# Plans and Credits Overview

Source: [Plans and Credits Overview](<https://pr-569-preview.chatcut.dev/docs/plans-and-credits>)

Documentation index: [llms.txt](<https://pr-569-preview.chatcut.dev/docs/llms.txt>)

Last updated: 2026-10-20

Credits pay for AI processing and generation in ChatCut. Manual timeline editing, uploading media, and browsing a project do not use credits. Your plan can still affect which AI features and export options are available. Check the billing screens in your account for current prices and allowances.

## What should I buy for my next step?

Start with the action you want to take, then check your current plan and balance in the avatar menu.

| Your next step | What to check |
| --- | --- |
| Keep trimming or arranging footage by hand | The core Free editor does not need credits for manual editing. |
| Use an AI feature your plan already allows, but you need more credits | Open **Credits history**. If **Buy Credits** is offered for your active subscription, compare the available packs. |
| Use a feature marked Pro | Open **Upgrade** and check that the offered plan includes that feature. Buying more credits alone does not unlock Pro features. |

If **Buy Credits** is not offered, check your subscription and payment status under **Credits history → Subscription**. For payment updates or an earlier purchase not reflected in your account, follow [Manage Your Plan](https://pr-569-preview.chatcut.dev/docs/manage-subscription) before trying another purchase.

You can purchase before starting AI work. In **Upgrade**, compare the offered credit tier and monthly or annual cycle. Review the amount due and renewal terms; an annual plan’s monthly equivalent is not a monthly payment. Complete checkout, then check your plan and balance before starting the next action. See [Payments and Paid Benefits](https://pr-569-preview.chatcut.dev/docs/payments-and-benefits) and [Manage Your Plan](https://pr-569-preview.chatcut.dev/docs/manage-subscription).

## Does AI editing use credits if I supply the footage?

Yes, when you ask the built-in ChatCut Agent to edit it. Uploading your footage is free of credit charges, but the Agent’s model usage still uses credits even if you request no new clips. Footage length alone cannot give a fixed cost for the finished edit.

If you use a Codex or Claude plugin, the host agent’s reasoning uses its own subscription or API allowance. ChatCut-hosted media generation uses ChatCut credits. See [Credits](https://pr-569-preview.chatcut.dev/docs/credits-policy) for charging details and available estimates, and check completed deductions in **Credits history → Detail**.

## How do I check my plan and credit balance?

1.  Open your avatar menu in the top-right of the editor.
2.  Read the plan and balance shown near the top.
3.  Select **Credits history** for the full view.
4.  Use **By Day** for daily totals, **By Type** for feature totals, or **Detail** for individual transactions.

The newest negative transaction in **Detail** shows the charged action, the credits used, and the resulting balance.

## What is the difference between Free and Pro?

Free lets you use the core editor and try eligible AI features with the allowance shown in your account. Pro includes recurring credits and unlocks additional generation and delivery features. Open the avatar menu and select **Upgrade** to see the current plan options.

For exact plan benefits, see [Free and Pro](https://pr-569-preview.chatcut.dev/docs/free-and-pro). For charges, see [Credits Policy](https://pr-569-preview.chatcut.dev/docs/credits-policy). Export allowances are covered under [Web vs Desktop Export](https://pr-569-preview.chatcut.dev/docs/web-export-limits), while payment and renewal rules are covered under [Payments and Paid Benefits](https://pr-569-preview.chatcut.dev/docs/payments-and-benefits).