> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hany.tools/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SMS Credits: Buy, Track, and Manage Your Hany Balance

> Hany SMS credits are pre-purchased and never expire. Learn how credits work, view pricing packages, how to top up, and monitor your balance.

Credits are the currency for sending SMS on Hany. You purchase credits in advance and spend them as you send — no monthly subscriptions, no per-network surcharges, and no expiry dates. This gives you full control over your budget and the confidence to pre-purchase at today's rate without worrying about credits going to waste.

## How Credits Work

* **1 credit = 1 SMS segment** — A standard message of up to 160 characters consumes 1 credit. Longer messages are split into multiple segments, each using 1 credit. See [Send Messages](/sms/send-messages) for segment details.
* **Flat rate: GHS 0.02 per SMS** — Every message costs the same, regardless of the recipient's network, time of day, or volume. No hidden fees.
* **Credits never expire** — Credits you purchase today remain valid indefinitely. Top up at any time and use your balance at your own pace.
* **Credits are deducted at send time** — When you call the API or send from the dashboard, credits are deducted instantly. The API response always includes your updated `credits_remaining` balance.

## Pricing Packages

All packages share the same flat rate. Choose the volume that fits your current needs — you can always top up again.

| Package | Credits    | Cost    | Rate         |
| ------- | ---------- | ------- | ------------ |
| Starter | 5,000 SMS  | GHS 100 | GHS 0.02/SMS |
| Growth  | 15,000 SMS | GHS 300 | GHS 0.02/SMS |
| Scale   | 25,000 SMS | GHS 500 | GHS 0.02/SMS |

<Note>
  Same flat rate per SMS across all packages. Credits never expire — purchase with confidence knowing your balance will be there when you need it.
</Note>

## Topping Up Credits

<Steps>
  <Step title="Log in to your Hany dashboard">
    Visit [hany.tools](https://hany.tools) and sign in to your account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Credits">
    From the left-hand navigation, go to **SMS → Credits** (or **Billing → Top Up**).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a package">
    Choose the Starter, Growth, or Scale package — or enter a custom credit amount if available on your plan.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete payment">
    Pay securely via Mobile Money or card. Credits are added to your account instantly once payment is confirmed.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Checking Your Balance

**From the dashboard:** Your current credit balance is always displayed in the top navigation bar and on the **Credits** page, along with a full transaction history of purchases and usage.

**Via the API:** Every successful send response includes a `credits_remaining` field reflecting your balance after that request:

```json theme={null}
{
  "status": "success",
  "message_id": "msg_abc123",
  "to": "+233XXXXXXXXX",
  "from": "YourBrand",
  "credits_used": 1,
  "credits_remaining": 4999
}
```

You don't need a separate balance-check endpoint — your balance is always returned inline with every message you send.

## Low Balance Alerts

Hany can notify you before your credits run out so you never miss a critical message. To set up alerts:

1. Go to **Settings → Notifications** in your dashboard.
2. Enable **Low Balance Alerts** and set your preferred threshold (e.g. notify me when balance drops below 500 credits).
3. Choose your notification channel — email, SMS, or both.

You'll receive an alert automatically whenever your balance crosses below the threshold you set.

<Tip>
  Credits never expire, so topping up in advance is always safe. Pre-purchasing a larger package means your balance is ready the moment you need to send — no delays waiting for a payment to process before a time-sensitive campaign.
</Tip>