🔍 Overview
If your monthly invoice is higher than expected, this article explains the most common reasons for a billing increase and walks you through how to review your charges, verify your plan limits, and take action before your next payment date.
📋 Common Reasons Your Bill May Have Increased
Billing increases typically fall into one of the following categories:
- Quota overage charges: Your account exceeded the number of OTTO sites, user seats, or other resources included in your current plan, and additional usage was charged automatically.
- Plan change or renewal adjustment: A plan upgrade, renewal at a new rate, or removal of a promotional discount may have changed your base price.
- Recurring top-ups: If you previously purchased top-ups (additional credits or resources), these may be bundled into your next billing cycle as a recurring charge.
- Promo code or trial expiry: A discount or free-trial period ended, reverting your account to the standard plan price.
🗂️ How to Review Your Current Plan and Usage
- Click your avatar in the top-right corner of the platform.
- Select Billing from the dropdown menu.
- Open the Plans & Top-ups tab to view your active plan, included quotas, and any overage details.
- Click Manage Subscription to see a full breakdown of what is included in your current plan and what is being billed as an add-on.
🧾 How to Review Your Invoice History
- Click your avatar in the top-right corner of the platform.
- Select Billing, then open the Invoices tab.
- Compare your most recent invoice against previous months to identify new line items or charge increases.
- Open the Activity Log tab to see a timestamped record of all billing events on your account, including top-up purchases and subscription changes.
⚠️ Will a Payment Process While This Is Under Review?
Search Atlas processes payments automatically on your scheduled billing date. Disputing or questioning a charge does not automatically pause a pending payment. If you believe a charge is incorrect and want to ensure no payment processes until it is reviewed, you must contact our support team immediately so we can investigate and, if appropriate, place a hold on the upcoming charge before it is processed.
To get help right away, 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.
✅ Steps to Take If Your Bill Looks Incorrect
- Check your plan quotas under Billing → Plans & Top-ups to confirm how many OTTO sites, user seats, and other resources your plan includes.
- Check your usage to see if any resources exceeded your plan limits during the billing period.
- Review your invoices and activity log for any top-up purchases or subscription changes you may not recognise.
- Contact support immediately if the charge still appears incorrect, especially if your billing date is approaching and you want the payment reviewed before it processes.
💡 Tips to Avoid Unexpected Charges
- Regularly review your usage against your plan quotas in the Plans & Top-ups tab.
- Remove OTTO sites or deactivate user seats you no longer need to stay within your plan limits.
- If you purchased a one-time top-up, confirm whether it was set as a recurring charge in your subscription settings.
- Check the Activity Log monthly to stay informed of all billing activity on your account.
🆘 Still Need Help?
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.