Question 1

Why do Usage and Billing numbers differ?

Accepted Answer

They use different pipelines and timing: Usage may show new calls while Billing balance is not yet debited — expected. Numbers align after settlement. When cached input pricing is enabled, input tokens may include cache hits; usage details may expose `cached_input_tokens`. Charges use three-tier rates. Related: Console Usage · Billing · Cached input pricing

Question 2

How do I enable balance or budget alerts?

Accepted Answer

Low balance alert (org): - Billing page → set threshold and enable Budget alerts (org / project / key): - Budget → set alert percentage and enable (off by default) Email alerts require platform SMTP. Without it, only in-app notifications appear in Notifications.

Question 3

Who receives billing notifications?

Accepted Answer

Billing notifications (low balance, budget thresholds, deposits, arrears) go to the organization creator. Channels: - In-app — Notifications page - Live updates — SSE unread count - Email — when alerts are enabled and SMTP is configured

Usage, Bills & Alerts