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

# Expected Parrot credits

> Check usage credits for hosted model execution and platform services.

Expected Parrot uses usage credits for hosted services. Direct calls made with a model provider's own API key are billed by that provider. Constructing EDSL objects and running the local test model do not require usage credits.

## Check your account

With Expected Parrot authentication configured:

```python theme={null}
from edsl import Coop

coop = Coop()
coop.get_balance()
```

`get_balance()` returns account balance information. Use `coop.get_profile()` to inspect the authenticated account. The CLI alternatives are:

```bash theme={null}
ep balance
ep credits
```

`ep balance` returns the account balance in a JSON response. `ep credits` opens or returns the credits page; inspect the response instead of assuming a browser opened. You can also visit [account credits](https://www.expectedparrot.com/home/credits).

Review current pricing and the estimated workload before submitting a job. The [Costs guide](https://docs.expectedparrot.com/en/latest/costs.md) explains estimates, recorded costs, and cost ledgers. A balance check is not a reservation of funds or a limit on future spending.

## Low balance email

Expected Parrot emails you when your balance drops below a threshold you choose. It is on by default, with a threshold of \$10. The email is sent when a charge takes your balance below the threshold, at most once a day; adding credits that bring the balance back above it lets the next drop send another. Changing the threshold, or turning the email on, while your balance is already below it does not send one. To check or change it:

```python theme={null}
coop.get_low_balance_alert()
coop.update_low_balance_alert(threshold_usd=25)
coop.update_low_balance_alert(enabled=False)
```

The threshold is in US dollars, from $1 to $10,000 with at most two decimal places. Both methods return the setting, including `enabled`, `threshold_usd` and `threshold_credits`. The CLI equivalents are:

```bash theme={null}
ep balance alert
ep balance alert --threshold 25
ep balance alert --off
```

`ep balance alert` with no options returns the current setting; `--on`, `--off` and `--threshold` change it. You can also change it under Notifications in [account settings](https://www.expectedparrot.com/home/settings?tab=notifications).

## Academic research and teaching

We support academic researchers, instructors, and students using EDSL for research and coursework. Contact [info@expectedparrot.com](mailto:info@expectedparrot.com) about available support and usage credits for your project or class. See the [Teaching guide](https://docs.expectedparrot.com/en/latest/teaching.md) for assignment workflows.


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.