Overview
Most of Element451 is unlimited as part of your contract — sending email, building segments, and adding contacts and users, to name a few. A handful of features are usage-based, such as messaging, phone calling, and AI-powered evaluations.
How those usage-based features are billed depends on your plan. Every plan uses one of two billing modes — Usage Caps or Usage Credits. This article explains the difference and links to the details for yours.
The Two Billing Modes
Usage Caps — each usage-based feature has an amount included in your contract, measured in natural units like messages, minutes, and evaluations. Caps are soft limits; if you need more, your account manager adds capacity.
Usage Credits — usage-based features draw from a single credit balance, and you can purchase more credits at any time.
Which one do you have? Go to Settings > General Settings. If you see a credit balance and an Add Credits option, you're on Usage Credits. If your usage shows as caps in natural units, you're on Usage Caps.
Usage Credits Transition
Element451 is transitioning from Usage Credits to our new Usage Caps model, which provides more predictable budgeting and usage management. You may switch to the Usage Caps model at any time by contacting your Account Manager.
Beginning August 1, 2026, all customer renewals will automatically transition to the Usage Caps model as part of the renewal process.