Kaizen #34 - API Credits

Kaizen #34 - API Credits

Hello everyone!

Welcome back to another post in the Kaizen series.
We will be discussing an interesting topic this week - API Credits.

In this post, we will cover the following.
1. What are API credits?
2. Add-on credits and pricing details
3. How are the credits deducted?

1. What are API credits?

Zoho CRM consists of different editions to cater to its wide range of customers. Each edition in Zoho CRM has a limit associated with it, called API Credits. The system uses API credits to track API usage. Whenever you make an API call, the system deducts the credits from your account. The credits deduction is based on the type of API Call, the intensiveness of the performance, and the memory usage of the operations involved in the API calls. 

The following table shows the allocation of credits for each edition of Zoho CRM.

Edition

Allowed Credits

Maximum Credits

Free

5000 credits
5000 credits
Standard/Starter
5,000 credits + (Number of User licenses x 250) + Add-on credits
100,000 credits
Professional
10,000 credits + (Number of User licenses x 500) + Add-on credits
500,000 credits
Enterprise/Zoho One/CRM Plus
15,000 credits + (Number of User licenses x 1000) + Add-on credits
1,000,000 credits
Ultimate
15,000 credits + (Number of User licenses x 2000) + Add-on credits
Unlimited

The available API credits will be the minimum of the calculated allowed credit limit (above table) and the corresponding edition's maximum credit limit. For example, if the organization is in the Professional Edition and the user licenses are 1000, the total credits would become 510,000. However, the maximum API credit limit will still remain 500,000 (minimum between 500,000 and 510,000).

2. Add-on credits and pricing details

In certain cases, organizations may need extra credits (besides the available credits) to perform more API operations.Zoho CRM offers add-on credits to handle additional credit requirements. If an organization requires more API credits than the allowed limit for its edition, you can contact support@zohocrm.com and purchase extra credits.

The following table gives the pricing details for different credit slabs.
Add-on Credits per 24 hours
Price in $ per 1000 Credits

First 25,000

0.14
Next 75,000
0.06
Next 150,000
0.05
Next 250,000
0.025
Next 500,000
0.012

An illustration on the calculation of price for add-on credits:
Consider that an organization wants to purchase 75,000 add-on credits. For the first 25,000 credits, the price will be $0.14 and for the next 50,000 credits, it will be $0.6, for every 1000 credits, respectively.

Hence, the price for a 24-hour period will be: 
For the first 25,000 credits = (25,000*0.14)/1000  
For the next 50,000 credits = (50,000*0.06)/1000 
Total credits = 3500/1000 + 3000/1000 = $6.5. 
Thus, the price per month will be $6.5*30 = $195

Note:
1. If you want to purchase 100,000 credits, then you will be charged a total of $300 per month ($105 for the first 25000 + $195 for the next 75,000).
2. You can purchase either a maximum of 500,000 extra credits or the difference between your edition's maximum credit limit and your current API limit, whichever is lower.

3. How are the credits deducted?

API credits are deducted based on a 24-hour rolling window from the start of the call.
The 24-hour rolling window starts when you make the first API call. The system frees the API credit used after the 24 hours of each API credit consumption. 

Let us understand it better by an example. Refer to the image below. You can see that the user starts with 5000 credits and exhausts it by 18:00 GMT. Furthermore, by 02:30 GMT the next day, the 500 credits that were used up, get credited to the account. Subsequently, by 06:30 GMT, the next day, 1500 credits will be credited to the account, and so on. This is how the 24-hour rolling window works.



The number of credits deducted depends on the intensity and the memory consumption of the API call. The "intensity" varies with the type of the API. For instance, while a user makes a meta API call, only one credit is consumed from the available credits. However, when the user makes a bulk read or bulk write API call, it will cost around 50 or 500 credits accordingly.

The following table describes the number of credits deducted based on the type of API call.

