🤖 Understanding AI Credits, Resets, and Top-Ups

Camilo Aponte

Camilo Aponte

Last updated on Sep 30, 2026

🧩 Two Types of Credits in Search Atlas

Search Atlas uses two distinct credit systems. Confusing them is the most common reason customers think their credits are not resetting correctly. Here is what each one covers:

  • AI Credits: Consumed by AI-powered features such as OTTO AI actions, AI-generated content, AI-assisted keyword research, and any task that runs a large language model in the background.
  • Tool Credits (also called Usage Credits): Consumed by data-retrieval features such as keyword lookups, site audits, backlink reports, and rank tracking refreshes.

These two pools are tracked separately, reset on different schedules, and are topped up through different processes. Always confirm which credit type is depleted before troubleshooting.

📍 Where to Find Your Credit Balances

Your credit balances are visible within the billing or usage section of your Search Atlas account. Log in and navigate to the billing or usage area of the platform — the exact location may vary depending on your plan and account layout. There you should be able to see your current AI Credit and Tool Credit balances, including how much you have remaining and when they are scheduled to reset.

If you are inside a specific tool and receive a message indicating your credits are exhausted, it will typically indicate whether AI Credits or Tool Credits are depleted, so you can focus on the correct balance.

🔄 When Do Credits Reset?

Both credit types are tied to your billing cycle and reset when your plan renews. The exact reset date corresponds to your personal renewal date, which you can verify in the billing section of your account.

If your credits appear not to have reset after your renewal date has passed, wait a short period for the renewal to fully process, then refresh your account. If balances still have not updated, reach out to our support team for assistance. When you do, please have the following ready:

  • Your account email address
  • The credit type that appears not to have reset (AI Credits or Tool Credits)
  • Your expected renewal or billing date
  • A screenshot of the balance if possible

⚡ How to Top Up AI Credits

When your AI Credits run out before your billing cycle ends, it may be possible to purchase additional credits without changing your plan. To explore top-up options, navigate to the billing or usage section of your account and look for an option to add or purchase additional AI Credits. Available bundle sizes and pricing will be displayed if this option is offered on your plan.

If you do not see a top-up option or are unsure whether your plan supports it, contact our support team who can confirm what is available for your account and assist with the process.

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.