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Credits are the currency Knouds uses to measure and charge for AI model runs. Every time you execute a node that calls an AI model — an Image Generator, Video Generator, Music Generator, Assistant, or Custom Model — credits are deducted from your balance. Non-AI nodes (Request Input, HTTP Request, List, Response Output) do not consume credits.

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How credits are calculated

The cost of a run depends on the model and the parameters you choose:
  • Per-image models — cost scales with the number of images you request.
  • Per-second models — cost scales with the output duration (e.g. a 10-second video costs more than a 5-second video).
  • Per-call models — a fixed credit amount per run regardless of parameters.
Each node shows its estimated credit cost in the run menu before you execute, so you can see what a run will cost before committing.
The cost estimate updates as you change parameters like duration and number of images.

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Plans and credit allowances

Free credits are a one-time lifetime grant (no monthly refresh — you get 250 once when you sign up). Paid plans refresh at the start of each billing period and unused credits do not roll over.

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Trial grants (Free plan)

On the Free plan, certain models are available through trial grants rather than from your credit balance. A trial grant gives you a fixed number of free generations (for example, 3 lifetime generations of a specific model). While headroom remains, those runs are free.
When a trial grant is exhausted, the model is blocked — you cannot continue using it on the Free plan by topping up credits. You must upgrade your plan to regain access. Trial grants are a “try before you buy” mechanism, not a credit pool.
Similarly, a time-based trial opens an access window (for example, 7 days of free access). After the window closes, the model is blocked until you upgrade.

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Buying additional credits (top-up packs)

If you need more credits than your plan provides, you can purchase a top-up pack from the billing page. Top-up credits are added on top of your monthly allowance and expire after a set number of days (shown at checkout).
Top-up credits are separate from your subscription allowance. Your monthly allowance refreshes on schedule regardless of how many top-up credits you have remaining.

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What happens when you run out of credits

If a model run would exceed your available credit balance, the request fails with an HTTP 402 error and the code INSUFFICIENT_CREDITS. The canvas displays an error state on the node. To continue running, either:
  • Purchase a top-up pack from Settings → Billing, or
  • Upgrade your plan for a larger monthly allowance.

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High-tier model access (Business and Enterprise)

Some models are restricted to specific plans regardless of credit balance. For example, Seedance 2.0 requires the Business or Enterprise plan. Attempting to run a gated model on a lower plan returns a MODEL_TIER_REQUIRED error and prompts you to upgrade.
The Business plan requires a verification step before you can subscribe. Contact the Knouds team to begin business verification.