> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dolphy.chat/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cost Limits

> Cap a key's daily credit spend to protect against runaway agents.

## Why

Bots and autonomous agents make a lot of API calls. Without a cap, a
prompt-loop bug at 3am can drain your credit balance overnight. Set a
**daily credit limit** per key and we'll return `429` once it's hit —
the limit resets at 00:00 UTC.

## Set via dashboard

1. Visit [dolphy.chat/settings/api-keys](https://dolphy.chat/settings/api-keys)
2. Click **Manage** on the key
3. Set "Max credits per day" → Save

## Set via API

```bash theme={null}
curl -X PATCH https://dolphy.chat/api/account/api-keys/dpy_live_abc12345 \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer <firebase-id-token>" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"maxCreditsPerDay": 500}'
```

Pass `null` to remove the limit.

## When the limit is hit

```json theme={null}
{
  "error": {
    "message": "Daily cost limit reached (500 credits). Resets at 00:00 UTC.",
    "type": "daily_limit",
    "code": null,
    "param": null
  }
}
```

Status: `429`. Wait until 00:00 UTC or top up the limit via the dashboard.

## Notes

* Limits are **per key**, not per account. A 500 cr/day limit on one key
  doesn't affect another key on the same account.
* Limit checking is atomic with the deduction — concurrent calls can't
  blow past the cap.
* Resets are UTC. If you're in PST and want a "midnight" reset that
  matches your local day, just remember 00:00 UTC = 4pm or 5pm PST.