Habits
Spend less by sending less, and by checking the page.
These are habits, not coupons. A discount, a cache rate, a batch rate or an off-peak rate counts only when that host’s own page states it.
Match the model to the task
A flagship model is the wrong default for a short rewrite or a format change. Look at the model list and the comparison. A cheaper model with a published score you can live with costs less per token than a model at the top of a preference board.
Use the free tier you can see
The prices page lists a product only when the official HTML states a monthly price, including a stated free tier. Do not assume a signup screen is a free plan.
Shorten the prompt and the context
You pay for the text you send and the text you get back. Paste the paragraph that matters, not the whole thread. Ask for a short answer when a short answer is enough. That reduces tokens. It is not a special discount.
Cache, batch and off-peak
Some hosts publish a lower price for cached input, for batched jobs, or for off-peak hours. If the pricing page says so, you can use that figure. If the page does not say it, do not claim the discount. Our calculator uses the list prices on file. It does not invent an off-peak rate.