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

# Charge Per Minute

> When and how to charge purely by usage, with no monthly fee.

## Overview

Pure per-minute pricing means the client pays only for the minutes they actually use, drawn from a prepaid Balance. No monthly fee, no bundled minutes.

## When to choose this

* Call volume is unpredictable or seasonal
* The client wants to pay for exactly what they use
* You're testing a new client relationship before committing to a retainer

## The path

1. In the sub account's **Billing** tab, click **Start Per Minute Billing** and leave the Monthly Subscription Fee at \$0.
2. Set your **price per minute** above your provider's cost. See [Profit Tracking](/billing/profit-tracking) for margin guidance.
3. Ask the client to load **Balance** via Stripe top-up before their first call. Per-minute charges deduct from Balance (Credits first, then Balance) in real time as each call ends.
4. Set low-balance alert thresholds under [Notifications](/running-your-agency/notifications) so the client is warned before service is suspended at \$0.

<Note>
  If a client runs out of Balance and Credits, calls fail until they top up. Consider enabling auto top-up so they don't get caught out.
</Note>

## Related Articles

* [Charge Monthly Plans](/guides/charge-monthly-plans): the retainer/package alternative
* [Wallet & Credits](/billing/wallet-credits): Balance vs. Credits mechanics
* [Notifications](/running-your-agency/notifications): configuring low-balance alerts