n8n has added a feature called Gateway credits to n8n Cloud, starting with version 2.36. On select self-service Cloud plans, users building AI-powered workflows can now use supported model providers and tool services without first creating a provider account or generating an API key. Instead of adding a credential, they select Gateway credits, and usage draws from a shared prepaid balance managed inside n8n.
At launch, six model providers are supported: Anthropic, Google Gemini, OpenAI, Alibaba Cloud (via the Qwen Cloud Node), Kimi.ai, and MiniMax. Five tool services are also included: Brave Search, Browserbase, Firecrawl, LlamaParse, and PDF.co. n8n says it follows each provider's published list price where one exists and publishes rates on a single page.
Gateway credits work whether a workflow is built directly on the canvas or through n8n Assistant, n8n's natural-language builder, which applies Gateway credits automatically when a user names a supported service they don't already have a credential for. According to n8n, the selected provider receives only the content of a request, such as a prompt or document, not the user's identity or n8n account details.
Usage is tracked in the Cloud Admin Panel by workflow or by service, with balances shown in real currency and the option to set up automatic top-ups. Instance owners can turn Gateway credits on or off for the entire instance from Workspace settings. Teams that prefer a direct relationship with a provider can still bring their own API key, which continues to work as before.
Gateway credits are available today on n8n Cloud Starter and Pro plans. n8n says it plans to bring the same experience to self-hosted instances over time, but that this requires additional infrastructure not included in this release. Eligible new Cloud accounts, including trials, start with a small balance of Gateway credits, and existing paying Starter and Pro customers received a one-time allowance during rollout. n8n states it intends to expand the list of supported providers and services beyond the initial eleven.