---
title: "Set a spending cap on any call"
description: "Pass max_cost_usd and the call ends by itself once it has cost that much, so a long hold can't run up your bill."
url: https://callforme.tel/news/spending-cap-per-call
published: 2026-10-30
category: feature
author: Jake Marsh
---

# Set a spending cap on any call

A state agency or an airline can keep you on hold for half an hour, and every minute after the first two is billed.

Your agent can now set a limit. Pass `max_cost_usd` to `place_call` (or to `POST /v1/calls` in the REST API), and the call ends on its own when it reaches that amount.

A call costs $1 for the first 2 minutes, then $0.40 a minute, so a $3 cap is about 7 minutes on the line. The cap has to be at least $1.

`plan_call` also suggests a cap, or connecting you with `transfer_to`, when the number you're calling usually has long holds. Field details are in the [MCP reference](/docs/mcp).