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

# Billing

> Understand plans, monthly credits, and BRL balance, and how each send is charged.

<Tip>
  There are **two independent paths**: stay **pay-as-you-go only** (top up balance, no paid plan) **or** subscribe to a **plan** and use **only monthly credits** (balance is optional, as backup). You do not need to mix both.
</Tip>

## What is it?

It's how Notifique charges for your sends. You pay per **message sent**, not for API access.

Think of **two different wallets**:

| Wallet           | Where it shows      | Who uses it                             |
| ---------------- | ------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| **BRL balance**  | Top-up in dashboard | **Pay-as-you-go** users (Free plan)     |
| **Plan credits** | Renew every month   | **Basic, Pro, or Business** subscribers |

Each send debits **credits or balance**, never both at once. The workspace shows which one the next send will use.

## Which path fits you?

|                             | **Path A: pay-as-you-go only**  | **Path B: paid plan**                 |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| **Plan**                    | Free                            | Basic, Pro, or Business               |
| **What pays for sends**     | BRL balance (you top up)        | Monthly plan credits                  |
| **Need to top up balance?** | **Yes** (after the R\$ 1 trial) | **No** (only if you want backup)      |
| **Need a paid plan?**       | **No**                          | **Yes**                               |
| **Best for**                | Variable volume, starting small | Predictable volume, monthly allowance |

<Note>
  On **path B**, many users rely on **monthly credits only** and never top up balance. Balance only kicks in if **you** topped up and credits run out before renewal.
</Note>

## Path A: pay-as-you-go only

For users who **do not want a paid plan** and prefer to pay as they send.

1. Account on the **Free** plan (no monthly credits)
2. Try with **R\$ 1** balance for **48 h**
3. **Top up** when ready to send for real (min. \*\*R$ 30**; quick options: R$ 30, R$ 50, R$ 100)
4. Each message **debits balance** ([table below](#how-much-each-channel-costs))
5. Each balance batch lasts **90 days** (oldest used first)

**Summary:** no monthly subscription. No plan credits. Everything comes from balance you top up.

## Path B: paid plan (optional balance)

For users who want a **monthly allowance** included in the plan.

1. Subscribe to **Basic, Pro, or Business**
2. Every month you get **credits** that renew on the cycle
3. Each send **uses credits** first ([table below](#how-much-each-channel-costs))
4. Credits hit zero **and** you have topped-up balance? Next sends use balance
5. Credits hit zero **and** no balance? API returns **402** (`INSUFFICIENT_CREDITS`, `WORKSPACE_BLOCKED`)

**Summary:** the paid plan covers sends via credits. Topping up balance is **optional**, only as a cushion if monthly credits run out.

### Instance limits (WhatsApp and Telegram)

Applies to paid plans. Limits are **per channel**, not combined:

* Plan with N = 2: up to **2 WhatsApp instances** and up to **2 Telegram** at the same time
* Not "2 total" across both channels

## How much each channel costs

Same cost in **credits** (plans) and **BRL** (pay-as-you-go):

| Channel  | Credits per message | BRL amount |
| -------- | ------------------- | ---------- |
| WhatsApp | 1                   | R\$ 0.05   |
| Telegram | 1                   | R\$ 0.05   |
| Email    | 1                   | R\$ 0.05   |
| Push     | 1                   | R\$ 0.01   |
| SMS      | 30                  | R\$ 0.12   |
| RCS      | 60                  | R\$ 0.25   |

## Where to manage in the dashboard

* **Balance**: view balance, top up, enable auto top-up
* **Plans / Subscription**: current plan and credit renewal
* The workspace shows whether the next send uses **credits** or **balance**

Billing errors: [Error responses](/guides/conceitos/resposta-de-erros).

***

## Next steps

* [Sandbox](/guides/sandbox/index): test without spending real credits
* [Workspaces](/guides/workspaces/index): understand where plan and balance live
* [Start here](/guides/introducao/comece-aqui): send your first message