Stability AI API 402 Insufficient Credits Error

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Ongoing Stability AI API Updated November 14, 2026Based on 3 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

A 402 means the account has run out of credits. Add credits in the platform account; retrying does not help.

Most likely fix: Add credits

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Add credits

    1. Sign in to the Stability AI platform
    2. Open your account billing page and buy credits (1 credit = $0.01)
    3. Retry the request
    Did this fix it?
  2. 2. Cut spending

    1. Use cheaper models (SD 3.5 Flash 2.5 credits, SDXL from 0.9) or Fast Upscaler (2 credits)
    2. Stop automatic retries on 402
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

API calls return HTTP 402 even though the key and request are valid.

Why it happens

  • The 25 starter credits are used up (they are not a recurring free tier)
  • Higher-cost operations such as Creative Upscale (60 credits) drain credits quickly
  • Retry loops burning credits on failed jobs

This guide also covers

  • stability ai api 402
  • stability ai insufficient credits
  • stability ai api credits

Still not working?

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