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

# Credit exhaustion policy

> How VESSL Cloud handles workspaces when your credits run out.

VESSL Cloud uses a **credit-based billing system**. You need an active credit balance to keep your workspaces running.

### When credits reach zero

* **All your running workspaces are paused immediately.**
* Paused workspaces enter a **24-hour grace period**.
* If you do not add credits within 24 hours, **your paused workspaces are automatically terminated**.
* After termination, **all workspace data is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered**, including:
  * Container state
  * Temporary storage

<Note>
  Data stored in **Cluster storage** or **Object storage** volumes is preserved separately from workspaces. However, from **2026-07-01**, storage access is restricted once your credits hit zero, and the data is retained for up to **30 days** before being deleted. Back up important data before your balance reaches zero. See [Storage pricing](/pricing/storage) for the underlying policy.
</Note>

<Warning>
  Back up important data to external storage before your workspaces are terminated. Terminated data cannot be recovered.
</Warning>

### Notifications

* You receive notifications **before** your credits are fully exhausted.
* VESSL Cloud sends additional alerts while workspaces are paused during the 24-hour grace period.

### Credit top-up, validity, and refunds

* Credits can be topped up with a **minimum purchase amount of \$20 USD**.
* Credits are **valid for 5 years** from the date of purchase, unless applicable law requires otherwise.
* **Credits are non-refundable**, except where refunds are required by applicable law.

### Preventing data loss

To avoid unintended data loss:

* **Back up important data to external storage** before credits are exhausted.
* Ensure your organization maintains sufficient credits for uninterrupted usage.

***

This policy is subject to the [**Terms & Conditions of VESSL**](https://vesslai.notion.site/Terms-of-Service-86d5ee439c9543c88b559fc08fed7dc4).