This article explains how to enable and use extra usage on your paid HackerAI plan, including Pro, Pro+, and Ultra. Extra usage lets you continue working with HackerAI after reaching your included monthly usage limit by using prepaid, pay-as-you-go credits.
What is extra usage?
Extra usage allows users on paid HackerAI plans, including Pro, Pro+, and Ultra, to continue using HackerAI after their included plan usage has run out. Instead of being blocked when you reach your monthly usage limit, HackerAI can use your prepaid extra usage balance, as long as extra usage is enabled and you have available balance or auto-reload is turned on.
How extra usage works
When you reach your included monthly usage limit and extra usage is enabled, HackerAI will begin using your extra usage credits automatically. You’ll see a notification letting you know that extra usage credits are being used. Usage is deducted from your prepaid balance based on the model, prompt size, response length, files, tools, and task complexity. Your included plan usage resets on its regular monthly cycle.
Note: Extra usage is charged separately from your paid HackerAI subscription. You must prepay for extra usage credits before using them, unless auto-reload is enabled and can successfully charge your payment method.
Enabling extra usage
To enable extra usage on your paid HackerAI plan:
1. Navigate to Settings > Usage in your HackerAI account.
2. Locate the Extra usage section.
3. Click "Enable" to turn on extra usage.
4. Set up your payment method if not already configured.
5. Configure your monthly spending limit. The $20 amount is only a suggested spending cap, not a fixed number of messages, chats, or tasks. You can set a different monthly limit or select “Set to unlimited” if you prefer no spending restrictions.
6. You’ll then need to prepay to cover usage beyond your plan limits. Click “Buy extra usage,” enter the amount you want to purchase in the modal, then click “Purchase.” The minimum extra usage purchase is $15.
7. You can also enable auto-reload to automatically purchase more credits when your balance falls below a threshold you set. The threshold must be at least $5, and the reload amount must be at least $15 and at least $10 more than the threshold.
Setting spending controls
Control your extra usage spending with:
- Monthly spending cap: Set a maximum amount you're willing to spend on extra usage each month. This resets at the start of each month.
- Auto-reload settings: Automatically purchase credits when your balance drops below your configured threshold.
- Balance monitoring: View your current extra usage balance at any time in Settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disable extra usage after enabling it?
Yes, you can turn off extra usage at any time through Settings. Once disabled, you'll only have access to your plan's included usage.
How quickly do my regular usage limits reset?
Your included plan usage resets on its regular monthly cycle. Extra usage doesn’t affect this reset timing.
When does my monthly spending cap reset?
Your monthly spending cap resets on the 1st of each month.
Can I track extra usage separately from my included usage?
Yes, the Settings page clearly shows your extra usage balance and monthly spending separate from your plan's included usage.
Will I get a warning before switching to extra usage?
Yes, you'll see a clear notification when you reach your included usage limits, with an option to continue using your prepaid extra usage balance.
Why was I able to exceed my extra usage limit?
It's possible to slightly exceed your defined monthly spending limit. Our system checks if you're within your limit before processing a request. Once the request completes, we calculate your token consumption, which means you may slightly exceed your limit with that final request. Subsequent requests will be blocked until the next month.