> ## 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.

# Lifetime license and starter credits

> Understand lifetime license access, starter credits, and credit pack usage.

The lifetime license is a one-time purchase for creators who want Pinsearch access without a recurring subscription.

It is designed for people who publish in batches, work seasonally, or prefer to buy more credits only when they need them.

## What lifetime includes

Lifetime includes:

* Permanent Pinsearch access.
* 5,000 starter credits.
* Access to the full platform without a recurring subscription.
* The option to buy credit packs anytime.

## How lifetime credits work

Lifetime starter credits are purchased credits.

That means they:

* Stay on your account until used.
* Do not have a monthly refill schedule.
* Do not count toward a subscription rollover cap.
* Can be topped up with credit packs.

## Lifetime is different from a subscription

| Feature         | Lifetime  | Basic, Plus, or Pro subscription          |
| --------------- | --------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| Payment type    | One-time  | Monthly or yearly                         |
| Access          | Permanent | Active while subscription access is valid |
| Starter credits | 5,000     | No lifetime starter credit grant          |
| Monthly refills | No        | Yes                                       |
| Credit packs    | Available | Available                                 |

## Buy lifetime access

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Billing">
    In the Pinsearch sidebar, click **Billing**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find Lifetime">
    Look for the lifetime offer under **Prefer a one-time option?**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start checkout">
    Click **Buy lifetime**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete payment">
    Finish checkout and return to Pinsearch.
  </Step>
</Steps>

After purchase, **Billing** shows **Lifetime License** with an **Active** status.

## Top up lifetime credits

If you use your starter credits, open **Settings** > **Credits & Usage** and buy a credit pack.

Credit packs add purchased credits to your lifetime account. They stay available until used.

## If you already have lifetime access

You do not need to change subscription plans. If you open the plan-change flow, Pinsearch shows **Lifetime License Active** and explains that you already have permanent access.

## Related guides

* [Top up with credit packs](/pinsearch-product-guides/billing-credits-and-access/top-up-with-credit-packs)
* [How Pinsearch credits work](/pinsearch-product-guides/billing-credits-and-access/how-pinsearch-credits-work)
* [Plans and billing overview](/pinsearch-product-guides/billing-credits-and-access/plans-and-billing-overview)
* [Why a feature says active subscription required](/pinsearch-product-guides/billing-credits-and-access/why-a-feature-says-active-subscription-required)