> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bitbrokertrade.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Pricing and credits: no-cure-no-pay with BitBrokerTrade

> BitBrokerTrade works on a commission basis: you pay 20% of your gross return through a prepaid credits system. No return, no costs.

Participation in BitBrokerTrade is completely free. You only pay something the moment the trader has actually made a profit for you. This no-cure-no-pay principle is central to the pricing model: BitBrokerTrade only earns when you earn.

## How does the pricing system work?

With every sell transaction where the trader has realized a profit, BitBrokerTrade automatically deducts **20% of the gross return achieved** from your credits balance. So you only pay a commission on profits actually made, never on your investment or on loss-making transactions.

**Calculation example:**

| Gross return | Commission (20%) | Net for you |
| ------------ | ---------------- | ----------- |
| € 10.00      | € 2.00           | € 8.00      |
| € 50.00      | € 10.00          | € 40.00     |
| € 100.00     | € 20.00          | € 80.00     |

## What are credits?

Credits are the prepaid balance within BitBrokerTrade with which the commission is automatically settled. Credits are entirely separate from your investment at the exchange: they are two separate balances.

* **1 credit = € 1**
* You buy credits through the **"Buy credits"** button in your dashboard
* Credits are not linked to your exchange balance and are never topped up automatically

<Note>
  Purchased credits are **never refunded**. Only buy the credits you expect to need.
</Note>

## Credits work like prepaid phone credit

The system works exactly like the prepaid balance on a phone. As long as your balance is positive, the trader keeps trading uninterrupted. Does your credits balance run out or become negative? Then the following happens:

<Warning>
  As soon as your credits balance is **zero or negative**, **the trader stops trading immediately**. You receive an automatic warning email. The trader resumes work only after you have topped up your credits balance via the "Buy credits" button in the dashboard. Don't miss any return opportunities: keep your credits balance topped up.
</Warning>

## How many credits do you need?

Use the following rule of thumb to calculate how many credits you need for a given period:

> **Balance on the exchange × expected return% × 20% = credits needed**

**Calculation example:**

You have € 2,000 on your exchange and expect a gross return of 10% over the coming period:

```text theme={null}
€ 2,000 × 10% = € 200 gross return
€ 200 × 20% = € 40 in credits
```

In this case you need at least **€ 40 in credits** to settle the commission.

<Tip>
  Always buy slightly more credits than your minimum calculation indicates. Returns depend on the market and can be higher than expected. A comfortable buffer prevents the trader from stopping unexpectedly. Many users buy credits a full quarter in advance.
</Tip>

## Buying credits: step by step

<Steps>
  <Step title="Log in to your dashboard">
    Go to [bitbroker.trade](https://bitbroker.trade) and log in with your account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to 'Buy credits'">
    Click on the **"Buy credits"** button in the dashboard. It can be found in the menu bar or directly visible on the overview screen.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose the desired amount">
    Fill in the amount you want to top up. Remember: 1 credit = € 1. Choose an amount that fits your expected return.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete payment">
    Complete the payment through the offered payment methods. After successful payment, credits are credited to your balance immediately and the trader resumes work.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Pricing overview

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Signing up is free" icon="circle-check">
    There are no sign-up, subscription or setup fees. You only pay when you earn.
  </Card>

  <Card title="20% commission on profit" icon="percent">
    Only the gross return achieved per sell transaction is charged a fee.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Prepaid credits balance" icon="wallet">
    The commission is automatically deducted from your credits balance. 1 credit = € 1.
  </Card>

  <Card title="No refunds on credits" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    Purchased credits are final. No refund is granted on unused credits.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## More information

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="How does it work?" icon="circle-info" href="/introduction/how-it-works">
    Understand the complete process from signing up to first automated trade.
  </Card>

  <Card title="FAQ: returns and profit" icon="circle-question" href="/faq/returns-and-profit">
    Answers to frequently asked questions about calculating profit and returns.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Dashboard" icon="chart-line" href="/getting-started/dashboard">
    Learn how to find your credits balance and results in the dashboard.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Referral program" icon="users" href="/other/referral-program">
    Earn extra credits by referring friends to BitBrokerTrade.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>