Credits and subscriptions are not ideologies. They are pricing shapes. Pick the one that matches how members get value on your brand.
Credits
Members buy packs and spend on messages, unlocks, calls or gifts. Strong when engagement is metered and operators drive conversation. Watch pack UX: clear savings badges and an honest order summary convert better than vague coin metaphors.
Subscriptions
Members pay for ongoing access or status (VIP). Strong when the product feels like a membership and trust is the brand. App store distribution often prefers this shape.
Hybrid
Membership for access, credits for premium actions. More to explain, often the best revenue quality when done with clean UX.
How to choose
- Map the actions you want to charge for.
- Model both with real assumptions. Try the interactive calculator.
- Confirm your processors and (if needed) store billing rules support the model.
- Plan retention: VIP perks, packs and win back should live in one CRM.