Fair Use Policy and metered usage billing
Every Ody plan includes unlimited calling and texting to the US and Canada for talking with your customers. The Fair Use Policy covers the one case that doesn't fit that picture: an account whose outbound calls and texts mostly go to people who haven't contacted it and who don't pick up or reply. When an account is above that threshold, Ody may switch on metered usage billing: $0.50 per outbound call placed and $0.20 per outbound text sent, in addition to the plan, collected in $20 blocks on the card on file. Nothing is paused, nothing is retroactive, and you are always emailed first.
What the Fair Use Policy covers
Your plan's unlimited calling and texting assumes a two-way conversation: customers call and text you, you call and text them back, most calls connect and most texts get an answer. Carriers price every attempt, and the shared messaging campaigns every Ody number texts through are rated on how recipients respond, so an account that is mostly broadcasting costs more to run and puts other customers' deliverability at risk.
Ody looks at each account's outbound calls and texts over the last 30 days and asks:
- how many outbound calls were not picked up (no answer, busy, failed, canceled);
- how many outbound texts got no reply (no text or call back on that conversation within three days);
- how many calls and texts were a first contact with someone who had never written or called in.
An account where a large share of recent outbound attempts falls into those buckets is above the threshold in the policy. Ody doesn't publish the exact figure. Normal business use, including a slow week of voicemails or a batch of appointment reminders, does not get anywhere near it.
Calls your AI receptionist places are not part of this measure; they are already covered by AI credits.
What happens when an account is above the threshold
- A person at Ody reviews the account. Metered usage billing is never switched on automatically.
- If it is switched on, the workspace owner and every admin receive an email titled "A small change to how [your workspace] is billed on Ody" with the date it took effect, the prices and a link to this policy.
- From that date, each outbound call attempt and each outbound text is added to a running total. You can keep calling and texting exactly as before.
Prices
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outbound call placed | $0.50 per call | Charged per attempt, whether or not it is answered |
| Outbound text sent | $0.20 per text | Per message, not per segment; failed sends are not charged |
| Inbound calls and texts | Free | Never metered |
| Collection | $20 blocks | When your metered total exceeds your prepaid balance, your card on file is charged $20 (or the smallest multiple of $20 that covers it) and the balance carries forward |
The $20 block appears as its own charge on your card, labeled Ody metered usage — fair use, and as a separate invoice under Settings → Billing → Billing history (View and download invoices).
Where to see it
Metered usage billing has its own block under Settings → Usage billing, visible only on accounts where it is on. It shows:
- calls placed and texts sent this month, and what they added up to;
- your prepaid balance (what is left of the last $20 block) or the amount about to be charged;
- the recent $20 charges;
- a list of each metered call (answered or not) and text, with its time and price.
On the iPhone app the block is on the web app only: open app.ody.co, then Settings → Usage billing.
If a $20 block fails to charge
Your calls and texts continue normally. The Usage billing block shows "We couldn't collect the last $20 block on your card", and Ody retries the card the following day. To clear it sooner, update your card under Settings → Billing (Update your payment method); the next retry uses the new card.
A note on outreach rules
Cold outreach by phone and text (contacting people who have not asked to hear from you) may be subject to the TCPA in the United States and to the mobile carriers' 10DLC messaging policies, which generally require the recipient's prior consent and an easy way to opt out. Ody doesn't give legal advice, and metered billing is not a judgment about your compliance, but if you run outreach campaigns it is worth making sure your contact lists and consent records meet those rules. Replying STOP to any Ody number always opts the recipient out automatically.
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Frequently asked questions
Is metered usage billing turned on for everyone?
No. Every plan includes unlimited US and Canada calling and texting. Metered usage billing only applies to an account that is above the threshold in the Fair Use Policy, and it is only ever switched on by Ody after a review. You are emailed when it happens.
What does it cost?
$0.50 for each outbound call you place (answered or not) and $0.20 for each outbound text you send, on top of your plan. Inbound calls and texts are never metered. Charges are collected in $20 blocks on your card on file.
Will my calls or texts stop if a $20 block fails to charge?
No. Nothing is paused. We retry your card the next day and show a note under Settings → Usage billing. Update your card under Settings → Billing if it keeps failing.
Does it cover usage from before it was switched on?
No. Only calls placed and texts sent after the date in your email are metered. Nothing is billed retroactively.