AI credits and limits

Freepik uses a credit-based system for all AI-powered tools. Every time you generate an image, create a video, edit a photo, produce audio, or use any other AI feature, credits are consumed. Credits work like a currency that is exclusively used for AI tools, not for downloading stock content.

This article explains how credits work, how many you get with each plan, what each tool costs, and what happens when you run out.

In this article

• How credits work
• Credits per plan
• Types of credits
• Credit costs by tool
• How to check your remaining credits
• What happens when you run out
• Using AI tools on the Free plan
• Common questions

How credits work

Credits are included with every Freepik subscription. You receive a monthly or annual allocation depending on your plan and billing cycle. Each AI action on the platform consumes a certain number of credits based on the tool, the model, and the complexity of the output.

A few key things to understand upfront:

• Credits are only for AI tools. Downloading stock content (vectors, photos, PSDs, videos, icons) does not consume credits. Stock downloads have their own separate limit.
• Different tools cost different amounts. Generating a standard image might cost 50 credits, while a high-resolution video can cost over 2,000 credits. The cost depends on the model, resolution, and duration.
• You can distribute credits freely. Your credit balance is shared across all AI tools. You decide how to spend them based on your workflow.
• Credits reset each billing cycle. Unused plan credits do not roll over to the next cycle. Use them or lose them.
• Annual plans give you all credits upfront. If you pay annually, you receive the full yearly allocation at the start of your subscription.

Credits per plan

Plans with unlimited generation (Premium+, Pro, Business) can generate images with most models without consuming credits. Some premium image models, and all video, audio, and editing tools, still require credits. See Unlimited generations for the full breakdown of what is included.

Types of credits

Freepik has three types of credits, each with different rules for expiry and consumption order. The system always uses your credits in a specific sequence to make sure you get the most value from your allocation.

Consumption order: the system always uses plan credits first, then roll-over credits, then extra credits. This ensures your shortest-lived credits are consumed before the longer-lived ones.

Roll-over credits explained

Roll-over credits only appear when you upgrade your plan. Any remaining credits from your previous plan are carried forward as roll-over credits, available until the end of your current billing cycle. They do not carry over again after that.

For example, if you upgrade from Premium to Premium+ mid-cycle with 5,000 credits remaining, those 5,000 become roll-over credits. They will be consumed after your new Premium+ plan credits but before any extra credits you have purchased.

Extra credits explained

Extra credits are available as purchasable packs for Premium+, Pro, and Business users only. They remain valid for 3 years from the date of purchase and can only be used while you have an active subscription. If you cancel your subscription, extra credits are frozen until you resubscribe. You can also set up automatic refills so you never run out mid-workflow. For more details, see Purchasing extra credits.

Credit costs by tool

Credit costs vary significantly depending on the tool, the AI model, and the output settings (resolution, duration, complexity). Here is a general overview of what each category costs.

Image generation

Credit costs for image generation depend on the model selected. Standard models typically cost between 5 and 100 credits per generation, while premium models with higher resolution or specialized capabilities can cost up to 500+ credits.

On Premium+, Pro, and Business plans, most image generation models are included in unlimited generation and do not consume credits. Only select premium models still require credits. See Unlimited generations for the full list.

Image editing

Editing tools (Retouch, Restyle, Resize, Change Camera, Skin Enhancer, Eraser, Background Remover) typically cost between 25 and 200 credits per action. The cost depends on the specific tool and image resolution. Some editing tools are included in unlimited generation on Premium+, Pro, and Business plans.

Image upscaling

Image Upscaler costs vary by mode and output resolution. Classic upscaling starts around 50 credits, while Magnific (Creative) and Precision upscaling at higher resolutions can cost 200 to 1,000+ credits depending on the target size.

Video generation

Video generation is the most credit-intensive category. Costs range from 200 credits for short, basic clips to 3,000+ credits for longer, higher-quality videos from premium models. Factors that affect cost include the model, duration, resolution, and whether audio is generated natively.

Video editing and upscaling

Clip Editor tools (Color Grading, Smooth, Anti-Shake, Sound FX, Lip Sync) and Video Upscaler each consume credits per use. Costs typically range from 100 to 500+ credits depending on the tool and video duration.

Audio

Audio tools (Voice Generator, Voice Changer, Sound Effects, Music Generator) typically cost between 25 and 300 credits per generation, depending on the tool, duration, and quality settings.

3D tools

3D Generator costs vary by model: Tripo v3.1 ranges from 580 to 1,160 credits, Tripo P1 costs 775 credits, and Trellis 2 ranges from 610 to 850 credits. 3D Scenes HQ captures also consume credits.

Relight

Each Relight generation (image or video) consumes credits. The cost depends on the input type and render settings.

Other tools

Design Editor, Mockup Generator, Icon Generator, and Sketch to Image each have their own credit costs, typically in the 25 to 200 credit range per action.

How to check your remaining credits

You can see your current credit balance at any time:

• In the top navigation bar. Your remaining credits are displayed near your profile icon on every page.
• Inside any AI tool. The credit cost of the next action is shown before you generate, and your remaining balance is visible in the interface.
• In your account settings. Go to your profile and select My subscription to see your full credit breakdown, including plan credits, roll-over credits, and extra credits.

What happens when you run out

When your credits reach zero, the action you can take depends on your plan:

If you are on Premium+, Pro, or Business, you can purchase extra credits at any time to keep working without waiting for your next billing cycle.

Low-credit warnings

Freepik will notify you when your credit balance is getting low. You will see an in-app banner when you are running low, giving you the option to purchase extra credits (if available on your plan) or adjust your workflow to stretch remaining credits.

Using AI tools on the Free plan

Free users can access basic AI tools with limited daily usage. You can generate up to 20 AI images per day using the in-house model. Other AI tools (video generation, audio, advanced editing) are not available on the Free plan or are significantly restricted.

The Free plan does not include a credit balance. Instead, it uses a daily generation cap. To access the full credit system and all AI tools, upgrade to any paid plan.

Common questions

Do I need credits to download stock content?

No. Credits are only for AI tools. Downloading stock content (vectors, photos, PSDs, videos, icons) uses a separate download limit, not credits.

Do unused plan credits roll over to the next month?

No. Plan credits expire at the end of each billing cycle. If you pay annually, your full yearly allocation is available from day one but still expires at the end of the annual period. Only extra credits (purchased separately) persist for 3 years.

Why did a generation cost more credits than expected?

Credit costs depend on the model, output settings (resolution, duration, aspect ratio), and complexity. Premium models and higher resolutions cost more. Always check the credit cost shown in the tool interface before generating.

Can I see a history of my credit usage?

Yes. Go to your profile and select My subscription. Your credit breakdown shows plan credits, roll-over credits, and extra credits, along with usage over time.

I have unlimited generation but my credits are going down. Why?

Unlimited generation covers most image generation models and some editing tools, but not everything. Video generation, audio tools, premium image models, upscaling, and some editing actions still consume credits. See Unlimited generations for the exact list of what is and is not included.

What happens to my extra credits if I cancel my subscription?

Extra credits are frozen when you cancel. They are not deleted. If you resubscribe within the 3-year validity period, your extra credits become available again.

Can I transfer credits to another user?

No. Credits are tied to individual accounts. On Business and Enterprise plans, credits are shared across the team through a pooled balance managed by the admin.