To ensure your messaging campaigns are never unexpectedly interrupted, we have an auto-billing feature for message overages. This system helps you continue sending messages even if you exceed your plan's monthly allowance by automatically charging for the overage you've used.
This article explains how the process works, from initial warnings to the final sending cap.
How the Auto-Billing Process Works
The system monitors your usage throughout your billing cycle and takes action at key thresholds to keep your service running smoothly.
| % of Monthly Limit Used | What Happens | Can You Still Send? |
|---|---|---|
| 40% | You receive an email warning that a payment for overage may be attempted soon if your sending continues at the same rate. | Yes |
| 50% | We attempt to charge your credit card on file for the overage amount you have used so far. If successful, you receive a payment confirmation email. | Yes |
| 80% | You receive a standard warning email that you are approaching your account's hard sending limit. | Yes |
| 100% | Sending stops. This is the hard cap for your account, and you will not be able to send more messages until your next billing cycle begins. | No |
Understanding the Mid-Cycle Overage Charge
When your usage reaches the 50% threshold, an automatic payment is triggered. Here are the key details:
- What am I being charged for? The charge covers the actual cost of the message overage you have accrued at that moment. It does not include separate carrier surcharges, which will be billed as usual on your main monthly/annual invoice.
- Will I get a separate invoice? Yes. This mid-cycle payment generates its own invoice. This means you may receive two invoices from us in a single month: the overage invoice and your regular subscription invoice.
- Does this payment increase my sending limit? No. The payment settles the cost of overage already used; it does not add more credits or lift the 100% sending cap for the month.
- How often can this happen? This automatic overage payment can be triggered only once per billing cycle.
What Happens if a Payment Fails?
A valid credit card with auto-pay enabled is required for this feature to work. If a payment cannot be processed, here’s what to expect:
- On the first failure: Your ability to send messages is not affected. We will notify you via email that the payment failed and will attempt to charge your card again later.
- On the second failure: Your account will be blocked from sending any further messages. You will receive an email explaining that you are blocked and directing you to the billing page.
To get unblocked, you must log in to your account, go to the billing page, and pay the outstanding invoice. After your payment is made, please contact our support team to have the sending block removed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was I charged this amount?
The charge covers the cost of the messages you sent that exceeded your plan's allowance at the time the payment was triggered. The amount can vary depending on your plan and how much overage was used.
Why do I have two invoices this month?
The mid-cycle overage charge creates its own invoice, separate from your regular subscription invoice.
I paid the overage charge. Why was I still blocked from sending later in the month?
The overage payment covers messages you've already sent. It does not change your account's overall sending limit (the 100% hard cap). Once you reach this limit, sending will stop until your next billing cycle begins, regardless of any previous payments.
Will I be warned before a campaign pushes me into overage?
Yes. The system will send you a warning email when your account has used 40% of its monthly sending limit, alerting you that a payment may be attempted soon.
Is there anything else I can help you with?