LongCat API Pay-As-You-Go
LongCat API Pay-As-You-Go based on actual token usage — no fixed plans, no minimum commitments.
Prerequisites
Before using the LongCat API, complete the following steps:
- Go to the LongCat API Platform and sign in.
- Create and copy your API Key on the API Keys page.
- Top up your balance at Billing → Recharge.
Models & Pricing
Pay-As-You-Go currently supports LongCat-2.5-Preview and LongCat-2.0.
| Item | Discounted Price $/1M Tokens (limited-time) |
|---|---|
| Uncached Input | $0.30 |
| Cached Input | $0.006 |
| Output | $1.20 |
| Item | Discounted Price $/1M Tokens (limited-time) |
|---|---|
| Uncached Input | ¥2 |
| Cached Input | ¥0.04 |
| Output | ¥8 |
Prices are subject to change. The prices shown on the LongCat API Platform and your billing records are authoritative.
How Billing Works
Each API request is billed separately for Uncached Input tokens, Cached Input tokens, and Output tokens:
Cost = (Uncached Input price × Uncached Input tokens)
+ (Cached Input price × Cached Input tokens)
+ (Output price × Output tokens)Example
Assume a single request (at discounted prices):
- Input tokens: 1,000,000 (400,000 Cached Input, 600,000 Uncached Input)
- Output tokens: 500,000
| Item | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Uncached Input | 600,000 ÷ 1,000,000 × $0.3 | $0.18 |
| Cached Input | 400,000 ÷ 1,000,000 × $0.006 | $0.0024 |
| Output | 500,000 ÷ 1,000,000 × $1.2 | $0.6 |
| Total | $0.18 + $0.0024 + $0.6 | = $0.7824 |
| Item | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Uncached Input | 600,000 ÷ 1,000,000 × ¥2 | ¥1.20 |
| Cached Input | 400,000 ÷ 1,000,000 × ¥0.04 | ¥0.016 |
| Output | 500,000 ÷ 1,000,000 × ¥8 | ¥4.00 |
| Total | ¥1.20 + ¥0.016 + ¥4.00 | ≈ ¥5.22 |
Charges are deducted in real time upon a successful response (HTTP 200). Failed requests (e.g., HTTP 401 / 403 / 429 / 500) are not billed.
Balance & Top-Up
Pay-As-You-Go uses a prepaid balance model. Once topped up, funds are available immediately and deducted in real time as you consume tokens.
Your balance never expires. If you also have promotional credits, those are consumed before your paid balance.
How to Top Up
- Go to Billing → Recharge.
- Check your current available balance.
- Select a preset amount or enter a custom amount.
- Click Recharge Now and complete the payment.
Payment Methods
- Alipay
- WeChat Pay
Funds are credited to your balance immediately after payment.
- Credit / Debit Card
- Google Pay
Funds are credited to your balance immediately after payment.
Usage & Billing Records
View your API charges and monthly bills on the Usage page.
Refunds
Unused prepaid balance is eligible for a refund.
Conditions
- Already-consumed amounts are non-refundable.
- Minimum refund amount: ¥0.01.
- WeChat Pay and Alipay orders older than 12 months are ineligible.
- Only one refund request can be pending per account at a time.
Conditions
- Already-consumed amounts are non-refundable.
- Minimum refund amount: $0.01.
- WeChat Pay and Alipay orders older than 12 months are ineligible.
- Only one refund request can be pending per account at a time.
How to Request a Refund
- Go to Billing → Refund.
- Review the refundable amount and enter a reason.
- Confirm and submit the request.
- Track the status under Refund History.
Important: Refund requests cannot be cancelled once submitted. While the request is under review, API calls and further top-ups are suspended for the account. If approved, the refund is returned via the original payment method and typically arrives within 1–3 business days.
Due to potential billing delays, the refundable amount shown is an estimate; the actual refunded amount may differ.
Invoices
LongCat API Platform supports applying for electronic invoices for the consumed amount under Pay-As-You-Go billing. The invoiceable amount = consumed amount − already invoiced amount.
For invoice types (VAT ordinary invoice/ VAT special invoice), the application process, and other frequently asked questions, please refer to FAQ-Invoices.
If you have any invoicing needs, please contact us via email at longcat-team@meituan.com.
Account Verification
Account verification is required before topping up. For the processes and rules of Identity Verification and Enterprise Verification, please refer to FAQ - Account Verification & Benefits.
Enterprise verification is supported. For details, please refer to FAQ - Account Verification & Benefits.
Insufficient Balance & Service Restoration
When your balance reaches ¥0 or below, API requests will be rejected with an insufficient-balance error.
To restore access:
- Top up your account via Billing.
- Once your balance exceeds ¥0, API calls resume automatically.
When your balance reaches $0 or below, API requests will be rejected with an insufficient-balance error.
To restore access:
- Top up your account via Billing.
- Once your balance exceeds $0, API calls resume automatically.
FAQ
What's the difference between Pay-As-You-Go and Token Pack?
Pay-As-You-Go uses a prepaid balance deducted in real time based on actual token consumption — ideal for variable workloads where you want precise cost control.
Token Packs are one-time purchases of a fixed token quota, valid for 30 days. They are billed independently from the pay-as-you-go balance and cannot be used interchangeably.
If you have both, Token Pack quota is consumed first before the Pay-As-You-Go balance.
Are failed requests billed?
No. Requests that return HTTP 401 / 403 / 429 / 500, or any other error, are not charged. Only successful responses (HTTP 200) are billed based on actual token usage.
Does the prepaid balance expire?
No. Your balance never expires and remains available until consumed or refunded.
Can I invoice my balance immediately after topping up?
No. Only consumed amounts are invoiceable. Prepaid but unconsumed balance does not qualify.
What balance is eligible for a refund?
Online top-up balance that has not been consumed, invoiced, or included in a pending invoice request.
Where will my refund be sent?
Refunds are returned via the original payment method.
Can I still use the API while a refund is pending?
No. API calls and further top-ups are suspended while a refund request is under review.
What happens when my balance runs out?
New API requests will be rejected once your balance reaches ¥0 or below. Top up to restore access as soon as your balance exceeds ¥0.
New API requests will be rejected once your balance reaches $0 or below. Top up to restore access as soon as your balance exceeds $0.
How long does it take to receive an invoice?
Invoices are typically issued within 1–3 business days and delivered to the email address you provided. You can also download them from your invoice history.