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How to Check Your Cursor Usage, Included Credits, and Overage Risk
Cursor now uses included credits and model spend instead of the old fixed fast-request counter. Here's how to check your dashboard, understand overage risk, and keep usage visible while you code.
Last updated July 2026 · By Soren Starck
Quick answer · Cursor usage tracker
For a one-time check, open Cursor's dashboard and read your included credits and model spend. For an always-visible comparison of tracker options, see the best Cursor usage trackers for Mac guide.
Understanding Cursor Usage Limits
Cursor's current paid plans center around included credits and model-specific spend. More expensive models burn through credits faster, and the dashboard is the source of truth for your current monthly budget.
If you remember the older 500 fast requests/month model, treat it as stale for current buying decisions. The practical question now is: how quickly are your included credits being consumed, and will you notice before overage or workflow friction hits?
Method 1: Check the Cursor Dashboard
- Open cursor.com
- Sign in
- Click Dashboard → Usage
- Read your included credits, model spend, and billing-cycle reset
Limitations: the page is a static snapshot, doesn't notify you, and you have to remember to refresh it. By the time you check, you may already have burned more budget than expected.
Method 2: Real-Time Monitoring with SessionWatcher
SessionWatcher for Cursor sits in your macOS menu bar and shows Cursor usage live. No tab-switching, no refreshing.
- Included credits and usage - updates as you work
- Burn-rate projection - at this pace, you know when budget pressure starts
- Premium model breakdown - understand which model choices burn budget fastest
- Billing-cycle countdown - know when your monthly allowance resets
- macOS notifications - alerts before usage surprises interrupt work
SessionWatcherCursor's dashboard is not always visible.
SessionWatcher is.
Native macOS menu bar app. Track Claude and Codex usage, costs, and rate limits in real-time.
“Fast, simple, and does exactly what it should. Definitely worth it.”
@nicojerome on GitHub
macOS 14+. 7-day Bundle trial. No credit card.
Manual Dashboard vs Always-On Tracking
| Check | What you learn | Weak spot | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cursor dashboard | Credits and model spend | Static snapshot | Occasional manual checks |
| SessionWatcher | Live usage and burn rate | macOS only | Developers who need usage visible while coding |
SessionWatcher vs. Cursor Dashboard
| Feature | SessionWatcher | cursor.com Dashboard |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time usage visibility | Yes | Snapshot, you refresh |
| Burn-rate projection | Yes | No |
| Budget warning | macOS notifications | None |
| Setup required | 10 seconds | Login + remember to check |
| Workflow interruption | None (menu bar) | Switch to browser |
| Cost | $6.99 one-time | Free |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my Cursor usage?
cursor.com → Dashboard → Usage shows static counts for included credits and model spend. SessionWatcher for Cursor keeps usage visible in your macOS menu bar.
For a closer look at that screen – what it reports, what it cannot warn you about, and how it compares to the alternatives – see the Cursor usage dashboard guide.
Does Cursor still use fast and slow requests?
Cursor's older Pro messaging centered on 500 fast requests. Current plan decisions should use the included-credits dashboard and model-spend view instead.
Why is Cursor suddenly slow today?
You may be spending credits faster than expected, using a more expensive model, or hitting budget friction. SessionWatcher keeps burn rate visible so you can pace.
Is there a Cursor monitor app for macOS?
Yes - SessionWatcher for Cursor. Native macOS menu bar app, $6.99 one-time, 10-second setup.