The Short Version
Text messages use SMS Credits starting August 1st — one credit per passholder. Email and in-pass messages don't use credits.
Everything you need is in Settings → SMS Credits.
✅ Do These Three Things
1. Check your balance
Settings → SMS Credits. Your plan's free annual credits will automatically appear at renewal.
2. Purchase a bundle
Stay on the same page. Click Buy More Credits to top off your account.
3. Optionally, Switch on Auto-Reload
Set a threshold, pick a reload package, save a payment method.
(Recommendation) Enable, and set the threshold just above your largest typical send volume. That way your messages will never be held up at delivery.
4. Watch for the estimate when you send
Composing a text now shows an estimated credit cost based on your Customer Segment size. Check it before you send.
🔓 If a Scheduled Text Gets Held
A Held — needs credits badge on your Messages list means your balance didn't cover the full send when the message came due.
Top up in Settings → SMS Credits, then open the message and click Send Now. Or click Cancel to drop it — nothing is charged.
We hold the whole message rather than sending it to part of your list. Balance is checked when the message sends, not when you schedule it, because your Customer Segment can grow in between.
📌 Five Things to Remember
Email and Pass-Feed is free | No credits, ever. Use it for high-volume announcements |
Length doesn't matter | One credit per passholder, long or short |
Purchased credits never expire | Use purchased credits any time during your relationship with Bandwango |
Free credits upon renewal! | Each year at renewal, you will get a free bundle of credits to be used during that contract year (bundle size depends on plan) |
All or nothing | No partial sends. Ever |
Need the full detail? Managing Your SMS Credits
Questions? Start a chat from Experience Builder or reach out to [email protected].