe, and the credits land in your workspace immediately. Package sizes and the exact flow are covered under [Manage billing → Top up via card](/en/docs/admin-guide/billing#top-up-via-card).

### 2. By invoice — for workspaces with billing details on file

If your workspace is billed by invoice and your [billing details are complete](/en/docs/admin-guide/billing#maintain-billing-details), you can also buy credit packages directly on invoice — credits are credited immediately, and the invoice follows by email within a few business days. Package sizes and requirements are covered under [Manage billing → Top up via invoice](/en/docs/admin-guide/billing#top-up-via-invoice).

**Not unlocked yet?** Buying on invoice requires complete billing details and a one-time activation by us. If you don't see the option yet, just request it — via your contact person or [sales@meingpt.com](mailto:sales@meingpt.com). Setup takes a few business days; if you need credits fast, the credit card is the way to go.

### 3. Automatic top-up (auto-topup)

The most convenient option: MeinGPT watches your balance and automatically reloads it as soon as it drops below a threshold you define. Your team is never unexpectedly out of credits — ideal once MeinGPT is part of the daily workflow.

Setup, thresholds, the protection against repeated charges, and the hybrid mode for invoice customers are covered in detail under [Manage billing → Automatic top-up](/en/docs/admin-guide/billing#automatic-top-up-auto-topup).

## Related pages

### [The concept](/en/docs/admin-guide/concept)

What credits are, how they're consumed, and the cent/euro pitfall.

### [Manage billing](/en/docs/admin-guide/billing)

All details on packages, top-up history, export, and billing details.

### [Cost calculator](/en/docs/admin-guide/cost-calculator)

Simulate expected monthly costs based on anticipated usage.

### [Usage limits](/en/docs/admin-guide/usage-limits)

Set cost ceilings per user with six usage tiers and distribute the balance fairly.