> ## 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.

# Buy CREDITS

> Purchase compute credits to deploy and transact on SKALE Base

On SKALE Base Mainnet, compute is paid for using **CREDIT tokens**. Credits are deposited into your wallet on SKALE Base and are used to cover the compute cost of every transaction — no separate gas token is needed.

<Note>
  On SKALE Base Sepolia (testnet), you don't need to buy credits. Use the [faucet](https://base-sepolia-faucet.skale.space) to get free testnet CREDITS.
</Note>

## How It Works

When you buy CREDITS, the tokens go directly into your wallet on SKALE Base. Every transaction you send deducts compute from your credit balance:

```
Buy CREDITS → CREDITS deposited in your wallet on SKALE Base
           → Sending a transaction deducts compute from your balance
           → No separate gas token required
```

## Acquire CREDITS for SKALE Base

import BuyCredits from "../../_snippets/buy-credits.mdx"

<BuyCredits />

## Checking Your Balance

You can check your CREDIT balance at any time:

1. Go to the [CREDITS portal](https://base.skalenodes.com/credits)
2. Connect your wallet
3. View your available balance

## Estimating Compute Costs

Each transaction on SKALE Base consumes a small amount of CREDITS based on its compute complexity. Simple transfers and basic contract calls use minimal credits, while complex deployments and interactions use more.

<Note>
  SKALE Base Testnet credits are free and replenishable via the [faucet](https://base-sepolia-faucet.skale.space) — perfect for testing and development.
</Note>

## Troubleshooting

| Issue                        | Solution                                                                                                                     |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Insufficient CREDITS         | Buy more credits on the [portal](https://base.skalenodes.com/credits)                                                        |
| Transaction keeps failing    | Check your CREDIT balance — you may have run out                                                                             |
| Can't find CREDITS in wallet | CREDITS are tracked on the SKALE Base chain, not in your wallet UI by default. Your balance is visible on the credits portal |
| Need more testnet CREDITS    | Open a ticket on [SKALE Discord](https://discord.gg/skale) and request a larger allocation                                   |

<Note>
  **Next:** [Deploy Your First Contract →](/developers/integrate-skale/deploy-first-contract)
</Note>