API Call

Number of Credits Deducted
Get Users/Roles/Profiles
1
Get list of Modules
1
Get Field Meta Data
1
Get Module Meta Data
1
Get IDs of deleted records
2
Get records with cvid parameter
3
Convert Lead
5
Add/Remove Tags to Multiple records
1 credit for every 50 records
Insert/Update/Upsert
1 credit for every 10 records
Bulk Read Initialize

50

Bulk Write Initialize
500
All other APIs
1
So, based on the type of API call a user makes, the associated credit is deducted from the available credits for the CRM edition.

When you exhaust your available credits, the system throws the "TOO MANY REQUESTS" error.
Sample Error Response: 
{
    "code": "TOO_MANY_REQUESTS",
    "details": {},
    "message": "Many requests fired than the allowed limit for the past 24 hours.",
    "status": "error"
}

We hope you found this post useful. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section or reach us out at support@zohocrm.com.

Cheers!














    Access your files securely from anywhere

        All-in-one knowledge management and training platform for your employees and customers.







                              Zoho Developer Community




                                                    • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                    • Digest


                                                    • Functions


                                                    • Meetups


                                                    • Kbase


                                                    • Resources


                                                    • Glossary


                                                    • Desk Marketplace


                                                    • MVP Corner


                                                    • Word of the Day


                                                    • Ask the Experts



                                                              • Sticky Posts

                                                              • Kaizen #198: Using Client Script for Custom Validation in Blueprint

                                                                Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – 1 More to the Big Two-Oh-Oh! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.
                                                              • Kaizen #226: Using ZRC in Client Script

                                                                Hello everyone! Welcome to another week of Kaizen. In today's post, lets see what is ZRC (Zoho Request Client) and how we can use ZRC methods in Client Script to get inputs from a Salesperson and update the Lead status with a single button click. In this
                                                              • Kaizen #222 - Client Script Support for Notes Related List

                                                                Hello everyone! Welcome to another week of Kaizen. The final Kaizen post of the year 2025 is here! With the new Client Script support for the Notes Related List, you can validate, enrich, and manage notes across modules. In this post, we’ll explore how
                                                              • Kaizen #217 - Actions APIs : Tasks

                                                                Welcome to another week of Kaizen! In last week's post we discussed Email Notifications APIs which act as the link between your Workflow automations and you. We have discussed how Zylker Cloud Services uses Email Notifications API in their custom dashboard.
                                                              • Kaizen #216 - Actions APIs : Email Notifications

                                                                Welcome to another week of Kaizen! For the last three weeks, we have been discussing Zylker's workflows. We successfully updated a dormant workflow, built a new one from the ground up and more. But our work is not finished—these automated processes are


                                                              Manage your brands on social media



                                                                    Zoho TeamInbox Resources



                                                                        Zoho CRM Plus Resources

                                                                          Zoho Books Resources


                                                                            Zoho Subscriptions Resources

                                                                              Zoho Projects Resources


                                                                                Zoho Sprints Resources


                                                                                  Qntrl Resources


                                                                                    Zoho Creator Resources



                                                                                        Zoho CRM Resources

                                                                                        • CRM Community Learning Series

                                                                                          CRM Community Learning Series


                                                                                        • Kaizen

                                                                                          Kaizen

                                                                                        • Functions

                                                                                          Functions

                                                                                        • Meetups

                                                                                          Meetups

                                                                                        • Kbase

                                                                                          Kbase

                                                                                        • Resources

                                                                                          Resources

                                                                                        • Digest

                                                                                          Digest

                                                                                        • CRM Marketplace

                                                                                          CRM Marketplace

                                                                                        • MVP Corner

                                                                                          MVP Corner









                                                                                            Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                            Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                            Get Started Now


                                                                                              Zoho Show Resources

                                                                                                Zoho Writer

                                                                                                Get Started. Write Away!

                                                                                                Writer is a powerful online word processor, designed for collaborative work.

