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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.
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.