I am writing to seek urgent clarification regarding the cost breakdown in my recent call usage, as I am facing confusion with your pricing system, specifically concerning the Speech-to-Text (STT) component. have noted the standard call cost, which I understand to be $0.05 per minute. However, I have also observed a separate charge for STT (Speech-to-Text) within the VAPI call cost breakdown. This is confusing for me because I am under the impression that the STT service is handled by my own configured external provider. Specifically: My current configuration utilizes an Azure Transcriber connected via my own API key. Therefore, I anticipate that all Speech-to-Text processing costs should be billed directly to my Azure account, not through VAPI. I urgently request clarification on the following points: Why is the STT charge being deducted on the VAPI side when I am using a self-managed external transcriber (Azure)? Is it possible that VAPI is providing and charging for a separate, default STT service, even when an external API key is configured? Could you please confirm the exact service or process that is incurring this specific STT charge in my usage report? Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and for clarifying the billing details, especially concerning the unexpected STT charge.

Action Required: Currently, Vapi only supports Deepgram as a custom transcription provider via provider keys. If you have configured Azure, it may not be recognized, and Vapi will default to its own STT service—resulting in the observed charge. To avoid Vapi STT charges, please use Deepgram as your custom transcriber, or check the [Provider Keys](https://docs.vapi.ai/customization/provider-keys) section for updates on Azure support. If you need to confirm your current setup, visit the Vapi Dashboard under the Provider Keys tab. Source: - [Provider Keys](https://docs.vapi.ai/customization/provider-keys)

@Fanfantulipan I have approximately the same issue: https://discord.com/channels/1211482211119796234/1438193425550807182

ok so IF I choose azure speach as a trnasciber but I didnt have there my api key, vapi was actually using deppgram as a transciber ?

@Fanfantulipan No, logically it will still be Azure as the provider, but your account will be billed through Vapi’s managed keys. Vapi simply passes through the requests using their own key behind the scenes.

Hi there, If you bring your own API key for Azure STT, you should not be billed by Vapi for transcription. Charges only occur if your Azure key fails and the system falls back to the managed STT option. If you’d like us to look into the specific case, please share a call ID and I can review the exact billing path for that call.