                                                                                                  Zoho CRM コンテンツ




                                                                                                    Nederlandse Hulpbronnen


                                                                                                        ご検討中の方




                                                                                                                • Recent Topics

                                                                                                                • Automating Employee Birthday Notifications in Zoho Cliq

                                                                                                                  Have you ever missed a birthday and felt like the office Grinch? Fear not, the Cliq Developer Platform has got your back! With Zoho Cliq's Schedulers, you can be the office party-cipant who never forgets a single cake, balloon, or awkward rendition of
                                                                                                                • Create Tasklist with Tasklist Template using API v3

                                                                                                                  In the old API, we could mention the parameter 'task_template_id' when creating a tasklist via API to apply a tasklist template: https://www.zoho.com/projects/help/rest-api/tasklists-api.html#create-tasklist In API v3 there does not seem to be a way to
                                                                                                                • Ability to Set a Unified Tab Order/View for All Users in Zoho Projects

                                                                                                                  Hello Zoho Projects Team, We hope you are doing well. We would like to submit a feature request regarding tab/menu organization in Zoho Projects. Current Behavior: The tab (module) order in Zoho Projects is user-specific. Each user (internal or external)
                                                                                                                • Task Order

                                                                                                                  Hello! I've recently switched to Zoho Projects and a long time user of MS Project, Asana and LiquidPlanner (which has recently been purchased) and I'm running into a frustration I'm hoping someone can assist with. It has to do with how tasks are ordered
                                                                                                                • Automating CRM backup storage?

                                                                                                                  Hi there, We've recently set up automatic backups for our Zoho CRM account. We were hoping that the backup functionality would not require any manual work on our end, but it seems that we are always required to download the backups ourselves, store them,
                                                                                                                • 2026 Product Roadmap and Upcoming Features

                                                                                                                  This is your guide to what is coming in Zoho Vertical Studio throughout 2026. We’ll update this post throughout the year as items move from development to release, and as and when new initiatives are added. Once a feature is released, it will be reflected
                                                                                                                • Vendor legal and DBA names for USA users

                                                                                                                  I would like to hear how Zoho Books users are handling DBA names in the vendor profile. If the Company name in the vendor profile has to be the legal name (line 1 of the W-9), whare are you entering the DBA name (the name that checks are made out to)
                                                                                                                • Zoho Books API invoice email bouncing with 'relaying-issues' error

                                                                                                                  I have waited over 30 days for zoho books uk to assist with the following and i have had no replies or tickets erronously closed. The service has been terrible - very unlike zoho! So i am raising this here hoping that a community member can assist: Hello,
                                                                                                                • Stop the Workarounds: We Need Native Multi-Step Forms

                                                                                                                  After over 17 years of community requests, I'm hoping the Zoho team can finally address the lack of native multi-page form support in Zoho Creator. This has been one of the longest-standing feature requests in the community, with threads spanning nearly
                                                                                                                • Product Updates in Zoho Workplace applications | January 2026

                                                                                                                  Hello Workplace Community, Let’s take a look at the new features and enhancements that went live across all Workplace applications for the month of January. Zoho Mail Zoho People Notifications preview in Zoho Mail Notification emails from Zoho People
                                                                                                                • How do i setup default values for few fields

                                                                                                                  We have few fields in CRM like rate of return, type etc - they can be picklist and standard inut fields. picklist we have choice to set default value. but how do we default some value in input type of fields?
                                                                                                                • We know the company but not the contact

                                                                                                                  We are fairly new to Zoho, part of our marketing stack is we use products like lead feeder to identify which companies are visiting our site. We are able to match this data to salesiq but cannot find a way to add a company name to the salesiq visitor
                                                                                                                • Customize Calendar view in Teamspaces Settings

                                                                                                                  Right now every customization that happens inside of the calendar view inside of CRM is only visible for the specific user. We want to be able to set up calendar views as an admin for specific roles. I would suggest to do that inside of the settings of
                                                                                                                • How to filter subform report based upon main form report in dashboard

