Usage pricing
Understand how pay-as-you-go credits, model usage, tools, and one-time top-ups work in Shortcuts AI.
Shortcuts AI uses a prepaid credit balance instead of a recurring subscription. Running Agent draws from that balance based on the AI model and billable online tools used for the request.
Rates can change as model and tool providers change their prices. Check Settings → Billing for the current credit conversion and top-up options before you buy. Your transaction history shows the model and billable online tools used after a session runs.
How usage is charged
One request may include more than one model turn or tool call. The final charge is the sum of the usage needed to complete that request.
| Usage | How it is charged | What can increase the charge |
|---|---|---|
| AI models | Each model turn is charged from the text the model reads and generates. Depending on the model, this can include input, cached input, output, reasoning, and long-context usage. | Longer requests or replies, large files, conversation history, extra reasoning, and additional model turns. |
| Online tools | A billable online tool is charged per call or from the usage it reports. Web search and audio transcription are common examples. | Repeated searches, more results or content, longer audio, and multiple files. |
| Device actions | Actions performed only by Apple Shortcuts are not billed as online tool calls. The model work used to choose and prepare the action can still use credits. | Requests that need more planning, follow-up questions, or several actions. |
Opening setup, Settings, Billing, or the documentation does not use credits. Paid usage begins when Agent runs a model or billable online tool.
Top-ups are one-time purchases
Add credits when you need them. Before checkout, Billing shows the payment amount and the credits that will be added to your account.
There is no recurring plan to cancel. Buying credits does not schedule another payment.
Review your spending
Open Settings → Billing to see your current balance and transaction history. A session charge can show the model turns and billable tools used in that session, including search or transcription when applicable.
If a charge looks wrong, include the session or transaction details when you email support@getshortcuts.ai.
Pricing questions
Why can two requests cost different amounts?
The selected model, the amount of content, the number of model turns, and any billable online tools can all change the total.
Does changing the model change the cost?
It can. Providers charge different rates for input, output, caching, reasoning, and long context. Review the current model list and rates before choosing. See Choose and tune a model.
Are actions on my iPhone free?
An action performed only on the device is not charged as an online tool call. The request can still use credits for the model that planned the action and for any online tools used along the way.
Where can I see current pricing information?
Billing shows the current credit conversion, purchase amount, and credit grant before a top-up. After Agent runs, the session breakdown shows which model turns and billable online tools contributed to the charge.