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

# Pricing and usage

> Understand credits and usage controls for Archal testing environments.

Archal gives each verified self-serve workspace \$20 in one-time credit. The
first \$5 arrives after signup. The remaining \$15 arrives after the first
sandbox is ready. No card is required to use the free credit.

| Base price | Included credit | Environment runtime |
| -: | -: | -: |
| \$0 | \$5 after signup, then \$15 after the first ready sandbox | \$0.10 per active environment-minute |

Runtime is prorated by the billed second for each environment, beginning when
that environment is ready and ending when teardown is accepted. Failed
provisioning and cold-start time are free.

The credit is a one-time trial grant and does not renew. When the workspace
balance reaches zero, new sandbox creation pauses. Paid continuation is being
rolled out behind disabled-by-default safety gates and is not yet available to
self-serve workspaces.

Open [Dashboard Setup](https://archal.ai/dashboard/setup) to connect a coding
agent and create your first sandbox.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Runtime cost depends on ready duration and the number of active environments, not request count.

See [Limits and usage](https://docs.archal.ai/api/limits-usage.md) for operational limits.


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