> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.omneo.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Credits

> Credits are a payment object in Omneo, store credit, promotional credit, and gift cards.

<Note>
  Credits are a **Commerce** concept in Omneo, not an Incentives concept. The critical distinction: credits are treated as a **payment type** rather than a discount. They settle against the transaction balance after all discounts have been applied.
</Note>

## What are credits?

A Credit is a dollar-value amount stored against a customer profile that can be used as a payment method at checkout. Credits have a fixed value, optional expiry dates, and GST/tax implications depending on their type.

## The three types of credits

### Store credit

Issued when a customer returns a product and the brand chooses to offer credit instead of a cash refund. Store credit is "paid for" by the returned product.

**Example:** A customer returns a $100 item. Instead of a refund, the brand offers $110 store credit, a \$10 incentive to keep the relationship.

### Promotional credit

A marketing-issued credit funded by the brand's marketing budget. Used as an incentive for specific campaigns or behaviours.

**Example:** Issue \$20 promotional credit to customers who complete their profile.

### Gift cards

Paid for by a customer (the gift card purchaser) using standard payment methods. Transferred to a recipient. Includes a virtual gift card flow with a card number and PIN.

**Smart Gift Cards:** Cards that revert to the original purchaser if the recipient doesn't use them within a defined period.

## Key characteristics

* Credits can be used **anywhere standard payment types are accepted** (in-store POS, eCommerce checkout)
* Credits can be redeemed in **partial amounts**: you don't have to spend the full credit in one transaction
* **Multiple credits** can be applied to a single transaction
* Credits **auto-convert** to the transaction currency using configured FX rates
* Credits can be **transferred** between known customers (as gift cards)
* Credits issued to an unknown recipient are stored against the purchaser's profile until the recipient creates a profile

## Redemption hierarchy

When a customer has multiple incentives to redeem, the order is:

```
Benefits → Rewards → Credits → Payment
```

Credits are the last incentive applied before the customer pays the remaining balance with cash or card.

## Issuing credits

Credits can be issued via:

* CX Manager (manually by admin or manager users)
* Clienteling (by in-store staff)
* Profile Portal (for eligible self-service flows)
* API (programmatically via the Credits endpoint)

## Credits vs rewards

|                    | Credits                | Rewards        |
| ------------------ | ---------------------- | -------------- |
| Treatment          | Payment type           | Discount       |
| GST implications   | Yes (where applicable) | No             |
| Transferable       | Yes (gift cards)       | No             |
| Partial use        | Yes                    | Yes            |
| Hierarchy position | Last (before payment)  | After Benefits |