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Growth | Understanding SMS/MMS Credits and Costing
This article explains how credits are used when you send SMS and MMS marketing campaigns, so you know what to expect from your balance.
How Credits Are Calculated
| Message type | Cost |
|---|---|
| SMS | 1 credit per page — a page is up to 140 characters. A message longer than 140 characters splits into multiple pages, each consuming 1 credit. |
| MMS | 3 credits per message (a message becomes MMS whenever an image is attached), plus 1 credit per page, as above. |
Example: A short message with one image and under 140 characters of text costs 4 credits total (3 for the image + 1 for the page).
Why You Don't See A Cost Estimate While Building A Campaign
The final cost depends on your finished message length and whether an image is attached — both can change until you're ready to send. Because of this, the campaign builder doesn't show a running cost estimate while you're still drafting.
When Credits Are Deducted
Credits are held at send time, not when you create or schedule a campaign. You can build and schedule a campaign without it affecting your credit balance — the deduction happens only once messages actually go out.
What Happens If You Run Out of Credits
- Recurring/triggered campaigns (like birthday or win-back messages): if you don't have enough credits, the campaign is placed on hold until you add more credits.
- One-time campaigns: the system estimates the cost before sending. If the estimated cost is more than your available credits, the campaign is blocked, and you'll see a link to purchase more credits.
Credit Rollover
- Your monthly plan credit allowance does not carry over to the next month.
- Any additional credits you purchase beyond your plan allowance do carry over and won't expire at month's end.
Questions about your balance?
If you notice a discrepancy in your credit balance or have questions about a charge, reach out to your ECOM Support team, ecomsupport@blaze.me for assistance.