                                                                                                                  Hi Team, I am creating a dashboard in Zoho Analytics. I want to have a main form report and below I want to show subform report of main form. If I filter the main form with date then I want to show subform records based upon main form. how can I achieve
                                                                                                                • using the Client script I want to Hide Show the Fields

                                                                                                                  if Related to service means some of the field like service no want to shoe and hide Amc no , purchase no how i achive this let issu = ZDK.Page.getField('Issue_Related_To').getValue(); if (issu == 'Service') { var field_obj = ZDK.Page.getField('Warranty_Cases');
                                                                                                                • Ask the Expert – Zoho One Admin Track : une session dédiée aux administrateurs Zoho One

                                                                                                                  Vous administrez Zoho One et vous vous posez des questions sur la configuration, la gestion des utilisateurs, la sécurité ou encore l’optimisation de votre back-office ? Bonne nouvelle : une session Ask the Expert – Zoho One Admin Track arrive bientôt,
                                                                                                                • Write-Off multiple invoices and tax calculation

                                                                                                                  Good evening, I have many invoices which are long overdue and I do not expect them to be paid. I believe I should write them off. I did some tests and I have some questions:  - I cannot find a way to write off several invoices together. How can I do that,
                                                                                                                • Kaizen #210 - Answering your Questions | Event Management System using ZDK CLI

                                                                                                                  Hello Everyone, Welcome back to yet another post in the Kaizen Series! As you already may know, for the Kaizen #200 milestone, we asked for your feedback and many of you suggested topics for us to discuss. We have been writing on these topics over the
                                                                                                                • vendors / customers with 2 different address and gst no

                                                                                                                  Why can't we have option for more than one address and depending on the state option for more than 1 GST no. ? We have customers / vendors PAN india with different addresses and GST no. for different states.
                                                                                                                • Recurring Automated Reminders

                                                                                                                  Hi, The reminders feature in Zoho Books is a really helpful feature to automate reminders for invoices. However, currently we can set reminders based on number of days before/after the invoice date. It would be really helpful if a recurring reminder feature
                                                                                                                • Fail to send Email by deluge

                                                                                                                  Hi, today I gonna update some email include details in deluge, while this msg pops up and restrict me to save but my rules has run for one year. can you tell me how to use one of our admin account or super admin account to send the email? I tried to update
                                                                                                                • Transitions do not update fields until the record moves to next stage

                                                                                                                  We have a blueprint where a couple of stages have multiple transitions. If only some of the transitions are completed, but not all, Zoho does not update any of the fields impacted by the completed transitions. Is there any way Zoho can udate the fields
                                                                                                                • Zoho CRM - Kiosk Studio : Use action responses across your kiosks with sequential actions

                                                                                                                  Hello Everyone, Imagine building a kiosk that gives you full control over how actions are executed in later screens in that same kiosk. What if you could use data from a previous action later in that kiosk—with no interruptions or data gaps? This is exactly
                                                                                                                • Ability to CC on a mass email

                                                                                                                  Ability to CC someone on a mass email.
                                                                                                                • Get Cliq Meetings in my O365 calendar

                                                                                                                  Hi, we are currently evaluating to replace the Teams Messaging and Meetings with Cliq. We currently still have all our email and calendars in O365. What i want to achieve is, to create a (ZOHO) meeting from Cliq and have this meeting added to my Outlook/O365
                                                                                                                • Custom Button to convert a Deal to a Custom Module?

                                                                                                                  Hello Community I am in process of building out a custom CRM for my team and part of this is looking at building out a Custom Button or function of some sort where when a Deal is marked Closed Won the system will allow for a "Convert to Job" option to
                                                                                                                • Power up your Kiosk Studio with Real-Time Data Capture, Client Scripts & More!

