Understanding Billing Changes and Credit Usage
How do billing increments work?
Text-Em-All charges for messages based on segments and actual usage. Text messages use 160-character segments, meaning a 320-character message consumes 2 credits. Voice messages bill in 30-second increments, so a 45-second call uses 2 voice credits. This segment-based billing ensures you only pay for what you actually send.
Your account processes billing changes immediately when you send messages or make account modifications. Credits are deducted in real-time for pay-as-you-go accounts, while monthly plans track usage against your included allowances.
Text message billing segments
Text messages are calculated using these segment rules:
| Message Length | Credits Used | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1-160 characters | 1 credit | Basic appointment reminder |
| 161-320 characters | 2 credits | Detailed event information |
| 321-480 characters | 3 credits | Multi-part announcements |
Voice message billing increments
Voice messages bill in 30-second segments regardless of actual length:
- 0-30 seconds: 1 voice credit
- 31-60 seconds: 2 voice credits
- 61-90 seconds: 3 voice credits
- 91-120 seconds: 4 voice credits (maximum length)
What's the difference between text and voice credit usage?
Text credits and voice credits consume at different rates based on message complexity and delivery requirements. Text messages are simpler to process and typically cost less per credit, while voice messages require more carrier resources and processing time. Understanding these differences helps you choose the most cost-effective communication method for your needs.
Credit consumption comparison
| Message Type | Billing Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Text (SMS) | 160-character segments | Quick updates, reminders, links |
| Voice calls | 30-second increments | Detailed announcements, urgent alerts |
| MMS (images) | 1 additional credit per message | Visual information, documents |
How do I understand billing change notifications?
Text-Em-All sends billing notifications when your account usage changes, credits are added, or payments are processed. These notifications help you track spending and avoid unexpected charges. Email notifications arrive within minutes of billing events, while account dashboard updates happen in real-time.
Common billing notifications include:
- Credit deduction alerts: Sent after large broadcasts or when credits run low
- Payment confirmations: Verify successful credit purchases or subscription renewals
- Invoice reminders: Monthly billing statements for subscription accounts
- Auto-refill notifications: Confirm automatic credit purchases when balances reach set thresholds
Reading your billing notifications
Each notification contains specific information to help you track usage:
- Transaction type: Credit purchase, message send, or account change
- Credit amounts: Number of credits used or added to your account
- Remaining balance: Your current credit total after the transaction
- Message details: Broadcast name and recipient count for message notifications
How can I view my credit usage?
Access detailed credit usage information through your account dashboard's reporting section. These reports show credit consumption patterns, help identify high-usage broadcasts, and support budget planning. Reports update in real-time and can be filtered by date range, message type, or specific broadcasts.
Steps to view usage reports
- Log in to your Text-Em-All account
- Click Reports in the main navigation
- Select Usage Summary for overall account activity
- Choose Credit Balance Report for detailed credit transactions
- Use date filters to focus on specific time periods
- Export reports to CSV for external analysis
Understanding your usage reports
Usage reports contain several key metrics:
- Total credits consumed: Credits used for all message types during the selected period
- Message breakdown: Separate totals for text, voice, and MMS messages
- Broadcast performance: Individual campaign credit usage and delivery rates
- Daily/monthly trends: Usage patterns to help predict future needs
How does payment processing work?
Text-Em-All processes payments immediately for credit purchases and monthly on your billing date for subscriptions. Credit card payments appear on your statement within 1-2 business days, while ACH transfers may take 3-5 business days to complete. Invoice customers receive monthly statements with net-30 payment terms.
Payment processing timelines
- Credit card purchases: Immediate processing, credits available within minutes
- ACH/bank transfers: 3-5 business day processing time
- Invoice payments: Net-30 terms, processed upon receipt
- Auto-refill orders: Triggered when balance reaches preset threshold
What should I know about invoicing?
Monthly subscription and invoice customers receive detailed billing statements showing all account activity. Invoices include subscription fees, overage charges, and any additional services used during the billing period. Payment options include online payment portals, ACH setup, and traditional check processing.
Invoice payment options
- Online payment portal: Log in to pay invoices with credit card or bank transfer
- Automatic ACH: Set up recurring bank transfers for hands-free payment
- Check by mail: Send payments to the address listed on your invoice
- Phone payment: Call customer service to process payment over the phone
Need more help with billing?
If you have specific questions about charges, need help understanding your usage patterns, or want to discuss billing plan changes, contact our support team. We can review your account activity, explain specific charges, and help you choose the most cost-effective plan for your messaging needs.
Our billing specialists can help with:
- Detailed charge explanations
- Usage optimization recommendations
- Billing plan comparisons
- Invoice questions and payment setup
- Credit purchase assistance