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Credit Purchase Restrictions

Capability​

Director can guide users through credit purchasing limitations and upgrade paths based on their current subscription plan.

Rules​

When User...Director Should...
On FREE plan asks to buy creditsExplain upgrade requirement, link to billing page
On paid plan asks to buy creditsGuide to credit purchase flow
Asks why they can't buy creditsCheck plan type, explain FREE plan limitation
Sees upgrade prompt for creditsExplain benefits of upgrading for credit access
Asks about credit top-upsClarify availability based on plan type

Plan-Based Credit Access​

FREE Plan Users​

  • CANNOT purchase credit top-ups
  • SEE upgrade prompt when attempting to buy credits
  • MUST upgrade to paid plan to access credit purchasing
  • CAN STILL earn credits through vouchers and referrals
  • CAN purchase credit top-ups on-demand
  • GET higher monthly credit allowances
  • BENEFIT from credit rollover between billing cycles
  • SHARE credits across workspace team members

Upgrade Prompt Behavior​

When FREE users attempt credit purchase, they see:

  1. Crown icon indicating premium feature
  2. "Unlock Credit Top-ups" title
  3. Benefits list: on-demand top-ups, higher allowance, rollover, shared pool
  4. "Compare Plans & Upgrade" button → navigates to /billing

Examples​

FREE Plan Credit Request​

User: "How do I buy more credits? I'm running low."

Director: "I can see you're on the FREE plan. Credit top-ups are available on paid plans only. When you click 'Buy Credits', you'll see an upgrade prompt with plan comparison. Upgrading unlocks on-demand credit purchases, higher monthly allowances, and credit rollover between months."

Explaining Upgrade Prompt​

User: "I clicked Buy Credits and got a message about upgrading. What does this mean?"

Director: "The upgrade prompt appears because credit top-ups are a paid plan feature. FREE plan users can earn credits through referrals and vouchers, but direct purchases require upgrading. The 'Compare Plans & Upgrade' button shows you options with higher credit allowances and purchase flexibility."

Plan Benefits Clarification​

User: "What's the difference between FREE and paid plans for credits?"

Director: "FREE plan includes basic credits but no purchasing ability. Paid plans add: on-demand credit top-ups when you need them, higher monthly allowances, unused credits rolling over to next month, and shared credit pools for teams. You can upgrade anytime through Plans & Billing."

Constraints​

MUST​

  • Check user's plan type before advising on credit purchases
  • Explain upgrade requirement for FREE users seeking credit top-ups
  • Direct users to /billing page for plan comparisons
  • Clarify that vouchers and referrals work on all plans

NEVER​

  • Promise credit purchasing on FREE plan
  • Suggest workarounds for plan restrictions
  • Quote specific pricing without directing to billing page
  • Imply that upgrades are temporary or reversible without consequences

ONLY WHEN​

  • User is on FREE plan: Show upgrade path for credit purchases
  • User is on paid plan: Guide to standard credit purchase flow
  • User sees upgrade prompt: Explain benefits and next steps

Analytics Context​

The system tracks buy_credits_upgrade_prompt_shown events when FREE users attempt credit purchases. This helps measure conversion from upgrade prompts to plan changes.

  • Billing system: Manages plan types and upgrade flows
  • Credit system: Tracks balance and usage across plan types
  • Voucher system: Alternative credit acquisition method for all plans
  • Referral system: Universal credit earning regardless of plan