## **🔍 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**

1. Click your **avatar** in the top-right corner of the platform.
2. Select **Billing** from the dropdown menu.
3. Open the **Plans & Top-ups** tab to view your active plan, included quotas, and any overage details.
4. 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**

1. Click your **avatar** in the top-right corner of the platform.
2. Select **Billing**, then open the **Invoices** tab.
3. Compare your most recent invoice against previous months to identify new line items or charge increases.
4. 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**

1. **Check your plan quotas** under Billing → Plans & Top-ups to confirm how many OTTO sites, user seats, and other resources your plan includes.
2. **Check your usage** to see if any resources exceeded your plan limits during the billing period.
3. **Review your invoices and activity log** for any top-up purchases or subscription changes you may not recognise.
4. **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.