As of June 1, 2026, GitHub Copilot will move away from the existing Premium Requests system to a token-based billing model. In this system, each query is counted as a request regardless of complexity. In the new model, fees will be determined based on the number of tokens processed, and rates will depend on the chosen model, input and output volume, cache size, and features used.

Subscription prices will not change. Instead of a specific number of queries each month, users will receive AI Credits for the same price. For example, a Copilot Pro subscriber paying $10 per month will receive 1,000 AI Credits, and GitHub will evaluate each credit as one cent.

How GitHub Copilot's Token-Based Billing Will Work

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

More advanced models consume credits faster than less capable ones. Tasks related to large codebases with multiple agents use credits more quickly compared to simple, one-off queries. Code completion and Next Edit suggestions will not be affected by the new billing model and will continue to be free.

The Implications of GitHub Copilot's New Billing Model for Users

In the previous model, users could typically utilize three to eight times the token value that covered their subscription costs, with GitHub covering the difference. This subsidy will end on June 1. It is unlikely that users making simple queries will exceed their monthly credit limits, but those running more complex workflows in large codebases may need to purchase additional credits.

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

Why GitHub Copilot is Transitioning to Token-Based Pricing

This change aligns Copilot with the pricing adjustments already implemented for corporate customers of Anthropic and OpenAI. Token-based billing provides AI providers with a more direct insight into actual computing costs while making billing less predictable for users who previously paid a fixed monthly fee regardless of usage.