GitHub Copilot Switches to Token-Based Billing From June 1, Replacing Premium Request Model

Starting June 1, 2026, GitHub Copilot will switch to token-based billing, moving away from the current Premium Requests system, where each query counts as one request regardless of complexity. Under the new model, charges will be based on the number of tokens processed, with rates depending on the chosen model, input and output volume, cache size, and features used.

Subscription prices will remain unchanged. Instead of a fixed number of queries each month, users will receive AI Credits at the same price. For example, a Copilot Pro subscriber paying $10 a month will get 1,000 AI Credits, with GitHub valuing each credit at one cent.

How GitHub Copilot’s Token-Based Billing Will Work

A token is roughly equivalent to three-quarters of a word. A codebase containing 10,000 expressions, statements, and variable names typically amounts to about 12,000 to 13,000 tokens. Both input prompts and model output contribute to token usage. The cost per credit varies depending on the model.

Using more advanced models consumes credits more quickly than less capable ones. Tasks involving large codebases with multiple agents will use credits at a faster rate than simple, single-turn queries. Code completions and Next Edit suggestions are not affected by the new billing model and will continue to be free.

What GitHub Copilot’s New Billing Means for Users

Under the previous model, users could typically use between three and eight times the token value covered by their subscription cost, with GitHub covering the difference. This subsidy will end on June 1. Users mainly making simple queries are unlikely to go over their monthly credit limit, but those running more complex workflows on large codebases might need to buy extra credits.

GitHub has not published a breakdown of per-token rates for each supported model tier.

Why GitHub Is Moving Copilot to Token-Based Pricing

The change aligns Copilot with pricing adjustments already implemented by Anthropic and OpenAI for their enterprise customers. Token-based billing provides AI providers with more direct insight into actual compute costs, but also makes billing less predictable for users who previously paid a fixed monthly fee regardless of usage.