OpenAI gives ChatGPT Pro and Business subscribers up to $500 in monthly API credits

OpenAI announced on 28 October 2026 that eligible ChatGPT Pro and ChatGPT Business subscribers can claim up to $500 per month in OpenAI API credits at no extra subscription charge. Users activate the benefit from their account billing page at chatgpt.com/settings/billing, which links the monthly credit grant to their OpenAI developer platform organisation.

Once claimed, the credits apply toward standard OpenAI API token and tool usage, allowing subscribers to prototype and run custom applications, background automations, and autonomous coding or research agents outside the ChatGPT web and desktop interface. Previously, ChatGPT seat subscriptions and OpenAI API billing were strictly separate, requiring developers and small teams on $200-per-month Pro plans or Business seats to fund a separate prepaid API balance before testing API-driven tools.

OpenAI noted that credit eligibility and monthly caps depend on active subscription standing in the billing portal, and unused monthly promotional credits do not replace enterprise volume commitments.