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

# Unlimited benefits don't apply when you generate through MCP (Claude, ChatGPT)

> Unlimited benefits apply only in the Carat app and website, in the AI agent and the Generator. Here's why MCP generations deduct credits even for unlimited-eligible models, and what to do instead.

When you generate through MCP, **unlimited benefits don't apply and credits are deducted.** Unlimited benefits apply only when you generate in the Carat app or website, either with the **AI agent** or in the **\[Generator(생성기)]**.

<Info>
  **What is MCP?** It's the setup where you connect Carat to another AI tool, such as Claude or ChatGPT, and generate Carat images and videos from that tool's chat window.
</Info>

## Through MCP, even unlimited-eligible models deduct credits

**Nano Banana, Z Image, Grok Imagine, ChatGPT Image, Carat Video (LTX) and any other model your account holds an unlimited benefit for still deduct credits when you generate them through MCP.** The full list of unlimited-eligible models is in [Unlimited benefit scope](/docs/en/troubleshooting/usage-plan/unlimited-benefit-scope). The unlimited benefit is scoped to Carat app and website usage, so this is expected behavior, not an error or a temporary glitch.

| Where you generate                                               | Unlimited benefit                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| :--------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **AI agent** in the Carat app or website                         | Applies. For video, Agent 2.0 defaults to a Seedance-family model, so request **"Use Carat Basic Video (LTX 2.5)"** explicitly to get the benefit, and the conversation itself uses credits on top of generation |
| **\[Generator(생성기)]** in the Carat app or website                | Applies. Unlimited-eligible models deduct no credits                                                                                                                                                             |
| **MCP** (Carat connected to Claude, ChatGPT, or another AI tool) | Does not apply. Credits are deducted even for unlimited-eligible models                                                                                                                                          |

## To use your unlimited benefit, generate in the Carat app or website

If your account holds an unlimited benefit, you can generate with an unlimited-eligible model without spending credits in the \[Generator(생성기)] of the Carat app or website (accounts without an unlimited benefit, including the free plan, still pay the model's credits there). The AI agent keeps the benefit too, but its conversation uses credits and Agent 2.0 needs the video model named explicitly, so the Generator is the safest route: on the web, click \[Generator(생성기)] in the left side panel or go to [carat.im/generator](https://carat.im/generator); in the app, go to \[Home(홈)] then \[Menu(메뉴)] (☰) at the top left, then \[Generator(생성기)] (app version 2.281.0 or later). See [Generate with unlimited models in the Generator](/docs/en/troubleshooting/usage-plan/generator-unlimited-generation) for the full walkthrough.

## Does chatting through MCP use Carat credits?

**Chatting in the Claude or ChatGPT window doesn't cost Carat credits**, because that conversation runs on Claude or ChatGPT.

**What can cost credits beyond generation is the Carat work MCP runs for you:** planning, analysis, and production workflows. Turning your request into a generation plan (Plan Carat generation) or analyzing a file or image can deduct credits. Fetching a credit quote or a production guide on its own does not.

## How are MCP credits calculated?

MCP generation credits follow **the rate of the model and options you use**, and **any partial discount that applies to that request is kept.** Only unlimited and 100% discounts drop out, so it isn't a flat list-price charge (with no applicable partial discount, the standard rate applies).

<Note>
  A quote covers the generation itself, so the planning and analysis work above, plus settlement based on actual usage after generation, can make the final deduction differ. Check what was actually charged under \[My Credits(내 크레딧)] → \[Usage History(사용 내역)].
</Note>

## If MCP says you're out of credits

MCP generations run on credits, so a request stops when your balance is below what the generation needs. Top up or change your plan on the [My Credits(내 크레딧)](https://carat.im/subscription) page. If your account holds an unlimited benefit, switch to the \[Generator(생성기)] in the Carat app or website and keep generating with an unlimited-eligible model there. Without an unlimited benefit (including the free plan), credits are required no matter where you generate.

## Check the benefits on your account

You can confirm whether your account holds an unlimited benefit below. Note that even an eligible account doesn't get the benefit through MCP.

* **Website:** the \[Active benefits(받고 있는 혜택)] section on the [My Credits(내 크레딧)](https://carat.im/subscription) page
* **App:** \[Profile(프로필)] → ☰ → \[My Credits(내 크레딧)]

## Frequently asked

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I have an unlimited benefit, so why were credits deducted through MCP?">
    That deduction is correct. Unlimited benefits cover generation in the Carat app and website, with the AI agent or the \[Generator(생성기)], and MCP usage sits outside that scope. If your account holds an unlimited benefit, generating the same model in the Carat app or website applies it again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does the Pro plan's unlimited Carat Video also stop applying through MCP?">
    Yes. Unlimited Carat Video (LTX) applies when you generate in the Carat app or website, so generating video through MCP deducts credits. When you move to the AI agent, request **"Use Carat Basic Video (LTX 2.5)"** explicitly; without that, Agent 2.0 uses a Seedance-family model and credits are deducted.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can unlimited be enabled for MCP?">
    Unlimited benefits are currently scoped to Carat app and website usage, so they don't extend to MCP. The scope can change, so check what applies to you right now on the [upgrade page](https://carat.im/upgrade) or the [My Credits(내 크레딧)](https://carat.im/subscription) page.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

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