Complete Credit Usage Guide (2025)
Understanding exactly how Hirective's new pricing model works helps you make smart decisions and get the most value from our platform. Your first professional resume download is completely free! This guide covers download limits, Pro benefits, and credit costs so you can use our platform efficiently.
Check Your Current Credits
Want to see your current credit balance and usage history?
View Dashboard →📊 Credit Actions & Costs
Every action in Hirective has a clear credit cost. Here's exactly what you'll pay for each feature, comparing Free and Pro users:
Smart Resume Writing
AI-powered resume optimization based on specific job descriptions. Upload any job posting and get a tailored resume.
Example use case: Paste a Senior Developer job description and get your resume optimized with matching keywords and relevant experience highlights.
AI Feedback
Get personalized AI-powered feedback on your resume with actionable improvement suggestions.
Example use case: Analyze resume structure, content quality, and provide specific recommendations for improvements.
Resume Download (Free Users)
Your first professional resume download is completely free! Clean PDF with premium quality.
Example use case: Professional PDF ready for job applications - first download always free for everyone.
Resume Download (Pro Users)
Pro users get 5 free professional resume downloads per month.
Example use case: Monthly allocation of professional downloads for Pro subscribers.
Additional Resume Downloads
Additional downloads cost based on template complexity: Modern Blue (10), Premium (15), Corporate Pro (20).
Example use case: Classic template = 15 credits, Corporate Pro = 20 credits per download.
Email Resume
Send your resume directly to any email address as a professional PDF attachment.
Example use case: Email Modern Blue template = 2 + 10 = 12 credits total.
Voice Input
Convert your spoken words into resume content using AI transcription.
Example use case: Each voice question or answer = 1 credit, unlimited recordings.
⏰ Rate Limits Explained
Rate limits prevent abuse and ensure fair usage for all users. Here's what happens when you reach them:
What Happens When You Hit a Limit?
- Free users: You'll see an upgrade popup with Pro benefits
- Pro users: You'll get a simple "limit reached" message
- Limits reset every hour automatically
- Your credits are not consumed when hitting a rate limit
AI Feedback
PDF Generation
PDF Downloads
👑 Pro vs Free: Complete Comparison
Pro Benefits Summary
| Feature | Free | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| AI Feedback Cost | 5 credits | 3 credits |
| Feedback Rate Limit | 5/hour | 50/hour |
| Resume Downloads | 1 free, then 10-20 credits | 5 free/month, then 10-20 credits |
| PDF Generation Rate | 20/hour | Unlimited |
| Resume Downloads | 1 free lifetime, then 10 credits each | 5 free/month, then 10 credits each |
| Monthly Credits Included | 0 | 50 credits |
| Monthly Cost | $0 | $8.99 |
💳 How to Buy Credits
Need more credits? Here are the available packages and the best value options:
💡 Smart Buying Tips
- Power Pack (150 credits) offers great value and practical size for most users
- Pro subscription becomes cost-effective if you use premium templates or need frequent feedback
- Credits never expire - buy in bulk when you need them
- Consider Pro if you use premium templates frequently (saves 5 credits each time)
🧠 Smart Usage Tips
Smart Usage Strategy
- Everyone gets their first resume download completely free with premium quality!
- Pro users get 5 free downloads per month, perfect for regular job searching
- Use public resume sharing to reduce the need for PDF downloads
- Get AI feedback before downloading to ensure your resume is perfect
Maximizing Value
- Pro subscription is ideal if you need more than 1 resume per month
- Premium templates included with Pro save 5 credits per use
- Bulk approach: Create, get AI feedback, improve, then download
- Public resume links work great for networking and LinkedIn profiles
Free User Strategy
- Your first download is completely free - make it count!
- Use unlimited public resume creation and sharing
- Get AI feedback to perfect your resume before the free download
- Consider Pro if you need regular updates or multiple resume versions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do credits expire?
No, credits never expire. You can buy them and use them whenever you need them, even months later.
What happens if I run out of credits?
You can still create and edit resumes for free. For downloads after your free allocation (1 lifetime for free users, 5/month for Pro), you'll need 10 credits per download. For paid features like AI feedback, you'll see your current balance and can buy more credits instantly.
Can I get a refund on unused credits?
Credits are non-refundable, but they never expire so you can always use them later. We recommend starting with a smaller package to test the value.
How do rate limits work exactly?
Rate limits reset every hour and are designed to prevent abuse. They don't consume your credits - they just temporarily prevent the action until the limit resets.
Is Pro worth it for occasional users?
Pro includes 50 monthly credits and 5 free downloads, which covers most users' needs. If you only download resumes occasionally (less than once per month), the free plan might be sufficient. Pro is great for active job seekers, those who need multiple resume versions, or users who want AI feedback regularly.
Related Resume Guides
Ready to Use Your Credits Wisely?
Start with our free features, then invest credits in high-value actions like AI feedback.