🗺️ Overview
This article answers two common billing questions in one place: how prorated charges are handled when you change your plan using a different payment method, and whether Search Atlas has a wallet feature that lets you pre-load funds for future charges.
🔄 How Plan Changes and Prorated Billing Work
When you upgrade or downgrade your Search Atlas plan mid-billing cycle, the platform automatically calculates a prorated amount based on the days remaining in your current cycle.
To change your plan, log in to your Search Atlas account, click your avatar (top-right), and select Billing. From there, select the plan you want to switch to and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the change.
The prorated charge or credit is applied when the plan change is confirmed.
💳 Which Card Is Charged for Prorated Amounts?
The card charged for any prorated amount is always the active default payment method on file at the time the plan change is confirmed.
- If you add a new credit card and set it as your default before confirming the plan change, the prorated amount will be charged to that new card.
- If you do not update your default card before confirming, the charge goes to the existing card on file.
- Future recurring subscription charges will also use whichever card is set as the default at renewal time.
To update your default payment method, click your avatar (top-right) and select Billing, then go to the payment methods section, add your new card, and set it as the default before making any plan changes.
👛 Does Search Atlas Have a Wallet Feature?
If you have questions about whether a wallet or prepaid balance feature is available on your account, or how stored credit may apply to your charges, please reach out to our support team directly — they can confirm what options are currently available for your account.
🛠️ Managing Plan Changes With a New Card
If you want a prorated charge to be applied to a new card rather than your existing one, the key step is to update your default payment method before you confirm the plan change. Here is the general process:
- Click your avatar (top-right) and select Billing, then go to the payment methods section.
- Add your new card and set it as the default payment method.
- Then click your avatar (top-right) and select Billing to access the subscription or plans section.
- Select the new plan and follow the prompts to confirm the change.
- The prorated amount will be charged to the card that is set as default at the moment you confirm.
If you are unsure which card is currently set as your default, check your Billing page (Avatar → Billing) before making any changes to avoid an unexpected charge to an old card.
If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.