When using large language model (LLM) APIs, you must check user inputs and model outputs for content safety. This topic describes how to activate the pay-as-you-go service for Guardrails and details the billing rules for each moderation type.
After you activate pay-as-you-go for Guardrails, the Content Compliance feature is enabled by default. To use the Sensitive Content Detection or prompt injection detection features, you must first enable them in the console, as described later in this topic.
Activate Guardrails pay-as-you-go
Activating the pay-as-you-go service for Guardrails is free. The system bills you based on your actual usage. For specific unit prices, see Moderation types and unit prices.
Choose a suitable access method based on your business scenario:
API access: Call the moderation service directly using APIs. This method is ideal for using Guardrails as a standalone service.
Enable detection features
Log on to the Guardrails console. In the left-side navigation pane, choose .
In the list of detection configurations, find the target service and click Management in the Actions column to open the service management page.
In the Protection Dimension section, use the toggle on each card to enable or disable the feature:
Content compliance: Enabled by default. Detects pornographic, violent, political, and other undesirable content. This feature is billed separately. For pricing details, see Moderation types and unit prices.
Sensitive content detection: Detects potential leaks of personal information or sensitive corporate data. This feature is billed separately. For pricing details, see Moderation types and unit prices.
Prompt injection detection: Detects malicious prompts designed to bypass the safety limits of large models. This feature is billed separately. For pricing details, see Moderation types and unit prices.
Malicious URL (in public preview): Scans content from large models for malicious links. This feature is currently free to use during the public preview.
Model Hallucination (in public preview): Detects false or inaccurate information generated by large models. This feature is currently free to use during the public preview.
Detection agent: Identifies specific, user-defined risks in large model interactions based on flexible custom configurations. For pricing details, see detection agent billing plans.
After a feature is enabled, its toggle appears in the enabled state.
Moderation types and unit prices
Access method | Type | Services | Unit price |
API access/AI Gateway integration | Text Moderation - Per Call - Advanced text_guard_advanced |
| USD 6 per 10,000 calls |
API access/AI Gateway integration | Sensitive Content Moderation - Per Call - Advanced text_sddp_advanced |
| USD 6 per 10,000 calls |
API access/AI Gateway integration | prompt injection moderation |
| USD 6 per 10,000 calls Important This feature will be commercially billed starting January 22, 2026. If you do not require this service, disable it in the Guardrails console to avoid incurring charges. |
With pay-as-you-go, Guardrails bills you based on the type and volume of content you check.
Go to the Guardrails activation page.
Read and agree to the Terms of Service, then click Buy Now.
After activation, log on to the Guardrails console and confirm that the service status is Activated.
Overdue payments and top-ups
The billing cycle window for Guardrails is 24 hours.
After each billing cycle, Alibaba Cloud generates a bill based on your usage from the previous cycle and automatically deducts the amount from your account balance. Bills are typically generated 10 to 12 hours after the end of each calendar day.
If your account has an overdue payment, your service is suspended. The service resumes within five minutes after you pay the outstanding balance.