How Do EZ Texting Credits Work? Cost, Usage & Optimization Tips
Get the most out of your messaging budget by understanding how EZ Texting credits work, what influences their cost, and smart ways to maximize their impact.
If you’re using EZ Texting for business messaging, understanding how credits work is essential. Credits power everything from basic group and two-way message sends to texts triggered through Workflows or the API. Some advanced EZ Texting features trigger messages, but credits are only used when a message is actually sent." Knowing how credits are calculated and managed can help you stay on budget and get the most value from every campaign.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what EZ Texting credits are, how they work, and smart ways to use them more efficiently.
What You Need to Know About EZ Texting Credits
Think of EZ Texting credits as the fuel for your campaigns. When you understand how to use and refill them wisely, you keep your messages flowing smoothly, saving money and never missing a chance to engage your audience.
What Are EZ Texting Credits?
EZ Texting credits are the currency used to send messages via the platform. Instead of paying per message or signing a contract for a fixed number of texts, EZ Texting uses a credit-based system that gives you flexibility and scalability. Credits are deducted from your balance when you send texts, use keywords, or automate messaging campaigns. EZ Texting offers two types of credits—Plan Credits and Anytime Credits—designed to give you flexibility, control, and the ability to scale your messaging as your needs evolve.
Plan Credits
Plan credits come bundled with your monthly or annual EZ Texting subscription.
- Monthly plans include credits that roll over for 60 days.
- Annual plans provide a larger pool of credits that expire after 12 months.
Anytime Credits
Run out of credits mid-campaign? Anytime Credits are a flexible backup:
- Purchased separately, anytime.
- Valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, while on an active subscription.
- Ideal for covering spikes in messaging volume without changing your plan.
Why Do I Need EZ Texting Credits?
You need EZ Texting credits to send messages, and a monthly plan to use the platform. The plan gives you access to features like AI Compose and Campaign Calendar, while credits cover the cost of each message you send. Both are needed to run a successful SMS campaign.
EZ Texting’s pricing structure is designed to give you flexibility, scalability, and clarity. Here's how it works:
Two Parts of Your EZ Texting Account
1. Platform Access (Your Monthly or Annual Plan)
This is your subscription to the EZ Texting platform itself. Think of it like paying for access to your SMS marketing “command center,” complete with all the tools you need to build, launch, and manage campaigns. Your plan includes:
- Access to campaign-building features
- Reporting and analytics
- Contact management features
- Support services
- Compliance tools
- API access
2. Message Credits (Your Messaging Fuel)
Credits are the fuel that powers your outreach. Every text message you send uses a certain number of credits, depending on:
- Message length
- Number of recipients
- Use of MMS or keywords
- Country of delivery
You can buy credits as needed (Anytime Credits) or receive a monthly allowance with your plan (Monthly Credits).
Types of Messages That Use Credits
SMS: Standard 160-character text messages typically use 1 credit.
MMS: Multimedia usually use 3 credits each. You can add pictures or videos (within a size limit) and include up to 1,600 characters of text in one message.
Keywords: Using custom Keywords for lead capture or campaigns is free, but auto-reply messages sent in response use credits like regular texts or MMS messages.
Long Messages: SMS messages over 160 characters are broken into segments, and each segment consumes an additional credit.
How Are EZ Texting Credits Calculated?
EZ Texting credits are calculated based on the type, length, and content of your messages. Every time you send a message, whether it's a standard SMS, MMS, or part of an automation, credits are deducted from your balance.
Understanding credit usage helps you optimize every message you send. Here’s how the credit calculation works:
Credit Cost Per SMS and MMS
- 1 credit: Standard SMS (under 160 characters, no special characters)
- 3+ credits: MMS messages (images, videos, etc.)
Impact of Message Length & Segmentation
Text messages up to 160 characters use 1 credit. Longer messages are split into segments, and each segment uses additional credits.
Once your message reaches the length of a third segment, EZ Texting automatically switches it to MMS, allowing you to send up to 1,600 characters and even include media or files.
How Attachments or Emojis Affect Credit Use
It might surprise you, but even a simple smiley face 😊 can increase the number of credits your text uses. Here’s why:
Emojis & Special Characters Use Unicode
Including emojis or special characters changes how your message is sent. Instead of standard SMS, it uses something called Unicode; an industry-wide requirement for messages with these characters.
Unicode messages have shorter limits:
- 70 characters for a single message
- 66 characters per segment (if your message is longer)
Attachments Convert Messages to MMS
When you attach a file, such as an image, video, Contact Cards (VCF), or PDF, your message is automatically sent as an MMS. MMS messages typically use 3 credits per message, but allow up to 1,600 characters and rich media, making them ideal for more detailed or visual campaigns.
