---
id: 20261002_185037_faq-28-the-ow
title: AGENT - FAQ - What is the own-key plan, and why would I choose it?
category: FAQ
predicted_narrative_arc: comparison of options
sentiment: neutral
emotions:
- practical
keypoints:
- $40 monthly fee covers hosting and support only
- xAI bills tokens directly via user's own API key
- exact usage metrics visible in xAI console
- direct control over key and account settings
- simpler compliance for business AI policies
- switchable to all-in plan at month start
summary: The own-key plan is a $40 monthly option where users supply their own xAI
  API key so that room and Compa usage is billed directly by xAI for tokens consumed.
  It provides exact usage metrics, direct account control, key rotation ability, and
  pay-for-what-you-use pricing, while the service fee covers only hosting and support.
  The all-in $60 plan bundles usage instead, and users can switch plans monthly.
tags:
- faq
- asker
- intelligent-netware
- own-key
- xai
- pricing
- usage-metrics
- api-key
sycophancy: 1
truth_score: 9
entropy: 2
sample: false
consent: own_laptop
agent: gb
source_session: ''
created: '2026-10-03T01:50:37Z'
updated: '2026-10-03T04:01:26Z'
vault_stage: 07_CODEX
headwaters: FAQ
prefix: FAQ
enrich_status: ok
enrich_blockers: []
enrich_method: llm
pipeline_filename: FAQ_2026-10-02_28-the-own-key-plan.md
source_kind: faq_draft
proposed_topic: Work
lane: Work
voice: desk
active_voice: desk
voices:
- desk
corpus_topic: Work
faq_set: 2026-10-02_IN_Asker_FAQ
faq_number: 28
---

# What is the own-key plan, and why would I choose it?

Title suggestion: AGENT - FAQ - What is the own-key plan, and why would I choose it?
Shelf: Work
Tags: faq, asker, intelligent-netware, own-key, xai, pricing, usage-metrics, api-key

## Public answer

**Question people actually type:**
What is the own-key plan, and why would I choose it?

The own-key plan is our $40-a-month option for owners who'd rather pay for AI usage directly.

On the all-in plan ($60 a month), the AI usage for your room and Compa is included in your fee. On the own-key plan, your room and Compa call xAI with an API key from your own xAI account. xAI bills you directly for the tokens you use, and our $40 covers hosting, onboarding sessions with Daniel, fixes, and updates.

Why choose it?

**Exact metrics.** xAI's console shows exactly how much your room and Compa used. If you like to see real numbers, this plan gives them to you.

**Your own relationship with xAI.** Your usage runs under your account, so xAI's terms apply directly between you and xAI. If your business has its own AI policies, that can make compliance simpler. You also control account-level settings yourself. 

**Control of the key.** You can rotate or revoke the key at any time in your xAI account. We use it only to run your service, and we keep it confidential.

**Paying for what you use.** A quiet room may cost less than the included budget. A busy room may cost more.

Why not choose it? It's one more account and one more bill. If you want a single predictable price and never want to think about tokens, the all-in plan is simpler.

Setting it up is part of onboarding. Daniel will help you create an xAI account, add a payment method, generate an API key, and connect it to your service. You can switch plans by email, effective at the start of the next month, so the choice is never locked in.

## Related questions

- [[FAQ_2026-10-02_27-what-does-it-cost|What does an Asker cost?]]
- [[FAQ_2026-10-02_20-model-and-hosting|Which AI model runs it, and where is it hosted?]]
- [[FAQ_2026-10-02_22-training-and-data-policy|Is my content, or my visitors' questions, used to train AI?]]
- [[FAQ_2026-10-02_29-onboarding-and-the-install-call|What happens at onboarding and the install call?]]
- [[FAQ_2026-10-02_36-abuse-and-usage-costs|What stops someone from abusing my Asker or running up costs?]]
- [[FAQ_2026-10-02_00-INDEX|All Asker FAQs]]

_Written by Daniel Comp with GB, Director of Operations, Intelligent Netware._