## 💳 How Cloud Stack Press Release Credit Pricing Works

Cloud Stack press release distribution uses an incremental credit model. Your base cost of **15 HDC** covers distribution to up to **14 providers**. Selecting more than 14 providers adds **1 HDC per additional provider** to your total.

The platform calculates and displays your updated credit cost in real time as you select or deselect providers, so you always see the exact charge before you publish.

## 📊 Cloud Stack Provider Pricing Reference

Use this reference to estimate your credit cost before selecting providers:

- **1–14 providers selected:** 15 HDC (flat base cost, no additional charge)
- **15 providers selected:** 16 HDC
- **16 providers selected:** 17 HDC
- **20 providers selected:** 21 HDC

The formula for any selection above 14 providers: **Total HDC = 15 + (providers selected − 14)**.

## ⚙️ How to Check Your Credit Cost Before Publishing

1. Open **Cloud Stack** and start or edit a press release.
2. Navigate to the **Provider Selection** step.
3. Select your distribution providers — the cost summary updates automatically with each selection.
4. Confirm the displayed HDC total before clicking **Publish**. Credits are deducted when the press release is first submitted for publication, and are refunded automatically if publication fails or the release is unpublished.

## 💡 Tips for Managing Your Provider Credits

- Keep your selection at 14 or fewer providers to stay within the flat 15 HDC base rate.
- When selecting more than 14 providers, prioritize high-authority or niche-relevant outlets — each extra HDC should support a distribution channel that matters for your campaign.
- Check your available HDC balance before publishing a large-provider distribution to avoid an interruption mid-campaign.

**🎯 You now know how Cloud Stack calculates press release distribution credits — a flat 15 HDC base for up to 14 providers, plus 1 HDC for each additional provider you select. To learn more about managing your credit balance, visit the Credits & Billing section of your account settings.**