---
title: "I used my own AI key. Why did PixelClaw still use credits?"
description: "Separate writing charges from image and web research charges."
url: https://help.pixelclaw.ai/en/articles/12-i-used-my-own-ai-key-why-did-pixelclaw-still-use-credits
collection: "FAQs"
updated: 2026-11-03
language: en
---

# I used my own AI key. Why did PixelClaw still use credits?

Separate writing charges from image and web research charges.

Your provider bills you for a step that actually runs on your own key. PixelClaw uses no AI credits for that step. Other steps in the same post can still use PixelClaw credits.

-   **Writing.** A draft that runs on your own Claude key is billed by Anthropic. A writing step that runs on a metered PixelClaw plan uses its displayed credit price.
    
-   **Images.** With a Claude writing key, a new hero image can still use a plan image model. Eligible OpenAI and Google image keys are separate options. An existing cover can be kept when you generate a new draft.
    
-   **Research:** Web lookups can use plan credits unless you connect your own supported research account. Using a writing key does not pay for those lookups.
    

An owner or admin can check **Settings → Integrations → Writing model and billing**. With **Only after my plan’s AI credits run out**, PixelClaw checks the price of the next writing step. If your available AI balance is too low and an eligible saved model can take over, the whole step runs on your key. The credits left stay available for other work. See **Billing → Credit activity** and [the provider setup guide](https://help.pixelclaw.ai/en/articles/5-connect-your-ai-provider-and-choose-a-writing-model.md).

## Related

- [How many AI credits does it take to write a blog post?](https://help.pixelclaw.ai/en/articles/9-how-many-ai-credits-does-it-take-to-write-a-blog-post.md)
- [Do unused AI credits roll over? What happens if I run out?](https://help.pixelclaw.ai/en/articles/10-do-unused-ai-credits-roll-over-what-happens-if-i-run-out.md)
- [Does each Blog Site get its own AI credits?](https://help.pixelclaw.ai/en/articles/11-does-each-blog-site-get-its-own-ai-credits.md)
- [Where can I check a credit charge or refund?](https://help.pixelclaw.ai/en/articles/13-where-can-i-check-a-credit-charge-or-refund.md)
- [Which AI providers and writing models can I use?](https://help.pixelclaw.ai/en/articles/14-which-ai-providers-and-writing-models-can-i-use.md)