Shorter Limits Mean More Segments
Due to this lower limit, your message may be divided into multiple segments, with each segment requiring an additional credit. For example:
- A plain text message under 160 characters = 1 credit
- That same message with an emoji might be split into 3 segments = 2 credits
How to Use EZ Texting Credits
EZ Texting credits are more than just message fuel. They power many of the tools that make your text marketing strategy effective and scalable.
Sending Campaigns
Every text you send as part of a campaign deducts credits from your account. The number of credits depends on:
- Message type (SMS vs. MMS)
- Message length (longer texts = more segments)
- Number of recipients
Want to get more value from your messages? Use your campaign analytics to track performance and credit spend in real-time.
Using Credits in Keywords & Automations
Keywords are great for capturing leads and triggering auto-responses, but each interaction costs credits. Similarly, text automations sent via Workflows or drip campaigns also use credits per message delivered.
- Keywords: Credits are used when someone texts a keyword and gets an auto-reply.
- Automations: Welcome messages, reminders, and follow-ups all deduct credits like standard messages.
Monitoring Usage in Your Account
Your EZ Texting account dashboard makes it easy to stay on top of your credits:
- Check your current balance
- Review recent usage
- Set up alerts when your balance runs low
- Forecast usage trends so you can plan ahead
Pro Tip: Turn on auto-refill to avoid interruptions and keep campaigns running smoothly without manual top-ups.
Buying More EZ Texting Credits
When you run low on credits, it’s easy to purchase more directly in the EZ Texting platform.
How to Purchase Credits via Your Dashboard
- Log into your account.
In the bottom-left corner, click Credits to go to the Account page.
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- Under the Credits section, click Buy Anytime Credits.
- Choose a suggested amount or enter a custom number of credits you'd like to purchase.
Click Next: Payment Info and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase.
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Auto-Refill Credits (Optional, but Recommended)
Keep your text campaigns running smoothly by turning on Auto-Refill Credits. When your balance gets low, we’ll automatically top it up, so you never have to worry about running out of credits or pausing your outreach. It's an easy way to stay on track without the hassle.
How to Enable Auto-Refill Credits
Click the Account icon in the top right of your EZ Texting account and select Billing.
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- On the right side of the page, toggle the button to enable “Automatically purchase credits on low balance.” Use the default amounts provided or customize the credit threshold and amount of credits to purchase based on your campaign needs and budget.
Click Save Settings.
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Credit Bundles: Get More Value for your Messaging
When it comes to buying EZ Texting credits, planning ahead pays off. Credit bundles offer the best value for businesses with consistent or growing messaging needs.
Credit Bundles (Best for High-Volume Senders)
If you send messages regularly or run multiple campaigns, credit bundles help you stretch your budget further:
- Lower cost per credit than pay-as-you-go
- Great for businesses with steady or growing messaging needs
- Ideal for maximizing your budget over time
Anytime Credits: A Flexible Backup
Need to top off your credit balance? Anytime Credits are available as a convenient backup if your usage temporarily exceeds your plan’s included credits. They’re great for occasional overages—but for the best value, choosing the right plan and bundle up front is the way to go.
Explore plans and credit bundle options to get the most from your messaging.
Do EZ Texting Credits Expire?
Yes, credit expiration depends on your plan type.
- Monthly Plan Credits: 30-day rollover
- Annual Plan Credits: Valid for 12 months
- Anytime Credits: Also last 12 months from the purchase date
Pro Tip: Check your account dashboard or reach out to our support team to confirm expiration details, so you don’t leave credits unused.
Do Automations Use Credits?
Yes, every automated message you send deducts credits, just like standard campaigns.
Common Scenarios That Consume Credits:
Welcome messages for new subscribers
Birthday or anniversary texts
Drip campaigns and scheduled follow-ups
Each message, whether triggered by time or behavior, counts just like any other message.
Want to stretch your credits further without sacrificing engagement? Try these expert strategies:
Keep it concise: Shorter messages use fewer credits by reducing message segmentation.
Time it right: Schedule automated messages during peak engagement hours for better results per credit.
Audit your automations: Regularly review workflows to eliminate low-performing or redundant messages.
Maximize EZ Texting Credits and Boost Your SMS
Understanding how EZ Texting credits work is key to maximizing your ROI. From calculating SMS credit usage to buying the right bundle, this system gives you flexibility and control. Stay on top of your credit balance, monitor usage, and take advantage of automation—all while keeping your messaging cost-effective.
Ready to get started? Start your free trial or buy EZ Texting credits and power up your next campaign!
