---
title: "How to upgrade a dbt account"
source: dbt Core Documentation
source_url: https://github.com/dbt-labs/docs.getdbt.com
licence: Apache-2.0
domain: data-and-analysis
subdomain: dbt-docs
date_added: 2026-04-25
---

<Constant name="dbt" /> offers [several plans](https://www.getdbt.com/pricing/) with different features that meet your needs. This document is for <Constant name="dbt" /> admins and explains how to select a plan in order to continue using <Constant name="dbt" />. 

## Prerequisites 

Before you begin: 
- You _must_ be part of the [Owner](/docs/cloud/manage-access/self-service-permissions) user group to make billing changes. Users not included in this group will not see these options.
- All amounts shown in <Constant name="dbt" /> are in U.S. Dollars (USD)   
- When your trial expires, your account's default plan enrollment will be a Starter plan.


## Select a plan 
When your [14 day trial](https://www.getdbt.com/signup/) ends or if your subscription payment is past due , you'll need to select a plan in order to continue using your account:

- Upon logging in, you should see an "Account locked" pop up message with instructions to unlock your account and update your payment details
- Click **Go to Billing** to go to the billing page
- Under **Billing**, you can review the available <Constant name="dbt" /> [plans](https://www.getdbt.com/pricing/) and their features


To unlock your account and select a plan, review the following guidance per plan type:

### Developer plan

1. To select a Developer plan, click Select plan on the right.
2. Confirm your plan selection on the pop up message.
3. This automatically unlocks your <Constant name="dbt" /> account, and you can now enjoy the benefits of the Developer plan. 🎉

<Lightbox src="/img/docs/dbt-cloud/downgrade-dev-flow.gif"/>

#### Plan allocation

If you select a plan but have too many seats or projects for that plan (for example, if you select the Developer plan but have more than one developer seat), you'll be directed to the users & projects pages to make edits.

### Starter plan

1. When your trial expires, your account's default plan enrollment will be a Starter plan. 
2. To unlock your account and continue using the Starter plan, click on **Select plan** under the Starter column.
3. Enter your payment information and seat purchases. Then click **Save**.
4. This automatically unlocks your <Constant name="dbt" /> account, and you can now enjoy the benefits of the Starter plan. 🎉

<Lightbox src="/img/docs/dbt-cloud/trial-team-flow.png"/>

<Lightbox src="/img/docs/dbt-cloud/trial-team-payments-flow.png"/>

### Enterprise plan

1. If you're interested in one of our Enterprise-tier plans, select the Enterprise tab under **Billing**.
2. Click **Contact Sales** on the right. This opens a chat window for you to contact the <Constant name="dbt" /> Support team, who will connect you to our Sales team.
3. Once you submit your request, our Sales team will contact you with more information. 

<Lightbox src="/img/docs/dbt-cloud/enterprise-upgrade.gif"/>

4. Alternatively, you can [contact](https://www.getdbt.com/contact/) our Sales team directly to chat about how <Constant name="dbt" /> can help you and your team. 

## Related questions

For commonly asked billings questions, refer to the <Constant name="dbt" /> [pricing page](https://www.getdbt.com/pricing/).

<details>
  <summary>How does billing work?</summary>

  Starter plans are billed monthly on the credit card used to sign up, based on [developer seat count and usage](/docs/cloud/billing). You’ll also be sent a monthly receipt to the billing email of your choice. You can change any billing information in your Account Settings &gt; Billing page.

  Enterprise-tier plan customers are billed annually based on the number of developer seats, as well as any additional services + features in your chosen plan.

</details>
<details>
  <summary>Can I upgrade or downgrade my plan?</summary>
  
  Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade at any time. Account Owners can access their dedicated billing section via the account settings page.
    
  If you’re not sure which plan is right for you, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help you find one that fits your needs.

</details>
<details>
  <summary>Can I pay by invoice?</summary>
  
  Currently, <Constant name="dbt" /> Starter plan payments must be made with a credit card, and by default they will be billed monthly based on the number of [developer seats and usage](/docs/cloud/billing).
  
  We don’t have any plans to do invoicing for Starter plan accounts in the near future, but we do currently support invoices for companies on the <Constant name="dbt" /> Enterprise-tier plan. Feel free to [contact](https://www.getdbt.com/contact/) us to build your Enterprise pricing plan.

</details>
<details>
  <summary>Why did I receive a Failed payment error email?</summary>
  
  This means we were unable to charge the credit card you have on file, or you have not provided an updated card for payment. If you're a current account owner with a card on file, contact your credit card issuer to inquire as to why your card was declined or update the credit card on your account.

  Your Account Owner can update payment details in the Account Settings -> Billing page. Click Edit next to your card details, double check your information is up-to-date, and we'll give it another go at the next billing run.

</details>
