Understanding Ping's Credit-Based Pricing System

One of the most common questions we get from new users is how Ping pricing works. Unlike platforms that bill per channel with separate balances, Ping uses a unified credit system. Here is everything you need to know.

How Credits Work

Credits are a universal currency within Ping. You purchase credits once and spend them across any channel: SMS, WhatsApp, or email. Each channel consumes a different number of credits per message, reflecting the underlying cost differences between channels. This means you never have to worry about having money stuck in one channel while another runs dry.

Credit Consumption by Channel

• •SMS: Credits vary by destination country and carrier. Zimbabwean SMS typically costs [PLACEHOLDER: X credits per SMS segment].
• •WhatsApp Template Messages: [PLACEHOLDER: X credits per template message].
• •WhatsApp Session Messages: [PLACEHOLDER: X credits per session message].
• •Email: [PLACEHOLDER: X credits per email].

Purchasing Credits

Credits can be purchased through the Ping dashboard using supported payment methods. We support USD payments and are working on adding local currency options for key markets. Credits do not expire, so you can load up during a funding cycle and use them over time without worrying about a use-it-or-lose-it deadline.

Monitoring Your Balance

Your current credit balance is always visible in the dashboard. You can also query your balance programmatically via the API, which is useful for AI agents and automated systems that need to check available credits before sending. Set up low-balance alerts to get notified before you run out.

Why Credits Instead of Per-Channel Billing?

The credit model solves a real problem: businesses that use multiple channels often end up with fragmented balances. You might have $50 in your SMS account and $0 in email, forcing you to top up even though you have available funds. Credits eliminate this friction. One balance, all channels.