> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.apers.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Overview

> Understand how credits work and how they are consumed across Apers

Credits are the currency that powers AI features in Apers. Every time you use a capability like chat, financial modeling, or document processing, credits are consumed from your account balance.

## How Credits Work

Your account has a credit balance that decreases as you use AI features. The amount consumed varies depending on the complexity and type of task.

| Action                  | Credit Usage                                 |
| ----------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| **Chat messages**       | Varies by conversation length and complexity |
| **AI Excel Modeling**   | Varies by model size and operations          |
| **Document processing** | Varies by file size and type                 |

<Info>
  Your current credit balance is always visible in the dashboard so you can track usage in real time.
</Info>

## Monthly Credit Refresh

Every billing cycle, your account receives a fresh allocation of credits based on your subscription plan. This allocation is added to your existing balance, so any credits you didn't use carry over.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Subscribe to a plan">
    Choose a plan that fits your usage level. Each plan includes a monthly credit allocation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use credits throughout the month">
    Credits are deducted as you use AI features across Apers.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Credits are added on your billing date">
    At the start of each billing cycle, your plan's monthly allocation is added to your balance. Unused credits from earlier cycles stay in your account.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Running Low on Credits

If your balance is getting low before the next refresh, you have two options:

* **Purchase additional credits** on top of your plan allocation. See [Purchasing Credits](/credits/purchasing-credits).
* **Upgrade your plan** for a higher monthly allocation. See [Plans](/credits/plans).

<Tip>
  Keep an eye on your usage patterns during the first few weeks to find the plan that best fits your workflow.
</Tip>