How to Transition to GitHub Copilot's Usage-Based Plans with Flex Allotments

Introduction

GitHub Copilot is evolving its individual plans to better match how developers actually use AI coding assistance. Starting June 1st, 2026, Copilot will move to a usage-based billing model, introducing flex allotments in Pro and Pro+, and a brand-new Max plan for heavy users. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from what changes, to how to prepare, to getting the most out of your new plan. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition and keep your coding workflow uninterrupted.

What You Need

• A GitHub account with an active Copilot subscription (Free, Pro, or Pro+)
• Access to your GitHub dashboard to view usage
• Understanding of your current Copilot usage patterns (e.g., how often you use chat, agent, or code completions)
• Basic familiarity with subscription billing (monthly or yearly)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the New Plan Lineup

From June 1, 2026, the individual Copilot plans are: Free, Pro ($10/month), Pro+ ($39/month), and Max ($100/month). Each paid plan includes two types of credits:

• Base Credits: Equal to your subscription price (e.g., $10 for Pro). These never change.
• Flex Allotment: Variable additional usage on top of base. Flex allotments can adjust over time based on AI economics.

Total included usage per month:

• Pro: $10 base + $5 flex = $15 total
• Pro+: $39 base + $31 flex = $70 total
• Max: $100 base + $100 flex = $200 total

Free users still get limited completions and chat each month.

Step 2: Understand How Usage Billing Works

Your base credits are used first for any Copilot actions (chat, agent runs, CLI commands, etc.). Once base is consumed, the flex allotment automatically kicks in at the same rates across IDE, github.com, and CLI. You don’t need to toggle anything—your dashboard shows available credits and usage in real time.

Important: Code completions and next-edit suggestions remain unlimited on paid plans and do not consume any credits. Only chat, agent, and other advanced features use credits.

Step 3: Check Your Current Plan and Usage

Log in to your GitHub account and navigate to the Copilot settings page. Review your current plan (Free, Pro, or Pro+) and see how much you typically use per month. If you already exceed your included usage, you may want to consider upgrading to a higher plan or purchasing extra usage.

Step 4: Choose the Right Plan for Your Needs

• Pro ($10/mo): Best for regular users who need basic chat and agent functionality beyond free limits.
• Pro+ ($39/mo): Ideal for power users who rely on longer agent runs and multi-step tasks.
• Max ($100/mo): Designed for sustained, high-volume Copilot work—e.g., teams or solo developers working on large codebases all day.

If your usage is moderate and you occasionally dip into flex, stay with Pro or Pro+. If you regularly hit your limits, consider Max.

Step 5: No Action Required for Monthly Subscribers (Automatic Migration)

If you are currently on a monthly Pro or Pro+ plan, the switch to usage-based billing with flex allotments happens automatically on June 1, 2026. You don’t need to change anything—your additional usage lands without interruption. Your base credits reset monthly as usual.

Step 6: Monitor Usage via Your Dashboard

After June 1st, keep an eye on your Copilot usage dashboard (available in your account settings). It shows:

• Remaining base credits
• Remaining flex allotment
• Total credits used so far this month
• Option to purchase more usage if needed

This transparency helps you avoid surprises and plan your work.

Step 7: Purchase Additional Usage If Needed

If you exhaust your included usage (base + flex), you can buy more credits at any time directly from the dashboard. There’s no cap—you can keep going as long as you want. This is especially useful during intensive sprints or when testing new features.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Understand that flex allotments can change: The variable flex amount is designed to adapt as AI model costs evolve. Your base credits are fixed, but flex may increase or decrease over time. Check announcements for updates.
• Take advantage of unlimited code completions: Since completions don’t use credits, you can rely on them as much as you like without worrying about costs.
• Plan for heavy usage early in the billing cycle: Base credits reset monthly. If you know you’ll have a big project, schedule it soon after your billing date to maximize included usage.
• Review your plan periodically: As your coding habits change, you might outgrow Pro or find that Max is overkill. GitHub allows you to upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time.
• Read the official docs for detailed information on credit rates and model availability.

With these steps, you’re ready to embrace the new Copilot plans and keep your coding productivity soaring. Happy coding!