Docs/ HydraAI
Credits and usage
HydraAI runs on credits. Every request uses credits based on the AI work it actually takes, so a quick question costs much less than building a module.
What things typically cost
Measured from real usage on our test workspaces since August 2026. Your numbers will vary with the size of the request and how much of your site HydraAI has to read.
| Request | Typical | Most of the time under |
|---|---|---|
| A question (one step) | 1 credit | 2 |
| A small change: a field, a rule, a tweak | 2 | 5 |
| A build: a workflow, report or script with a few parts | 10 | 15 |
| A big plan and build | 20 | 30 |
A whole chat typically uses about 5 credits. HydraAI Builder's 1,500 credits a month cover about 150 builds or 1,500 questions.
Where to see your balance
Click the ring next to Send. Under the chat's context window, the Credits section shows:
- Plan: credits used out of your plan's monthly allowance, with the reset date when it's known.
- Rollover: credits from packs you've bought. It only appears once you have some.
The ring itself shows how full the current chat's memory is, not your credits. When a chat gets long, older messages are summarised automatically. Starting a new chat for a new task keeps answers sharp.
How the allowance works
- Plan credits refresh on your billing date each cycle. Unused plan credits don't carry over.
- Pack credits are used only after your plan credits run out, and they're valid for 12 months. Packs are available on paid plans. See Pricing.
- Incognito chats use credits too.
Warnings and running out
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| 80% used | A yellow banner above the message box shows how much you've used |
| 90% used | System Managers get a Desk notification |
| 100% used | HydraAI pauses: "You've reached your quota". System Managers get a second notification. It starts again when your plan resets or when you add a pack. |
There's no overage. HydraAI stops rather than running up a bill.
When a subscription ends
If the subscription lapses or a payment is overdue, the panel shows "HydraAI is inactive" and the message box is switched off. Your chats and everything HydraAI built stay where they are. Renewing turns it back on.