What You’ll Learn
- How post credits work
- Setting up the credits system
- Credit deduction rules
- What members see
How Post Credits Work
The credit system is simple:
- Members receive credits (via membership, purchase, or admin assignment)
- Publishing a post deducts credits (typically 1 per post)
- Members with 0 credits cannot publish new posts
- You control how members get more credits
Step 1: Enable Post Credits Module
- Go to Member Blog → Pro Modules
- Find Post Credits in the list
- Toggle it to On
- Click Save Changes
Step 2: Configure Basic Settings
Navigate to Member Blog → Post Credits to configure the system.
Core Settings
| Setting | What It Does | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Enable Credits | Master toggle for the credit system | On |
| Default Credits | Credits given to new users automatically | 3-5 for freemium |
| Credit Cost | Credits deducted per post published | 1 |
| Block at Zero | Prevent posting when credits exhausted | On |
User Experience Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Low Balance Warning | Show warning at this threshold (e.g., 2 credits) |
| Custom Zero Message | Message when out of credits |
| Purchase URL | Link to page where members can buy credits |
Credit Deduction Rules
Understanding when credits are deducted helps you set appropriate expectations:
Credits ARE Deducted When:
- Post status changes to “Publish”
- Scheduled post auto-publishes at its scheduled time
Credits Are NOT Deducted For:
- Saving drafts
- Submitting for review (pending)
- Editing existing published posts
- Unpublishing and republishing the same post
Credit Types
| Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime | Credits never expire, accumulate over time | One-time purchases, bonuses |
| Subscription | Credits reset on a schedule (monthly/yearly) | Membership plans |
What Members See
Credit Balance Display
Members see their current balance:
- On the post creation page
- In the Author Dashboard (if enabled)
- After publishing a post
Example: “Post Credits: 8 remaining”
Low Balance Warning
When credits are low:
“You have 2 credits remaining. Purchase more credits to continue posting.”
Zero Balance Message
When credits are exhausted:
“You’ve used all your post credits. Purchase more to publish new posts.”
This includes a link to your purchase page (if configured).
Credit Sources
Members can receive credits from multiple sources:
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Default Credits | Automatic credits for new users |
| Membership Integration | Auto-assign based on membership level |
| WooCommerce Credit Packs | Members purchase credits directly |
| Manual Assignment | Admin assigns credits to individuals |
Business Model Examples
Freemium Model
- Give 3-5 free credits to new users
- Sell credit packs (10, 25, 50 credits)
- Users can try the platform, then pay for more
Subscription Model
- Tie credits to membership levels
- Basic: 10 credits/month
- Pro: 50 credits/month
- VIP: Unlimited
Pay-Per-Post Model
- 1 credit = 1 post
- Sell individual credits or small packs
- Simple, transparent pricing
Related Documentation
- Selling Credit Packs with WooCommerce
- Membership Plugin Credit Integration
- Manual Credit Management