You can use the UsageCharge resource to add variable usage fees to an existing recurring application charge. You can use these resources to support billing plans that vary from month to month, with or without a monthly recurring fee.

Creating usage charges

To use the UsageCharge resource, first create a recurring application charge. This returns the ID that you'll need to create an associated usage charge.

To create the usage charge, send a POST request, where {id} represents the ID of the previously created recurring application charge.

POST

/admin/recurring_application_charges/{id}/usage_charges.json

Charging for usage only

A common billing scenario is to charge only usage-based fees, without a flat recurring monthly fee. To charge only usage-based fees without a recurring monthly fee, first create a recurring application charge with a price of $0.00 and then apply the usage charge.

You need to include the capped_amount and terms properties in the body of your request when you create a recurring application charge with a price of $0.00.

Setting capped amounts

You can use the RecurringApplicationCharge resource to specify a capped amount that applies to usage-based billing. This prevents the customer from being charged for any usage over and above the capped amount. To implement capped amount billing, create a recurring application charge with the capped dollar amount, and then create the associated usage charge.

Note

The capped amount setting is applicable on a per billing cycle basis (30 days), and remains in effect unless updated.

For step-by-step guidance that walks through this flow using examples, see our implementation guide.