                                                                                                                  Hello Everyone, We’re thrilled to announce a powerful set of enhancements to Kiosk Studio in Zoho CRM. These new updates give you more flexibility, faster record handling, and real-time data capture, making your Kiosk flows smarter and more efficient
                                                                                                                • Change eMail Template for Event-Invitations

                                                                                                                  Hello ZOHO-CRM Team How I can change the eMail Template for Event-Invitations? I work with the German Version of the Free Version. I know how I can modify eMail alerts or Signature Templates, but where I can other eMails modify you send out? Thank you
                                                                                                                • Workdrive Oauth2 Token Isn't Refreshing

                                                                                                                  I have set up oauth for a bunch of zoho apis and have never had a problem with oauth. With workdrive i am using the exact same template i usually use for the other zoho apps and it is not working. All requests will work for the first hour then stops so
                                                                                                                • Migrate Your Notes from OneNote to Zoho Notebook Today

                                                                                                                  Greetings Notebook Users, We’re excited to introduce a powerful new feature that lets you migrate your notes from Microsoft OneNote to Zoho Notebook—making your transition faster and more seamless than ever. ✨ What’s New One-click migration: Easily import
                                                                                                                • How can I import OLM to Yandex Mail easily?

                                                                                                                  For migrating Mac Outlook OLM data to Yandex Mail efficiently, the Aryson OLM Converter is a reliable professional tool that ensures complete data integrity throughout the process. Unlike manual methods, which can risk inconsistent formatting or missing
                                                                                                                • Introducing Radio Buttons and Numeric Range Sliders in Zoho CRM

                                                                                                                  Release update: Currently out for CN, JP, AU and CA DCs (Free and standard editions). For other DCs, this will be released by mid-March. Hello everyone, We are pleased to share with you that Zoho CRM's Layout Editor now includes two new field formats—
                                                                                                                • Is it possible to setup bin locations WITHOUT mandating batch tracking?

                                                                                                                  Hi fellow zoho users, I'm wondering if anyone else has a similar issue to me? I only have some products batch tracked (items with shelf life expiry dates) but I am trying to setup bin locations for my entire inventory so we can do stock counting easier.
                                                                                                                • Implementing Inventory Process

                                                                                                                  I am just starting to create an inventory system through Zoho for a nonprofit. We receive in-kind donations of items for kids, and utilize them in 2 or 3 different programs. Then families come in and take the items. I'm thinking of this structure: Our
                                                                                                                • Best way to start zoho inventory with bulk openning stock

                                                                                                                  We are already using zoho book since long time for cars trading company. Now to streamline more, would like to import the excel data of closing stock of inventory to zoho inventory and to start on. Since we need to track each VIN (unique vehicle id number)
                                                                                                                • Service Reports.

                                                                                                                  Hello Team, I have a requirement to create multiple service reports for a single AP. That means, in one AP I have 5 service line items, and all line items are linked to assets. Once I complete the AP, I want to generate 5 individual service reports, one
                                                                                                                • Blueprint enhancements - Parallel and multiple transitions, and more

                                                                                                                  Last modified on Sep 4, 2023: All Zoho CRM users can now access these enhancements. Initially, these features were available only on an early access basis and by request. However, as of August 2, 2023, they have been made available to all users in all
                                                                                                                • Item Bulk Edit - Allow for Reorder Level

                                                                                                                  We're implementing a process for using the Reorder Level field for Items, and I have to go through and add this value to a huge chunk of our Items. It's driving me bonkers that I have to do this individually through the UI rather than bulk updating. It
                                                                                                                • Zoho CRM || Unable to Bulk Assignment of Territories for Contacts

                                                                                                                  Dear Zoho CRM Support Team, I hope this email finds you well. We recently performed a bulk upload of Contacts into Zoho CRM using the official sample Excel template downloaded from the CRM. The upload itself was completed successfully; however, we encountered
                                                                                                                • What's New in Zoho Inventory | August – October 2025

                                                                                                                  Hello customers, The last quarter has been incredibly productive! We've released a powerful slate of new features and enhancements in Zoho Inventory designed to give you better control, greater efficiency, and expanded functionality across your inventory
                                                                                                                • Next Page