Check the Limits on n8n Assistant Credit Top-Ups and Auto Top-Up
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Key Takeaway
On n8n Cloud Starter and Pro, you can top up Assistant credits manually or use auto top-up, which has a monthly limit on by default. Assistant and Gateway credits are separate, so check which balance is draining.
Which is used first, base credits or top-up credits?
The official guide says the included base credits are used first, and top-up credits are used when those run short. The two have different lifespans. Base credits reset at the start of the month, but top-up credits carry over to the next month and expire 12 months after purchase. So do not calculate top-up credits as if they were fresh usage that appears every month.
Who sets which values?
Only the instance owner on an active paid plan can top up. If you use auto top-up, look at the trigger balance, the balance to refill to, and the monthly limit together. Since the team shares the same balance, it also helps to skim the usage screen once to see which tasks used credits.
Do Assistant credits drop while workflows run?
No. The official guide separates the two: running a workflow does not itself use Assistant credits. Model calls from workflows and agents are handled by a separate system called Gateway. Free trials and self-hosting have different conditions, so do not carry over the explanation for Cloud paid plans as is.
When you check your balances, start by writing down the Assistant side and the Gateway side separately.
Source: n8n Assistant credit top-up guide. Date checked: 2026-10-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do top-up credits also reset every month?
No. The guide says top-up credits carry over to the next month and expire 12 months after purchase.
Can every team member top up?
No. Only the instance owner on an active paid plan can.
If I top up Assistant, does Gateway get filled too?
No. Assistant credits and Gateway credits are separate.
Sources & Verification Date
- n8n Assistant credit top-up guide · Verified
All materials have been verified from official announcements and may have changed since verification.