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

# Billing & Credits

> How API credits work, pricing, and wallet management.

## Credit-based billing

The SmartlyQ API uses a **prepaid credit** system called **SmartlyQ Credits (SQC)**. Every API call that consumes AI resources deducts credits from your Developer wallet.

## Developer wallet

Your wallet is separate from your SmartlyQ subscription. Each request that uses AI resources deducts SQC; read-only calls are free. Top it up from the [Developer Dashboard](https://app.smartlyq.com/my/developer), and enable **auto-recharge** to keep it funded automatically.

See [Pricing](/pricing) for the credit packages and what each operation costs. To see exactly what you're spending, check your wallet balance with the endpoint below.

## Checking your balance

```bash theme={null}
curl https://api.smartlyq.com/v1/me/balance \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sqk_live_xxxxxxxxxxxx"
```

Response:

```json theme={null}
{
  "success": true,
  "data": {
    "balance": "100.0000",
    "purchased_balance": "50.0000",
    "monthly_balance": "50.0000",
    "monthly_reset_at": "2026-04-15T00:00:00Z",
    "currency": "USD"
  }
}
```

## Insufficient credits

If your balance is too low, the API returns **402 Payment Required**:

```json theme={null}
{
  "success": false,
  "error": {
    "code": "INSUFFICIENT_CREDITS",
    "message": "Not enough credits. Top up your wallet.",
    "balance_sqc": 0
  }
}
```