---
updatedAt: 2026-01-28T23:01:44.000Z
---

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.leonardo.ai/llms.txt. Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. Append .md to any documentation page URL to get its markdown version.

# Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) Guide

No monthly commitments, transparent dollar based costs, and automatic top-ups to keep you generating

<Callout icon="📘" theme="info">
  **Have questions about PAYG?** Check out our [Pricing & Plans FAQ](/docs/pricing-and-plans-faq) for quick answers to common questions.
</Callout>

## Overview

The Leonardo AI production API now offers Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) pricing - a flexible, usage-based model where you top up your balance as needed and only pay for the generations you create, with transparent dollar-based pricing.

## What is PAYG Pricing?

PAYG is a usage-based pricing model where you:

* Top up your account balance manually or automatically when needed
* Pay only for generations you create - no monthly commitments
* See costs in US dollars for easier budgeting and cost tracking
* Get the same standardised rate as the previous Pro tier

## Key Benefits

### Flexibility

* No monthly subscription commitments
* Top up only when you need to
* Scale usage up or down without changing plans

### Better Value

* Basic plan users: Save up to 42% on future top-ups
* Standard plan users: Save up to 24% on future top-ups
* Pro plan users: Same great rate with more flexibility

### Transparent Pricing

* All costs displayed in US dollars
* Easy to budget and track spending
* No confusion about credit values

## How PAYG Works

### Account Balance

Your account maintains a balance in US dollars. Each API generation deducts from this balance based on the model and settings you use.

### Top-Up Options

**Manual Top-Up:**

* Add credit to your account whenever you choose
* Select from preset amounts or enter a custom amount
* Immediate credit to your account

**Auto Top-Up (Recommended):**

* Set a minimum balance threshold (e.g., $10)
* Set an auto top-up amount (e.g., $50)
* When your balance drops below the threshold, we automatically charge your payment method
* Never worry about running out of balance

**Example Auto Top-Up:**

```
Threshold: $10
Auto Top-Up Amount: $50

When your balance drops below $10, we automatically add $50 to your account.
```

<br />

## Migrating from Monthly Plans

### Your Existing Credits

When you switch from a monthly subscription plan to PAYG:

1. You retain your current balance
2. Credits convert to dollars based on a standardised rate
3. Your purchasing power stays identical - you can generate the same number of images

### How Was My Balance Calculated?

Your existing credits have been converted to dollars using the standardized PAYG rate - the same rate used for all future top-ups and generations.
**Key points:**

* All PAYG users receive the same standardized rate
* Your purchasing power remains identical
* The dollar amount reflects current PAYG pricing
* Basic and Standard users save significantly on all future top-ups

### Savings on Future Top-Ups

Here's what you'll save on all new top-ups after switching:

| Previous Plan | Savings on future top-ups        |
| :------------ | :------------------------------- |
| Basic         | Up to 42%                        |
| Standard      | Up to 24%                        |
| Pro           | 0% (same rate, more flexibility) |

<br />

## How to Switch to PAYG

### Step-by-Step Guide

1. **Log in to the Leonardo app**
2. **Navigate to [API Access](https://app.leonardo.ai/api-access)**
3. **Cancel your current plan**
4. **Review your conversion details:**

* See your current credit balance
* See the equivalent dollar amount
* Confirm the switch

1. **Set up auto top-up (recommended)** to avoid interruptions
2. **Start using PAYG** - your existing credits are now in dollars

### When Should I Switch?

Switching to PAYG is currently optional, allowing you to:

* Move to PAYG at your convenience
* Continue with your current monthly plan
* Choose the timing that suits your needs

Note: We'll provide advance notice if this changes in the future.