> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.controlplusa.ai/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Can I test Ctrl+A before paying?

# Can I test Ctrl+A before paying?

Yes — you can test **Ctrl+A** using our **Free Plan**, which allows you to explore all key features and even launch real campaigns with certain limitations. However, to activate your Business Account, you must add a **payment method** during onboarding.


## Free Plan Overview

The Free Plan gives you access to the same AI-driven campaign creation and management tools used in paid plans but with limited capacity:

* **1 active campaign** at a time
* **1 user** in your Business Account
* Full use of AI-assisted ad creation, targeting, and optimization

It’s designed for small businesses that want to experience Ctrl+A before committing to a paid plan.


## Payment Method Requirement

Even with the Free Plan, you must add a **valid payment method** (credit card, SEPA, or PayPal).
This ensures your account is ready for campaigns and billing when needed.
Your payment method is only charged if:

* You launch a campaign using Ctrl+A’s managed ad accounts, or
* You upgrade to a paid subscription.


## Media Budget and Ad Accounts

When running ads, you have two ways to handle the **media budget** (the actual advertising spend):

1. **Use Ctrl+A’s managed ad accounts**

* Ctrl+A handles all billing to Google and Meta on your behalf.
* You pay your campaign’s media budget through your Ctrl+A credit balance.
* This makes campaign management simple and centralized.

2. **Use your own Google or Meta ad accounts**

* You can connect your own ad accounts instead of using Ctrl+A’s managed ones.
* In that case, Google or Meta charges you directly for ad spend.
* You can then use Ctrl+A’s software **completely free of charge**, even under the Free Plan.


## Summary

You can fully test Ctrl+A with the **Free Plan** while adding a payment method for activation.
Your media budget is paid only when campaigns run — either via Ctrl+A’s managed accounts or directly through your own Google or Meta accounts.
This gives you full flexibility to explore the platform and see results before upgrading.