Does Earned Credit Expire Differently Than Purchased Credit?
Earned credit from contributing a key does not expire differently than purchased credit; both are simply USDC balances with no separate expiry clock. Since balances are user-held USDC, there is no expiry to worry about, and contributors who let balance sit do not face a different expiry risk than purchasers.
Understanding Credit Types
On the API aggregator, you can fund your account in two primary ways: by topping up with USDC on Base (purchased credit) or by contributing a key and earning USDC credits (earned credit). A common question is whether these two types of credit expire on different schedules.
The Nature of Credit
Both purchased and earned credit are denominated in USDC. When you top up, you send USDC to the platform and receive an equivalent balance. When you contribute a key, you earn USDC based on usage of your contributed key, credited at official price × 1.1 (or × 1.2 for premium keys). In both cases, the result is a USDC balance associated with your account.
Expiry Policies
Because both balances are USDC, they are treated identically with respect to expiry. The platform does not impose an expiry on USDC balances. Whether you acquired USDC by direct purchase or by earning it through contributions, there is no expiry clock. You can let the balance sit without losing it.
Implications for Contributors
Contributors who earn USDC and let it accumulate do not face a different expiry risk than those who purchase credit. The USDC remains in your account until you choose to use it for API calls. There is no need to spend earned credit within a certain timeframe to avoid forfeiture.
Practical Considerations
While there is no expiry, you may want to consider factors such as:
- Your expected future usage of API calls
- The potential utility of holding USDC versus spending it on API calls
- Any changes to platform policies (though none are currently in place regarding expiry)
Summary
Earned credit and purchased credit are both USDC balances with no expiry. Contributors can let their balance sit without worrying about a different expiry schedule. The platform does not differentiate between the two when it comes to the longevity of your funds.