Many OpenAI API users have been recently migrated to a prepaid billing system. This article aims to address frequently asked questions and help you understand the new system.
General Questions:
Q: Why did OpenAI switch to prepaid billing?
OpenAI hasn't publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind the switch. However, some speculate it could be for improved financial control, managing resource usage, or minimizing risk.
Q: Do all users have prepaid billing?
No, not all users have been migrated yet. OpenAI seems to be gradually rolling out the change. You can check your account settings to see your current billing method.
Q: How does prepaid billing work?
Instead of paying a monthly fee, you purchase credits upfront and use them for API calls. Once your credits run out, your access to the API stops until you purchase more.
Q: How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on the API you use and the specific actions performed. You can find detailed pricing information on the OpenAI website.
Using Prepaid Billing:
Q: How do I purchase credits?
You can purchase credits through your OpenAI account dashboard using your credit card. Currently, the minimum purchase is $5 and the maximum is $50.
Q: Can I set up automatic top-up?
Yes, you can set an auto-recharge to automatically add credits when your balance falls below a certain threshold.
Q: What happens if my credits run out?
Your API access will be suspended until you purchase more credits. You will receive email notifications before your balance reaches zero.
Q: Can I switch back to monthly billing?
Currently, switching back from prepaid to monthly billing is not available for all users. OpenAI plans to add this feature in the future.
Q: Where can I find more information?
You can find more information about prepaid billing on the OpenAI Help Center: https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8264644-what-is-prepaid-billing
Please note that this change only applies to your OpenAI API account and Playground. It does not affect ChatGPT Plus subscriptions.