This topic describes how to switch an ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL instance from the subscription billing method to the pay-as-you-go billing method based on your business requirements.

Prerequisites

  • Your RDS instance uses the subscription billing method. For more information about the billing methods of ApsaraDB RDS, see Pricing, billable items, and billing methods.
  • Your RDS instance is in the Running state.
  • Your RDS instance does not use a phased-out instance type. For more information, see Primary instance types. If your RDS instance uses a phased-out instance type, you must change the instance type before you switch your RDS instance to the pay-as-you-go billing method.

Billing

After you switch your RDS instance to the pay-as-you-go billing method, a refund is returned based on the payment method that is used.

Refund = Fee actually paid - Fee for consumed resources

  • The fee actually paid is the money that you paid and does not include the part that is covered by coupons or vouchers.
  • The fee for consumed resources is calculated based on the following formula: Fee for consumed resources = Daily fee x Consumed subscription duration x Discount for the consumed subscription duration. The daily fee is equal to the order-specific fee divided by 30.
    Note The consumed subscription duration is accurate to the day. The part that is less than one day is counted as one day.

Impacts

When you switch your RDS instance to the pay-as-you-go billing method, the workloads on your RDS instance run as normal.

Note The subscription billing method is more cost-effective than the pay-as-you-go billing method, and you are offered higher discounts for longer subscription periods. For long-term use, we recommend that you select the subscription billing method.

Procedure

  1. Log on to the ApsaraDB RDS console.
  2. In the top navigation bar, select the region where your RDS instance resides.
  3. Find your ECS instance and click its ID.
  4. In the Status section of the Basic Information page, click Convert to Pay as you go.
  5. Confirm the configuration of your RDS instance, read and select Terms of Service, click Pay Now, and then complete the payment.

Related operations

Operation Description
Change billing method Changes the billing method of an ApsaraDB RDS instance.