How Flex Credits work
Workday introduced Flex Credits in September 2025 as its usage-based pricing model for AI agents and platform innovations. Credits are bought in bulk and applied across eligible agents and capabilities, and they charge for the work AI completes rather than the number of employees. Customers receive a complimentary annual allotment that resets each year.
Running Workday-built agents requires the Universal Main Subscription Agreement, which many customers have moved to since 2024.
Why it matters
Workday's core subscription is still priced per employee against a contracted worker population. Flex Credits add a second, usage-based line. In its second quarter of fiscal 2027, Workday said AI products accounted for more than 25% of new annual contract value, so that line is growing fast.
New agents keep arriving, each consuming credits at its own rate. What the business will actually use over a three-year term is hard to predict at signature.
Where Deal IQ comes in
This guide explains how the pricing works. What your contract should cost is settled in the negotiation. Deal IQ has run 75+ Workday negotiations covering $650M+ in contract value, with a network of 350+ former vendor sales, pricing and deal desk leaders that includes people who sold for Workday. We negotiate directly with Workday or behind the scenes with your team, and our fee comes from the savings.
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Frequently asked questions
What are Workday Flex Credits?
Workday's usage-based pricing model for AI agents and platform innovations. Credits are bought in bulk and applied across eligible capabilities.
Do Workday AI agents require a new agreement?
Yes. Workday-built agents require the Universal Main Subscription Agreement (UMSA).
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