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

# Manage Your Zexa Credit Balance, Rates, and Billing

> Understand how Zexa credits work, how to top up your balance, view per-message usage history, and check credit rates per channel and destination.

Zexa uses a credit-based billing model. You purchase credits in advance and they are consumed each time you send a message. The number of credits used depends on the channel and the destination country — there is no recurring subscription required for basic use.

## How credits work

Credits give you full control over your messaging spend. Before you buy, here are the key rules:

* **Credits are pre-purchased.** You top up your balance and draw from it as you send. No monthly commitment is required.
* **Credits do not expire.** Your balance carries forward indefinitely.
* **Credits are non-refundable once purchased**, in accordance with Zexa's Terms of Use.
* **Each channel and destination has its own per-message rate.** Rates are applied automatically when a message is dispatched.

## Credit rates

The table below shows approximate credit costs. Use these figures for planning purposes — always confirm the exact rate in the dashboard before purchasing.

| Channel  | Destination   | Credits per message |
| -------- | ------------- | ------------------- |
| SMS      | Angola        | 1                   |
| SMS      | International | 2–5                 |
| WhatsApp | Any           | 1–2                 |
| Telegram | Any           | 1                   |
| Email    | Any           | 0.5                 |
| Slack    | Any           | 0.5                 |

<Note>
  Rates are indicative. Actual rates are shown in the dashboard before purchase and may vary based on operator pricing.
</Note>

## Top up your balance

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Billing section">
    In the [Zexa dashboard](https://app.zexa.ao), go to **Billing → Buy Credits**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a credit package">
    Choose the package that best suits your expected usage. Larger packages offer better per-credit value.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete payment">
    Follow the on-screen payment flow. Zexa supports the payment methods listed at checkout.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Receive your credits">
    Credits are added to your account immediately after payment confirmation. You will also receive a receipt by email.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## View usage history

Go to **Billing → Usage** to see a full per-message log. Each entry shows:

* **Channel** — SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, Email, or Slack
* **Recipient** — the destination address or number
* **Credits used** — the exact amount deducted for that message
* **Timestamp** — date and time of dispatch

Click **Export CSV** to download your usage history for reconciliation or reporting purposes.

## Low credit alerts

Set a minimum balance threshold so Zexa notifies you before you run out of credits.

1. Go to **Billing → Alerts**.
2. Enable **Low Balance Notification**.
3. Enter the threshold value (e.g. 500 credits).
4. Save your settings.

Zexa will send an email alert when your balance drops below the threshold.

<Tip>
  Set a low-credit alert well above zero — messages in transit when your balance hits zero will fail to deliver.
</Tip>

## Check balance via API

Retrieve your current credit balance programmatically with a `GET /credits` request.

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash cURL theme={null}
  curl --request GET \
    --url https://api.zexa.ao/v1/credits \
    --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
  ```
</CodeGroup>

**Example response:**

```json theme={null}
{
  "balance": 5000,
  "currency": "AOA",
  "updated_at": "2026-06-24T10:00:00Z"
}
```

<Note>
  Credits are tied to a single account and cannot be transferred to another account. If you manage multiple workspaces, each account maintains its own independent balance.
</Note>