AI Credits
Last updated: February 16, 2026
AI credits are prepaid units of currency used to consume AI model inference on hosting and model provider platforms. Rather than billing directly per API call or per token in real time, many platforms sell credits in advance that are then drawn down as you make requests to language models.
How It Works
The credit system follows a straightforward cycle: you purchase a block of credits at a set price, and each request to an AI model consumes a portion of those credits based on several factors. The specific model you use is the largest variable -- more capable models cost more credits per request. Token count also matters, as both input tokens (your prompt) and output tokens (the model's response) are metered. Some platforms apply different rates for different operations, such as charging more for image generation or function-calling-enabled requests than for simple text completions.
Credit balances are typically visible in a dashboard, and most platforms provide usage alerts or auto-top-up options to prevent service interruptions when credits run low. Some providers offer tiered credit pricing, where purchasing larger blocks reduces the per-credit cost. Credits may also come with expiration dates, requiring you to use them within a specific window.
Why It Matters
Understanding how AI credits work is essential for predicting and managing the ongoing cost of running an AI assistant. When evaluating hosting platforms or model providers for an OpenClaw deployment, credit pricing directly affects your monthly operating expenses. A team with heavy daily usage will burn through credits faster than one running occasional queries, making it important to model expected conversation volumes against credit consumption rates. Comparing credit pricing across providers -- factoring in model quality, token limits, and any volume discounts -- helps you select the most cost-effective infrastructure for your specific usage pattern. Platforms that offer transparent credit tracking also make it easier to set budgets, allocate costs across teams, and avoid unexpected billing surprises.