# Pay-as-you-go Packs

A Pay-as-you-go Pack is a **total quota** that you buy once and use during its validity period until it runs out; unlike a personal plan it does not reset every day. It fits stretches of use when you do not want a monthly subscription. To compare it with the other options, see [How to Choose a Plan](/docs/getting-started/choose-a-plan); to buy, go to [qcode.cc/pay-as-you-go](https://qcode.cc/pay-as-you-go).

## The four packs

| Pack | Price | Quota | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week Pack | ¥25 / $4 | $30 | 7 days |
| Month Pack | ¥60 / $9 | $80 | 30 days |
| 2-Month Pack | ¥120 / $18 | $180 | 60 days |
| Quarter Pack | ¥200 / $30 | $330 | 90 days |

The minimum CNY top-up is ¥100 (packs start at ¥25, and the remaining balance can be used to renew or to buy a plan); the minimum USD top-up is $1.

## Basic rules

- **One pack key per account**: your account has a single pack key, and every renewal goes onto that key.
- **Concurrency 5**: at most 5 requests at the same time on the key.
- **No booster packs for a pack key**: when the quota runs out, simply renew.
- **Same models as personal plans**: the same models are available, billed per token, with per-model rates listed on [qcode.cc/models](https://qcode.cc/models).
- **The key works as usual**: the `cr_` key goes into your tools in exactly the same way as with any other option, see the [Dashboard guide](/docs/reference/dashboard-guide).

## Renewal: quota stacks, the later expiry date wins

When you renew, the quota of the new pack is **added** to what is left, and the expiry date is the **later** of "the current expiry date" and "today + the pack's days".

**Example 1: not yet expired.** Your Month Pack has $12 left and you renew with a Month Pack ($80) before it expires: remaining $12 + Month Pack $80 = $92, and the expiry date is the later of the current expiry date and today + 30 days.

**Example 2: already expired.** When a pack expires, the remaining quota is void. If you then renew with a Month Pack, the quota after renewal = the new pack's quota ($80), and **the same key is restored**; you do not get a new key.

## Who can buy

- **You cannot buy a pack while you have an active personal plan.** If the daily quota of a personal plan is not enough, buy a booster pack instead (booster packs reset at 02:00 Beijing time the next day).
- Ultimate counts as an active personal plan too, so you cannot buy a pack during it. Ultimate has a monthly quota that does not reset daily, and booster packs are not available for it; what to do when it runs out is covered in the "total cost limit" entry of the [FAQ](/docs/reference/faq), or you can contact support.
- If you already have a pack and then buy a personal plan, **the pack keeps working until it expires**.

## Running out of quota and expiry

- **Quota used up**: HTTP 402 with `error.type` = `insufficient_quota` and `code` = `total_cost_limit_exceeded`. Renew to keep going. See the [error reference](/docs/reference/errors#402-quota-exhausted). An amount shown in brackets in the message is the key's **cumulative limit**, not what is left; after renewals stack up, that number grows, which is normal.
- **Key expired**: HTTP 401 (`API key has expired`). Renewing restores it; on overseas nodes it can take up to about 5 minutes to take effect.

## No refunds

Pay-as-you-go Packs are **not refundable**, and remaining quota is void after expiry. If you are not sure how long you need, start with the Week Pack.

## FAQ

### What is the difference between a pack and a personal plan?

A personal plan has a daily quota that resets at 00:00 Beijing time and suits daily use; a pack is a total quota for its validity period, used until it runs out, and suits stretches of use. For the full comparison of the four options see [How to Choose a Plan](/docs/getting-started/choose-a-plan).

### I already have a personal plan. Can I still buy a pack?

No. You cannot buy a pack while you have an active personal plan; buy a booster pack when the daily quota of the personal plan is not enough. If you bought a pack first and a personal plan later, the pack keeps working until it expires.

### How is the expiry date worked out after renewal?

Quota stacks, and the expiry date is the later of the current expiry date and today + the pack's days. For example, with $12 left on a Month Pack, buying another Month Pack ($80) makes the quota $92.

### My pack expired. Is the remaining quota still there?

No. Remaining quota is void after expiry; after you renew, the quota equals the new pack's quota and the original key works again.

### What does 402 `total_cost_limit_exceeded` mean?

The pack's total quota is used up; renew to continue. The amount in brackets in the message is the cumulative limit, not the remaining quota.

### Can I get a refund?

No, packs are not refundable.