> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.skale.space/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Credit Chain

> SKALE Chain model where compute is paid via credits — developers and/or users purchase credits to transact

## What Is a Credit Chain?

A credit chain is a SKALE Chain where compute resources are paid for through **compute credits**. Developers and/or users purchase credits, and transactions deduct compute from the credit balance — no separate gas token needed.

On SKALE Base Mainnet, credits use the **CREDIT** native token. SKALE Base Testnet uses a [faucet](https://base-sepolia-faucet.skale.space) instead.

## How It Works

```
Developer or user buys CREDIT tokens
  → Credits are deposited into their account
    → Sending transactions deducts compute from credits
      → No sFUEL or gas token required
```

## Buying Credits (SKALE Base Mainnet)

Credits are purchased at **[https://base.skalenodes.com/credits](https://base.skalenodes.com/credits)**:

1. Check your CREDIT balance
2. Select **Buy credits**
3. Choose payment method — USDC or SKL
4. Complete the purchase

<Note>
  Compute credits are currently only available on SKALE Base Mainnet. SKALE Base Testnet uses the faucet at [https://base-sepolia-faucet.skale.space](https://base-sepolia-faucet.skale.space).
</Note>

## Key Characteristics

* **Flexible payment** — Developers can buy credits for their users, or users can purchase their own
* **No sFUEL needed** — credits replace the valueless gas token model
* **Transparent balance** — credit balance is visible on the [credits page](https://base.skalenodes.com/credits)
* **Faucet available for testnet** — no purchase needed during development

## Comparison

| Feature            | Credit Chain                      | Zero Gas Fee (sFUEL)        | Gas Chain                |
| ------------------ | --------------------------------- | --------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| Who pays           | Developers and/or users           | sChain Owner                | Users                    |
| User needs tokens? | CREDIT (purchased or from faucet) | sFUEL (valueless)           | Gas token (market value) |
| Cost model         | Pay-as-you-go credits             | Subscription (sChain owner) | Per-transaction          |
| Best for           | SKALE Base Mainnet                | SKALE on Ethereum           | DeFi, financial apps     |

## Related Topics

* [Gas Fees](/developers/integrate-skale/gas-fees) — SKALE's gas fee models
* [Go Live](/get-started/quick-start/go-live) — Deploy on SKALE Base
* [SKALE on Base](/get-started/quick-start/skale-on-base) — Chain details