Billing Cycle
Understand how Firebuzz billing cycles work, when charges occur, and how credits are allocated.
Your billing cycle determines when you're charged and when your credits renew. Understanding the cycle helps you plan your usage and avoid unexpected charges.
How Billing Cycles Work
Your billing cycle starts on the day you subscribe and repeats monthly or yearly depending on your billing frequency.
Monthly Billing
- Charged on the same date each month (e.g., 15th of each month)
- Credits renew at the start of each cycle
- Cancel or change plans anytime before renewal
Yearly Billing
- Charged once per year on your subscription date
- Credits renew monthly (even with yearly billing)
- Save one month's cost by paying annually
Yearly billing charges you for 11 months but gives you 12 months of service. Credits still renew monthly within your yearly subscription.
Viewing Your Billing Cycle
To check your billing cycle dates:
- Go to Settings
- Click Subscription
- Select the Plan tab
Your billing information shows:
- Current period: Start and end dates
- Next billing date: When your next charge occurs
- Days remaining: Time left in current period
A progress bar visualizes where you are in the current cycle.
When Charges Occur
Initial Subscription
When you first subscribe:
- Trial period begins (14 days)
- First charge at trial end (or when you upgrade early)
- Subsequent charges on the same date each period
Renewals
Subscriptions renew automatically:
- Your card is charged at the start of each new period
- An invoice is generated and emailed to you
- Credits reset to your plan's allocation
Mid-Cycle Changes
Upgrades:
- Prorated charge for the upgrade immediately
- Next full period charges new plan price
Downgrades:
- No immediate charge
- New pricing applies at next renewal
Add-ons:
- Prorated for remaining days when added
- Full charge each subsequent period
Credit Allocation Schedule
Monthly Plans
Credits are allocated on your billing date:
| Day | Event |
|---|---|
| Billing date | Full credit allocation renewed |
| Throughout month | Credits consumed by AI usage |
| End of period | Unused subscription credits expire |
Yearly Plans
Even with yearly billing, credits are allocated monthly:
- You're billed once per year
- Credits renew every 30 days within that year
- This uses a "shadow subscription" for monthly allocation
Yearly plans still give you fresh credits monthly—you're not waiting a full year for credit renewal.
Edge Cases
Billing Date Doesn't Exist
If you subscribed on the 31st and a month has only 30 days:
- Billing occurs on the last day of that month (30th)
- Next month with 31 days reverts to the 31st
Timezone Considerations
- Billing occurs at midnight UTC on your billing date
- This may appear as a different day in your local timezone
- Credit renewal follows the same timing
Failed Payments
If a payment fails on your billing date:
- Stripe retries the charge automatically
- You receive email notifications
- Subscription enters "Past Due" status until resolved
Planning Around Your Cycle
Before Your Cycle Ends
- Use remaining credits (they don't carry over)
- Review if you need to purchase top-ups
- Check if plan changes should be scheduled
At Cycle Start
- Verify your credit balance renewed
- Confirm the charge on your statement
- Review the new invoice in billing history