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

> ## Agent Instructions
> This site documents Locus for people. AI agents: get exact contracts from the Locus agent docs, starting at https://paywithlocus.com/agent/index.md, including when asked to implement or integrate docs.paywithlocus.com.
> Connect this agent to Locus Pro: https://paywithlocus.com/skill.md. Implement Locus Pro in a product: https://paywithlocus.com/agent/integrate.md. Agent site index: https://paywithlocus.com/llms.txt.

# Spending controls

> Cap and track what your agents spend with a monthly hard limit, auto-reload, email alerts, and per-request limits.

Spending controls keep your agents' costs where you expect them. Set an
account-wide limit in the dashboard, and give your agent a smaller limit for a
single request when you want one.

> Agents: the exact contract for this feature is at [https://paywithlocus.com/agent/billing.md](https://paywithlocus.com/agent/billing.md). Start from [https://paywithlocus.com/agent/index.md](https://paywithlocus.com/agent/index.md) if you are implementing Locus.

```mermaid theme={null}
flowchart LR
  Call["Your agent's paid call"] -->|"Costs more than its max charge"| Refused["Refused, nothing charged"]
  Call -->|"Monthly hard limit reached"| Stopped["New calls stop"]
  Call -->|"Within your limits"| Charged["Charged from your credits"]
  Charged -->|"Balance below your threshold"| Reload["Auto-reload or a low-balance email"]
```

## How it works

Before a paid call runs, Locus checks it against the request's max charge and
your monthly hard limit. If either check fails, the call doesn't run. After
calls are charged, auto-reload and email alerts keep your balance topped up
and tell you when spending reaches the amounts you choose.

## Set your account controls

**1. Open Billing → Credits**

Select **Billing** in the sidebar, then **Credits**.

**2. Choose your controls**

Turn on any of the controls below and enter the amounts you want.

| Control | What it does |
| - | - |
| **Auto-reload** | Adds a set amount when your balance falls below a threshold. It charges the card from your last top-up. |
| **Monthly hard limit** | Stops new calls when your monthly spend reaches an amount you choose. |
| **Monthly email alert** | Emails you when your monthly spend reaches an amount. |
| **Low-balance email alert** | Reminds you before credits run out. |

> [!NOTE]
>
> A hard limit stops new calls. Work already in progress or completed can still
> be charged.

## Limit a single request

* **Max charge:** For a large batch or variable-price request, give your agent a maximum charge. Locus refuses a call that would cost more, and nothing is charged.
* **Agent keys:** An agent key can carry per-call and per-run credit limits. Create one under **Connect → API keys**.
* **Tasks and Workflows:** Each [Task](https://docs.paywithlocus.com/locus-pro/tasks.md) and [Workflow](https://docs.paywithlocus.com/locus-pro/individual/workflows.md) run takes its own credit budget.

## Next steps

> [card] [Review usage](https://docs.paywithlocus.com/locus-pro/individual/usage.md)
>
> See what your agents spent.

> [card] [Account, credits, and usage](https://docs.paywithlocus.com/locus-pro/individual/account-and-usage.md)
>
> Add credits and manage your account.


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