Understanding Transaction Credits in Workflow Builder

Welcome! In this article, we’ll help you understand how transaction credits work within the Workflow Builder in TimelinesAI. If you’re using automation (such as sending messages via workflows, API, Zapier, or Make), this guide will help you manage your credit usage more effectively.

Quick Summary

Manual messages you type and send in TimelinesAI are always FREE and unlimited — no credits required!

Credits are only used for automated actions performed by workflows, integrations (Zapier/Make), or the API.

What Are Transaction Credits?

Think of transaction credits like tokens for automated actions. Whenever your workflow performs an action (like sending a message or updating a chat), it consumes one transaction credit.

📌 Note: Workflow triggers are always free — credits are only used for the actions that follow.

If your workflow sends a WhatsApp message, it will use two types of credits:

• 1 transaction credit (for the action itself)
• 1 message credit (for delivering the WhatsApp message)

Manual vs. Automated Messages

Understanding the difference between manual and automated messaging is key to managing your credits:

📱 Manual Messages (Always FREE)

• Sent directly by you in the TimelinesAI chat window
• Unlimited usage
• Great for personalized replies
• No credits required

🤖 Automated Messages (Use Credits)

• Sent via workflows
• Sent via API, Zapier, or Make
• Use both transaction credits and message credits

💡 Tip: Use manual messages when a personal touch is needed and to save credits.

How Workflow Credits Work

Every workflow consists of two parts:

• Trigger (FREE): Starts the workflow (e.g., “new message received” or “chat created”)
• Actions (Use 1 transaction credit each): Performed steps such as “send message,” “add label,” etc.

Each automated action = 1 transaction credit

Two Types of Credits Used for Automation

1. 📩 TimelinesAI Message Credits

• Used to send automated WhatsApp messages
• Required for: Workflows, API calls, Zapier, and Make
• Not used for manual messages
• 1 credit = 1 automated message sent

You’ll find these in the blue “TimelinesAI Credit Usage” box.

2. ⚡ Transaction Credits

• Power every action in your workflow (including sending messages)
• 1 credit = 1 action performed
• Used for: All steps in automation

You’ll find these in the purple “Transaction Usage” box.

Actions That Use Transaction Credits

Every automated workflow action requires 1 transaction credit. Here’s a breakdown:

💬 Messaging Actions (Use BOTH Credit Types)

• Send WhatsApp text messages
• Send voice notes
• Send images, files, videos, and documents

🧠 Each uses: 1 transaction credit + 1 message credit

📊 Data & Information Actions

• Search for a chat
• Retrieve chat or message details
• Check customer or contact info

✏️ Update Actions

• Add/remove labels
• Add notes
• Update chat info
• Reassign chats
• Attach files or links

✅ Checking/Validation Actions

• Validate phone number existence
• Detect keywords
• Count messages
• Check timestamps

Credit Usage Example

If your workflow sends an automated “Thank you!” message:

• 1 message credit is used for sending the message
• 1 transaction credit is used for the action itself

So, sending 10 automated messages = 10 message credits + 10 transaction credits.

💡 Good News: Messages you send manually are always FREE and do not consume credits.

How Many Transaction Credits Are Included in Each Plan?

Understanding Your Credit Reset Date

Your credits do not reset on the 1st of each month. Instead, they reset based on your personal reset date, which is the date you first started using Workflow Builder.

🗓️ Example:

If your reset date is the 15th, your credits will refresh on:

• January 15
• February 15
• March 15, and so on.

Check your Transaction Usage section (purple box) to see the reset date.

Final Reminders

✅ Manual messages typed and sent through TimelinesAI are always FREE

✅ Triggers in workflows are FREE

⚠️ Automated actions, especially sending messages, use credits

If you need help optimizing your workflow usage or understanding your available credits, feel free to reach out to our support team. We’re happy to assist!

Updated on: 31/07/2025