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    ApsaraDB RDS:Change the billing method from subscription to pay-as-you-go

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    ApsaraDB RDS:Change the billing method from subscription to pay-as-you-go

    Last Updated:Sep 24, 2025

    You can change the billing method of an RDS instance from subscription to pay-as-you-go for greater flexibility and to recover costs. After you change the billing method to pay-as-you-go, ensure that your payment method has a sufficient balance. This prevents overdue payments that can affect your instance's operation.

    Prerequisites

    • The instance uses the subscription billing method. For more information about billing methods, see Billable items.

    • The instance is in the Running state.

      Note

      If a subscription instance is locked because it expired, you must first renew the instance. For more information, see Manual renewal.

    • The instance does not use a legacy instance type. If your instance uses a legacy instance type, you must change the instance type before you change the billing method to pay-as-you-go.

    Fees

    After you change the billing method of a subscription instance to pay-as-you-go, the refundable amount is returned to your original payment method.

    Refundable amount = Amount paid - Amount consumed. The terms are described as follows:

    • Amount paid is the actual cash amount that you paid for an order. This amount does not include deductions from vouchers or coupons.

    • Amount consumed: Daily unit price × Usage duration × Applicable discount for the usage duration.

    For more information about the refund rules, see Refund rules for changing the billing method from subscription to pay-as-you-go.

    Impacts

    This operation does not affect the running state of the instance.

    Note

    Consider this change carefully. If you plan to use the instance for a long time, the subscription billing method is more cost-effective than pay-as-you-go. Longer subscription durations provide greater discounts.

    Procedure

    1. Log on to the RDS console. In the navigation pane on the left, click Instances. In the top navigation bar, select a region.

    2. Find the target instance and go to the Switch to Pay-As-You-Go page using one of the following methods:

      • In the Billing Method column of the target instance, click Switch to Pay-As-You-Go.

      • Click the instance ID. In the Running Status section, find Billing Method and click Switch to Pay-As-You-Go on the right.

    3. Confirm the instance information, select the check box to agree to the Terms of Service, and then click Confirm Order to complete the payment.

    Related APIs

    API

    Description

    Change the billing method

    Changes the billing method of an RDS instance.

    FAQ

    Q: What should I do if a price inquiry fails when I change the billing method from subscription to pay-as-you-go?

    A: The change may fail for the following reasons:

    • The instance is in a classic network. The classic network for RDS is no longer available. You must change the network type to a virtual private cloud (VPC) before you change the billing method.

    • If a pop-up window displays the message "The current instance type is a legacy instance type. Change the instance type before you proceed.", you must change the instance type to one that is currently available and then try the operation again. For more information, see legacy instance types.