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

# Payment Type Switch

> Learn about Pawa AI's two account payment types—**Subscription** and **Pay as you go**—and how to switch between them anytime without losing data.

Pawa AI accounts support two payment types. You can start on either one and switch between them on the fly—your projects, API keys, bots, knowledge bases, and other data stay intact.

<Note>
  Switching payment type does **not** delete or reset your account data. Click switch, and your account updates immediately.
</Note>

## Payment Types

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Subscription" icon="calendar">
    Fixed monthly or annual billing with STARTER, PRO, or ENTERPRISE plans. Predictable costs, and **one month free** when you subscribe. Best if you want a set plan and recurring billing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pay as you go" icon="coins">
    Credit-based billing. You get **\$3 free credits** on sign up (Tier One). Top up anytime—your tier unlocks based on your credit balance (Tier One through Tier Four). Best if you want flexible spend that grows with you.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### At a glance

|                   | Subscription                | Pay as you go                     |
| ----------------- | --------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| How you pay       | Monthly or annual plan      | Top up credits anytime            |
| Plans / tiers     | STARTER, PRO, ENTERPRISE    | Tier One–Four (by credit balance) |
| Free start        | One month free              | \$3 free credits                  |
| Limits & features | Based on your plan          | Based on your credit-balance tier |
| Best for          | Predictable recurring spend | Flexible, usage-driven spend      |

For full limits and features, see [Pricing](/learn-more/pricing).

## How to Switch Payment Type

You can switch from Subscription to Pay as you go, or from Pay as you go to Subscription, from either of these places in the [Builders Dashboard](https://builder.pawa-ai.com/dashboard):

### Option 1: Manage → Billing

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Manage">
    Go to **Manage** in your Builders Dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Billing">
    Select **Billing**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Switch payment type">
    Click the **Switch** button for your account payment type. Your account switches immediately—no data loss.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Option 2: Account profile settings

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Go to your **account profile** settings in the Builders Dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Switch payment type">
    Click the **Switch** button for payment type. Your account updates on the fly—same data, new payment type.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Either path works the same way: click **Switch**, and your account payment type changes instantly. You can switch back whenever you need.
</Tip>

## After You Switch

* **Subscription → Pay as you go**: Your account moves to credit-based tiers. Top up credits to unlock higher tiers. Existing resources remain available.
* **Pay as you go → Subscription**: Choose STARTER, PRO, or ENTERPRISE. Recurring billing applies (with one month free when you subscribe). Existing resources remain available.

You can change plans, top up, or switch payment types again at any time. See [Pricing](/learn-more/pricing) for plan and tier details.