How do credits work?
Quick answer: Credits are how you pay for AI reviews. 1 credit = $25. An ADU review costs 2 credits ($50), SFR is 4 credits ($100), multi-unit is 20 credits ($500), and simple permits are free. Buy in packs to save up to 30%.
The basics
- You buy credits in packs on the Credits page.
- Each review type has a fixed credit cost (below).
- Credits never expire.
- Partner-city submissions don't cost you credits — the city pays. See Submit through a partner city.
- Your first pre-check is free — no credits, no card. See Run a free pre-check.
What each review costs
| Permit type | Credits | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Simple permits (EV, reroof, solar, panel, water heater, etc.) | 0 | Free |
| ADU | 2 | $50 |
| Single-family residential | 4 | $100 |
| Multi-unit / commercial | 20 | $500 |
Full breakdown: Review pricing.
Pack pricing
| Pack | Credits | Price | Effective $/credit | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 10 | $225 | $22.50 | 10% off |
| Builder (most popular) | 25 | $500 | $20.00 | 20% off |
| Firm | 50 | $875 | $17.50 | 30% off |
| Custom | any | $25 per credit | $25.00 | — |
Buy a pack at Credits. See Buy credits.
Holds and refunds
When you start a review, CrossBeam places a hold for the credit cost. If the review fails on our side, the hold is released and you don't pay. You'll see these entries in your Transaction history as "hold" and "refund" rows.