> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL. > For a complete documentation index, see https://fastpix.com/docs/llms.txt. > For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://fastpix.com/docs/_mcp/server. # Understanding threshold billing ## What is threshold billing? Most of your FastPix charges are based on [usage](/docs/account-and-billing/understand-fastpix-pricing), how much video you stream, store, encode, and deliver each month. Normally, usage is added up and billed at the end of your monthly [billing cycle](/docs/account-and-billing/understand-fastpix-pricing#billing-cycle). With **threshold billing**, if your usage charges grow past a set amount *during* the month, we collect a payment for the usage so far right away, instead of waiting for the end of the cycle. This set amount is called your **billing threshold**. Think of it like a running tab at a café: you can keep ordering, but once the tab reaches a certain size, the café asks you to settle it before adding more. \ ## Why was I charged in the middle of my billing cycle? If you received a charge before your usual billing date, it means your usage so far this month crossed your account's billing threshold. When that happens: 1. We add up your usage charges for the month so far. 2. Any credits on your account ([free plan allowances](/docs/account-and-billing/understand-fastpix-pricing#plans), promotional or wallet credits) are applied first. 3. If there is still a balance left after credits, we charge it to your [payment method](/docs/account-and-billing/manage-usage-and-billing#payment-method) on file and send you an invoice for exactly what was collected. **This is not an extra fee.** You are only ever paying for usage you have already consumed, just earlier than the end of the month. Anything already paid mid-cycle is subtracted from your end-of-month invoice, so you are never billed twice for the same usage. ### A simple example * Your billing threshold is \$50. * Halfway through the month, your streaming and storage usage adds up to \$52. * We charge \$52 to your card and email you an invoice. * At the end of the month, your total usage for the cycle comes to \$80. Your end-of-cycle invoice is only for the remaining **\$28** (\$80 − \$52 already paid). \ ## How can I see this in my dashboard? To view your billing summary: 1. Log in to the [FastPix dashboard](https://dashboard.fastpix.com). 2. Click the **settings** (gear) icon in the top-right corner. 3. Select **Billing Summary** from the left sidebar. Your [billing summary](/docs/account-and-billing/manage-usage-and-billing) shows: * **Already charged this cycle** - amounts collected mid-cycle so far. * **Remaining expected cost** - the estimated amount that will be billed at the end of the cycle. Every mid-cycle charge also has its own invoice, available in your billing history, listing exactly which products and usage it covers. \ ## Why do accounts have different thresholds? Every account has a billing threshold that reflects its billing history with FastPix. Newer accounts start with a lower threshold, which means smaller, more frequent payments. As your account builds a track record of successful, on-time payments, your threshold is raised automatically meaning fewer mid-cycle charges, or none at all. ### How your threshold increases Your account is reviewed automatically. In general, your threshold goes up when: * You have paid multiple invoices successfully. * Your account has been active for a while. * There are no failed payments on your recent record. You don't need to do anything, upgrades happen on their own once your account qualifies. Established customers with a strong payment history may qualify for accounts with **no mid-cycle charges at all**, where everything is billed together at the end of the cycle. ### Can I request a higher threshold? Yes. If mid-cycle charges are inconvenient for your business for example, if each card payment needs internal approval, or you expect a planned spike in usage, contact our [support team](https://fastpix.com/technical-support). We can review your account and discuss options such as a higher threshold, prepaid wallet credits, or moving to end-of-cycle invoicing for qualifying accounts. \ ## What if a mid-cycle payment fails? If a charge to your payment method doesn't go through: 1. **We retry automatically.** Card payments can fail for temporary reasons (expired card, bank hold, insufficient funds), so we attempt the payment again over the following days. 2. **You'll be notified.** We email your billing contact so you can update your payment method or retry the payment from your dashboard. 3. **If payment still can't be collected**, service on your account may be temporarily paused until the outstanding balance is settled. For video delivery, we provide a short grace window before it is affected, so you have time to resolve the issue. 4. **As soon as the balance is paid, service is restored automatically.** \ ## Frequently asked questions **Does threshold billing cost me more?** No. Your total for the month is the same either way. Mid-cycle payments are simply an early collection of usage you've already consumed, and they are always deducted from your end-of-cycle invoice. **Do my free plan allowances and credits still apply?** Yes. Free usage included in your [plan](/docs/account-and-billing/understand-fastpix-pricing#plans) and any credits on your account are always applied *before* we calculate whether you've crossed your threshold. You're only charged for usage beyond what your credits cover. **Will my monthly subscription fee trigger a mid-cycle charge?** No. Only usage-based charges count toward your threshold. Subscription and renewal fees are billed on your normal cycle date as usual. **Can I be charged more than once in a month?** Yes, if your usage is high. Each time your *new* usage since the last mid-cycle payment crosses the threshold again, another collection is made. Each one comes with its own invoice. **How do I avoid mid-cycle charges entirely?** Keep a valid payment method on file and build up a history of successful payments, your threshold will rise automatically. You can also [contact support](https://fastpix.com/technical-support) about prepaid credits or end-of-cycle invoicing for qualifying accounts. **Who do I contact with questions about a charge?** Our [support team](https://fastpix.com/technical-support) can explain any charge line by line, review your threshold, and help with payment issues. Reach us at **[support@fastpix.com](mailto:support@fastpix.com)** or through the help section in your dashboard, please include the invoice number from the charge email if you have it.