🤯 The Credit Conundrum: Can You Use Your Tesla Credits to Snag Full Self-Driving (FSD)? A Totally Legit (and Hilarious) Guide
Alright, fam. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty, the real tea, the burning question that keeps every Tesla owner up at night, stressing over their "Loot Box" balance. We’re talking about those sweet, sweet Tesla Referral Credits and the holy grail of software: Full Self-Driving (FSD). Can you really cash in those hard-earned referral points to level up your ride with the latest, greatest (and let’s be honest, priciest) software upgrade?
For a long time, the answer was a total buzzkill. Like finding out your favorite ice cream shop only accepts cash when all you have is plastic. But hold the phone, because things have changed! Tesla’s "Refer and Earn" program has been on a wild ride, and finally, there's a killer way to merge your credit hoard with your self-driving dreams. We're going to break down how you can use those credits for an FSD subscription—and trust me, this is where the real value is.
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| Can I Use Tesla Credits For Fsd |
Step 1: 🧐 Check Your Stash – Are You Ballin’ on Credits?
First things first, you gotta know your net worth in the Tesla-verse. Those credits don't grow on trees, people! You earned them by being a total legend and referring new peeps to the Tesla squad.
1.1 Download the Tesla App (The Digital Key to Your Kingdom)
If you don't have it, you're living in the Stone Age. This app is your everything: your key, your diagnostic tool, and the keeper of your precious credits.
Open the app.
Log in like the VIP you are.
Look for the "Loot Box" icon (it usually looks like a little treasure chest or a gift box).
Tap that bad boy. Inside, you'll see your current Credit Balance.
Keep an eye on the expiration date! Those credits aren't forever, so don't be a slug and let them turn into digital dust.
1.2 Understand the Credit/Cash Divide
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
Here’s the deal: The traditional, full-monty, buy-it-outright FSD purchase (which is a serious stack of cash) is a different beast than the monthly FSD (Supervised) Subscription.
FSD Purchase (Outright): This is the mega-commitment. You buy it, you own it (on that car, usually). You might be able to use a huge pile of credits for this, but it’s often a murky area and depends on the latest program rules. It’s better to focus on the subscription.
FSD Subscription (Monthly): This is the low-commitment vibe. You pay a monthly fee to access the features. This is where your referral credits can truly shine, like a supernova of savings!
Step 2: 📱 The Digital Dive – Subscribing with Credits in the App
This is the main event. The moment of truth. You’re about to transform your friend-referring hustle into a self-driving machine (with supervision, of course—safety first, folks!).
2.1 Locate the "Upgrades" Section
Open that Tesla App again and navigate to the "Upgrades" tab. This is where you can soup up your car’s features from the comfort of your couch. No need to even change out of your sweatpants!
2.2 Select the FSD (Supervised) Subscription
Look for the software upgrades, and you should see the option to subscribe to Full Self-Driving (Supervised). If you’re eligible (you need the correct FSD computer hardware, usually 3.0 or above—if you don't, check out the FAQ!), you'll see the option to proceed.
Tip: Break down complex paragraphs step by step.
2.3 The Moment of Truth: Choosing Your Payment Method
When you get to the checkout screen, this is where the magic happens.
Instead of picking your regular credit card, look for the dropdown or option that says "Tesla Credits" (or something similar, depending on the latest app update—they love to change things up, those rascals).
Select the credits option. Boom! You’re using your referral stash.
You will usually be given the option to pay for multiple months in bulk using your credits. This is key. Since credits are a one-time payment, Tesla often lets you pre-pay a chunk of your subscription (like up to 10 months or more) to use up your balance. If you've got the credits, pay for as many months as you can!
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Step 3: 🚦 Confirmation and Activation – Hitting the Open Road
You've done the digital tango, now it's time to confirm and get that upgrade rolling.
3.1 Confirm Your Purchase and Watch the Credits Disappear (In a Good Way)
Review the transaction. Make sure the amount of Tesla Credits being applied looks totally legit.
Tap "Confirm" or "Subscribe." You'll receive a confirmation email, and your credit balance will immediately take a hit (a glorious, worthwhile hit!).
3.2 Wait for the Software Update to Download
Your Tesla will need to download and install the FSD software package. This is usually done over Wi-Fi, so make sure your car is parked somewhere with a strong connection. This isn't like downloading a mobile game—it's a whole vibe of software.
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
3.3 Enable FSD in Your Vehicle's Settings
Once the download is complete, you'll need to enable the features on your car's touchscreen.
Go to Controls > Autopilot > and look for the FSD (Supervised) settings.
Read the manual! Seriously. FSD is amazing, but it's not a set-it-and-forget-it system. It’s Supervised for a reason, meaning your hands must be on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Don't be that guy who is chilling in the back seat—that’s a recipe for a viral video and a possible talking-to from the authorities.
🌟 Pro Tip: Maximize the Value!
Since you can use credits for the subscription, this is often the best bang for your buck. FSD is constantly improving, and subscribing lets you try it without the mega-commitment of the full purchase price. Plus, you get to use those credits you earned! It's a win-win, bay-bee!
FAQ Questions and Answers
How do I know if my Tesla has the FSD computer hardware needed for the subscription?
You can check this right in your car's settings! Go to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information on your touchscreen. Look for the "Full Self-Driving Computer" line. If it says 3.0 or a higher number (like 4.0), you are generally good to go. If it says something older, you may need a hardware upgrade, which you can usually schedule through the Tesla App.
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
What happens when my pre-paid FSD subscription months run out?
Once the months you paid for with your Tesla Credits are done, your FSD subscription will automatically revert to your default payment method on file (your credit card, usually). If you have more credits, you may need to manually go in and purchase more bulk months before the next billing cycle hits your card. Don't get caught slippin'!
Can I buy the full FSD capability outright with credits?
The ability to use credits for the full, outright purchase of FSD is rarely available or requires an insanely high credit balance, making it impractical for most owners. The current, confirmed sweet spot for credit usage is the monthly subscription, which allows you to pre-pay several months.
Do Tesla Credits have an expiry date?
Heck yes, they do! Tesla credits typically expire 12 months after they are granted to your account. This is a major reason why you should hustle and use them! Don't let your free self-driving time evaporate into the ether.
I referred a friend, and they got a free FSD trial. Did I still get credits?
Yes! Tesla's referral program often includes a perk for the new buyer (like a 3-month FSD trial) and a perk for the referrer (you!), which is typically a specific amount of Tesla Credits. You get the credits, and they get the trial—everybody wins!
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