# Billing and Account Management

## Overview

The Global Data API operates on a pay-per-call model, where each access to a chargeable API endpoint incurs a cost. The specifics of these charges, including rate and any potential discounts, are determined on a per-account basis.

## Chargeable API Calls

Every time you make a request to a chargeable API endpoint, the associated fee is immediately billed to your API account. Detailed billing rates, as well as any applicable promotions or discounts, will be communicated to you by your Global Data account manager.

## Billing Statements

While charges are billed in real-time, you can access detailed billing statements, including a breakdown of API calls and their respective costs, through the Global Data web portal.

## Credit and Call Limits

Your API account will have predefined limits based on the credit amount or the number of API calls:

1. **Credit Limit**: If your account balance reaches zero or goes into a negative due to accessing chargeable endpoints, your ability to make further chargeable API calls will be temporarily halted.

2. **Call Limit**: Some accounts may have a restriction on the number of API calls in a given period (e.g., monthly). Once this limit is reached, additional chargeable API requests will not be processed.

When either of these limits is breached, any subsequent chargeable API requests will return a `HTTP/1.0 402 Payment Required` response.

## Managing and Monitoring Your Account

To keep track of your usage and to avoid any unwanted disruptions:

- **Regularly check your account balance**: This ensures you are aware of your remaining credits.
  
- **Set up alerts**: If possible, configure notifications to alert you when your balance or call count approaches its limit.
  
- **Contact your account manager**: For any billing discrepancies or to discuss adjustments to your credit or call limits.

## Payment Failures and Resolution

In the event that a charge fails due to reasons like expired payment methods or insufficient funds, you will be notified. It is essential to resolve these issues promptly to prevent service disruptions.

If you encounter a `HTTP/1.0 402 Payment Required` response and believe it to be an error, please contact customer support or your account manager for further assistance.

## Best Practices

- **Monitor API usage**: Stay informed about which endpoints are being accessed most frequently and consider optimizing your application to minimize costs.
  
- **Plan Ahead**: If you anticipate a spike in API usage, notify your Global Data account manager in advance to discuss potential solutions or rate adjustments.

Following these guidelines will ensure seamless interaction with the Global Data API and help in managing your costs effectively.