# Subscription & Billing {#subscription-and-billing}

This page explains the subscription requirements for using Takumi Guard and how to view invoices.

## Required Subscriptions {#required-subscriptions}

To use Takumi Guard's paid features, the following two requirements must be met:

### Takumi Subscription {#takumi-subscription}

Takumi Guard is provided as part of Takumi. An active **Takumi subscription** is required. If the Takumi subscription is cancelled, Guard's paid features will no longer be available.

For details on the Takumi subscription, see [Cancelling a Subscription](/docs/t/management/cancelling-subscription.md).

### Explicit Guard Activation {#guard-activation}

Subscribing to Takumi alone does not enable Guard billing. To use Guard's paid features, you must explicitly activate Guard from **Guard** > **Settings** in the Shisho Cloud console.

Until activation, org user tokens cannot be created and no charges will be incurred.

:::info
Guard's free features (registry proxy, package blocking, email-verified tokens) are available regardless of subscription status.
:::

## Billing Cycle {#billing-cycle}

Guard usage fees are aggregated per Takumi subscription billing period and invoiced within 3 days after the billing period ends.

1. **Subscription fee**: Charged at the start of each billing period (prepaid).
2. **Guard overage**: Charged within 3 days after the billing period ends (postpaid). Only the portion exceeding the free quota is charged.

Payment is processed automatically through Stripe using the payment method registered with your Takumi subscription.

:::info
If you pay by invoice or bank transfer, the billing timeline may differ. Contact your account manager for details.
:::

## Viewing Invoices {#viewing-invoices}

Invoices can be viewed in the Stripe customer portal. Access the customer portal from the link in **Settings** > **Takumi** in the Shisho Cloud console.