---
title: "Convert a DBaaS instance to a committed plan"
description: "Move a MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL DBaaS instance, or one of its Read Replicas, from hourly billing to a committed plan."
content_type: "how-to"
product: "database"
platform: "MyAccount"
url: "/myaccount/database/how-to/convert-a-database-to-a-committed-plan/"
topic: ["lifecycle"]
---

# Convert a DBaaS instance to a committed plan

Convert a DBaaS instance from hourly billing to a committed plan to pay one price for a fixed
period; longer periods save more. The DBaaS instance and each of its Read Replicas have their own committed plan, so you
convert each one separately.

## Before you begin

The full committed cost is paid at once: from your infra credits on a prepaid account, or on your
next bill on a postpaid one. Deleting the DBaaS instance before the end date refunds none of the
committed cost.

## Convert the DBaaS instance

1. From the DBaaS instance's **More Actions** menu, click **Convert to Committed**.
2. Choose a committed plan by its period in days.
3. Read the exact cost and period in the agreement text, then check the box next to it.
4. Click **Convert**.

You get an email confirming the conversion. The DBaaS instance's **More Actions** menu now shows
**Committed Settings** in place of **Convert to Committed**.

## Convert a Read Replica

On the primary's **Read Replica** tab, open the replica's row menu and click
**Convert to Committed**. Then choose a plan, check the agreement, and click **Convert**. A
converted replica's **Committed Node Settings** offers the same choices as **Committed Settings**.

## Choose what happens when the period ends

A committed plan renews automatically by default. To change that:

1. From the DBaaS instance's **More Actions** menu, click **Committed Settings**. It shows the date
   the commitment ends and how much you save.
2. Choose what happens at the end of the period. **Auto-renew the committed period** starts a new
   committed period on the committed option you pick. Choose it for a DBaaS instance you will keep.
   **Apply hourly billing as per the base rate of the plan** moves the DBaaS instance to the plan's
   hourly rate. Choose it if you plan to delete or change the DBaaS instance after the end date.
3. Click **Update Settings**.

Your choice applies from the date the commitment ends. With either choice, the DBaaS instance stays
in your account after the period ends.

## What happens at renewal

- You get reminder emails before the period ends, including one day before on every plan and three
  days before on every plan except the seven-day plan.
- An auto-renewing plan renews once its period ends, even while the DBaaS instance is stopped.
- If you are prepaid and your infra credits fall short of the next period's cost, the DBaaS instance
  switches to hourly billing instead of renewing. Add infra credits before the end date to keep the
  committed rate. A postpaid account always renews.
- You get an email when the plan renews, and when it switches to hourly billing.

Your DBaaS instance now bills at the committed rate until the end date, then follows the choice you
saved. To add a replica on its own committed plan, see
[Create a Read Replica](/myaccount/database/how-to/create-a-read-replica/).