Buy tokens through Aperture

Use Aperture to buy tokens for model usage. Aperture manages the tokens and the purchase flow.

Each user starts with $1 in tokens so they can test the feature immediately. You can still use Aperture with any supported provider instead of buying tokens. The chat UI starts with openai/gpt-5.6-luna enabled by default. After your first successful token purchase, Aperture unlocks more models for your gateway.

Prerequisites

Before you buy tokens, confirm you meet the following requirements.

• You have an Aperture gateway.
• You have access to the Billing page.
• You can complete the payment flow.

Limitations

The current release has the following limits:

• The minimum token purchase is $10.
• The maximum token purchase is $25.
• Available models depend on whether you have completed your first token purchase.
• Payments are supported from the following locations: US, CA, EU member states, GB, CH, NO, AU, NZ, SG, TW, and JP.

Buy tokens

Open Billing in Aperture, then complete the purchase flow.

1. Select Add tokens.
2. Enter the amount to add.
3. Continue through the payment flow.
4. Complete the payment.

After payment succeeds, your balance and transaction history update in Aperture.

Review how tokens are added

Aperture completes the purchase flow, then adds the tokens to your balance when the payment succeeds.

Track usage and balance

Aperture deducts tokens based on the cost of your model usage. It records cost data from the model request against your balance.

Open Billing in Aperture to view your current token balance and recent spending.

Billing includes a transaction history that shows token purchases and automatic top-ups.

Configure auto top-up

Auto top-up adds tokens automatically when your balance falls below the threshold you choose.

1. Open Billing.
2. Enable Auto top-up.
3. Set the balance threshold.
4. Choose the amount to add when your balance reaches that threshold.
5. Save the settings.

After a completed token purchase, Aperture uses your saved payment method for future automatic top-ups.

Billing behavior

The billing history records token purchases and automatic top-ups.

Charge recording

Aperture records token purchases and automatic top-ups in your billing history.

FAQ

Use the following answers to understand the initial model access, model unlock behavior, low-balance handling, and support path.

Why is only one model available?

New Aperture gateways begin with one model enabled so you can start chatting immediately.

When do more models unlock?

More models become available after your first token purchase.

What happens when my balance gets low?

If you have configured auto top-up, Aperture can add tokens automatically when your balance falls below your chosen threshold. Otherwise, add tokens from the Billing page.

How can I get help?

Contact Tailscale support for help with billing, payments, or your Aperture balance.