GitHub Copilot’s new usage-based billing began on June 1, replacing the previous flat-rate subscription. Developers have reported using large portions of their monthly credits within a few hours, leading to widespread complaints and some threatening to stop using the product.
The value of each request is now determined dynamically based on the model used, request type, amount of content submitted, and response complexity.
Microsoft announced the change in April, noting that GitHub Copilot has evolved significantly over the past year. The company said it now supports more complex, agentic workflows that require more computing resources.
What changed with the new use of GitHub Copilot? based billing
Previously, GitHub Copilot used a flat monthly pricing model, charging $10 per month for Copilot Pro and $39 per month for Copilot Pro+. This structure allowed users to make multiple requests to different AI models for an estimated fee.
Under the new approach, each request consumes credits from the monthly allocation. Now the cost per request depends on several factors:
- AI model selected
- Type and complexity of the request
- Amount of references submitted
- reaction resulting in complications
Microsoft states that this change brings pricing in line with actual usage and costs, calling it necessary to provide a more sustainable and reliable product experience.
Why are developers complaining about Copilot’s new credit system?
Feedback on GitHub’s user forums and Reddit has been largely negative, primarily revolving around how quickly credits are used up and how unpredictable the per-request cost can be.
A developer on the $39 Copilot Pro+ plan shared that they used about 8% of their monthly AI Credits allotment in just two hours, estimating that their 7,000-unit quota could be exhausted in less than two days.
Another user reported spending more than $6 on a single change request, noting that consumption was “impossible to predict”. One Reddit user noted that a single session using Cloud 4.8 to fix website issues used 1,180 credits, about 16% of his monthly Pro+ allowance, with results he described as only mediocre.
The main concern expressed is that it is difficult to budget for AI use when a single feature request can consume a significant portion of monthly credits.
Developers are turning to alternatives and how Microsoft is responding
Many users have mentioned plans to transfer their work to other services. Common options include direct access to Anthropic and OpenAI models or routing requests through third-party services like OpenRouter, Roocode, and LM Studio.
One user described a hybrid approach: using the Pro+ allocation until it runs out, then switching to OpenRouter for the remainder of the month. OpenRouter works within the same VS Code interface, offers a wider selection of models, and allows credits to be rolled over for up to a year, unlike the GitHub Copilot allocation.
A GitHub spokesperson confirmed the billing update to The Register, saying usage-based billing is now active. GitHub Copilot’s new pricing model reflects actual usage and includes spending limits, usage dashboard, and model selection options to help users manage their costs.
The company also announced the launch of a higher capacity tier called Copilot Max, which is aimed at users who require more extensive use.
What affected GitHub Co-Pilot users can do to control costs
Developers concerned about costs have several options under the new model. They can set spending limits in the GitHub Copilot billing dashboard to control monthly fees.
- Monitoring usage dashboard helps track credit consumption per request and per model. Choosing less expensive models for routine tasks can also help, with higher cost models reserved for more complex tasks.
- If usage consistently exceeds the standard allocation it may be worthwhile to evaluate the new CoPilot Max tier. Some may consider third-party model access through services that offer rollover credits or low per-request pricing.
GitHub has not announced any changes to the new billing structure in response to recent feedback. The company emphasizes the use of spend limits and usage dashboards as the main tools for cost management under the metered system.
