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

# How payments are processed on Pinsearch

> Understand how Pinsearch handles payments, checkout, and billing management.

Pinsearch uses a secure checkout and billing portal to process subscriptions, lifetime purchases, and credit packs.

This guide explains what happens when you subscribe, buy credits, or manage a payment method.

## Checkout

When you click **Subscribe**, **Buy lifetime**, or **Buy credits**, Pinsearch opens checkout for the selected plan or credit pack.

Checkout may prefill your account email and name so the purchase is attached to the correct Pinsearch account.

After payment is completed, Pinsearch updates your billing status and applies the matching access or credits.

<Note>
  If your purchase does not appear right away, refresh Pinsearch and check **Billing** or **Settings** > **Credits & Usage**.
</Note>

## What each payment type does

| Payment type     | What it changes                                            |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| Subscription     | Unlocks Pinsearch access and starts monthly credit refills |
| Lifetime license | Unlocks lifetime access and adds starter credits           |
| Credit pack      | Adds one-time purchased credits to your account            |

Credit packs are different from subscriptions. A credit pack gives you more credits, but it does not start or replace a subscription.

## Subscription billing

Subscriptions can be monthly or yearly, depending on the plan option you choose.

Pinsearch shows the plan and status on **Billing**. A subscription can show labels such as **Active**, **Trial**, **Past Due**, **Paused**, **Cancelled**, **Expired**, or **Unpaid**.

If a payment problem happens, open **Billing** and use **Update Payment Method** or **Customer Portal** from the subscription actions menu.

## Customer portal

Use **Customer Portal** when you need to manage billing details outside the Pinsearch dashboard.

The portal is useful for actions such as reviewing billing details, viewing payment information, or managing account billing records.

## Payment method updates

Use **Update Payment Method** when you need to change the card or payment method connected to your subscription.

This opens a payment update flow for the current subscription.

## Plan changes and proration

When you change from one subscription plan to another, the billing provider may apply proration. That means the change can create an immediate charge or credit depending on the plan, billing cycle, and timing.

Pinsearch shows this reminder on the **Change Plans** page before you switch.

## If payment status does not update

Try these steps:

1. Refresh Pinsearch.
2. Open **Billing** and check the plan status.
3. Open **Settings** > **Credits & Usage** and check your available balance.
4. If the purchase still does not show, contact support with the email on your Pinsearch account and the approximate purchase time.

## Related guides

* [Update your payment method and open the customer portal](/pinsearch-product-guides/billing-credits-and-access/update-payment-method-and-customer-portal)
* [Change your subscription plan](/pinsearch-product-guides/billing-credits-and-access/change-your-subscription-plan)
* [Pause, resume, or cancel a subscription](/pinsearch-product-guides/billing-credits-and-access/pause-resume-or-cancel-a-subscription)
* [Why a feature says active subscription required](/pinsearch-product-guides/billing-credits-and-access/why-a-feature-says-active-subscription-required)