# Caps and limits

> The three spending safeguards: an AutoPilot cluster's cap, the organisation's monthly limit, and the maximum rate.

Source: https://docs.fransys.cloud/en/budget/plafonds-et-limites/ Checked against the console on 2026-10-23.

## Three safeguards

| Safeguard | Where | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| A cluster's **Maximum budget** | Cluster configuration | In AutoPilot, no machine is added beyond it. You're told by email. |
| **Monthly limit** | Budget › Automatic payment and limits | The total the period must not exceed. Without automatic payment, services are shut down beyond it. |
| **Maximum rate** | Budget › Automatic payment and limits | A monthly spending guide, indicative only: nothing is shut down when it's exceeded. |

## A cluster's cap

You set it when you create the cluster or in **Change the configuration**, in AutoPilot mode. It covers servers and the Fransys share; volumes, backups and IP addresses come on top. See [AutoPilot and cap](https://docs.fransys.cloud/en/clusters/autopilot-et-plafond/#the-maximum-budget).

When the cluster's actual cost goes over its cap, the **Today** page and the cluster page flag it: review the cap or the machines.

## The monthly limit

In **Budget**, **Change limits**. The window shows what's expected for the period at the current rate, and warns you if the limit would be exceeded:
- with automatic payment, your services stay online;
- without it, they're shut down.

## The maximum rate

A monthly guide, to compare with the **Current rate**. It's never enforced.

## Fransys maximums

Beyond your limits, the maximums set by Fransys for your organisation apply. To go higher, write to the team from the help button.

## Coming soon

Budget alerts at 80% and 100%, and the effect of pending plans on the bill.