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

# Auto-reload

> Set a trigger balance and a target so Squid ID tops your saved card back up automatically and matching never pauses when credits run low.

Auto-reload keeps matching from pausing. You set a trigger balance and a target. When your credit balance drops to or below the trigger, Squid ID charges your saved card off-session to bring the balance back up to the target.

Auto-reload watches your full credit balance (paid plus bonus). It is a "reload up to" model, the same as Replicate and most usage-based tools: you choose the balance to refill to, and each charge is the difference between that target and your current balance.

## Before you start

* A card on file. Add one under **Settings → Billing** before enabling auto-reload.
* A trigger of at least \$5.
* A target of at least \$15, and always at least \$10 above the trigger, so each reload is a meaningful amount rather than a stream of tiny charges.

## Set it up

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open auto-reload">
    Go to [the dashboard](https://id.asksquid.ai/), **Settings → Billing → Manage auto-reload**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Turn it on and set your numbers">
    Enable the toggle, then set "When credit balance goes below" (the trigger, minimum \$5) and "Reload credit balance to" (the target, minimum \$15). We suggest both values from your recent usage, so a typical reload lands about once a month. Click **Use** to apply the suggestion, or set your own.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Save changes. If your balance is already at or below the trigger, we top it up to your target immediately.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Each reload is charged as a Stripe invoice, so you get a PDF invoice and a receipt email. Credit can take up to a few minutes to land after the charge.
</Info>

## Why a target instead of a fixed amount

Reloading to a target keeps the charge predictable (your balance always refills to the same ceiling) and keeps each charge large enough to be efficient. Card processing has a fixed per-charge fee, so many tiny reloads waste money. Setting the target at least \$10 above the trigger means each reload buys real runway and you are billed roughly monthly rather than constantly.

## Matching does not pause mid-reload

When a reload fires, there is a short window while the charge clears and the credit lands. During that window Squid ID keeps identifying visitors so you never miss one, even if the balance briefly reads low. Once the credit lands, your balance reflects the top-up. If the reload fails, matching pauses and a card-issue banner appears.

## When a charge fails

If the card is declined or needs extra authentication that cannot complete off-session, the reload fails, matching pauses, and a card-issue banner appears in the dashboard along with a dunning email. Auto-reload does not keep retrying the same failing card. Fix the card under [payment methods](/billing/manage-payment) and the next successful charge clears the banner and resumes reloads.

<Warning>
  Pausing or canceling your account turns auto-reload off. Re-enable it after you reactivate.
</Warning>

## Related

* [How credits work](/billing/how-credits-work)
* [Paid vs bonus credits](/billing/paid-vs-bonus)
* [Manage payment methods](/billing/manage-payment)
* [Pricing tiers](/billing/pricing-tiers)