Can't use free models when API usage is at 100%

Where does the bug appear (feature/product)?

Cursor IDE

Describe the Bug

The codex spark model says it is free to use right now. My API usage is at 100%. When trying to send something with the codex spark model it still says I am out of usage and prompts me to switch to Composer 1.5 (nice models but I just wanna test the competition ;))

Steps to Reproduce

Be at 100% API usage and don’t be at 100% Auto usage.

Try to send something with the Codex Spark model which says it is Free during the Preview period.

Operating System

Windows 10/11

Version Information

Version: 2.5.26 (user setup)
VSCode Version: 1.105.1
Commit: 7d96c2a03bb088ad367615e9da1a3fe20fbbc6a0
Date: 2026-02-26T04:57:56.825Z
Build Type: Stable
Release Track: Early Access
Electron: 39.4.0
Chromium: 142.0.7444.265
Node.js: 22.22.0
V8: 14.2.231.22-electron.0
OS: Windows_NT x64 10.0.26200

For AI issues: which model did you use?

GPT-5.3 Codex Spark Extra High

Does this stop you from using Cursor

No - Cursor works, but with this issue

Hey, thanks for the report. This looks like a valid bug. Free preview models shouldn’t be blocked by the API usage limit. I’ve flagged it with the team.

As a workaround for now, you can enable on-demand usage in your dashboard so the API limit doesn’t block you, though I know that doesn’t fix the core issue with free models.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Where does the bug appear (feature/product)?

Cursor IDE

Describe the Bug

Once you reach your usage limit, the free/promotional models are not longer available. Have to enable on-demand usage to get access to them, even though they charge $0.

Steps to Reproduce

Enable GPT 5.3 Codex Spark Model, consume 100% of your usage limit, have on-demand usage disabled or limit already reached, try to make a request to GPT 5.3 Codex Spark. Then receive warning to increase limits or switch to Auto.

Expected Behavior

Should be still able to make requests to free models.

Operating System

Windows 10/11

Version Information

Version: 2.6.20 (user setup)
VSCode Version: 1.105.1
Commit: b29eb4ee5f9f6d1cb2afbc09070198d3ea6ad760
Date: 2026-03-17T01:50:02.404Z
Build Type: Stable
Release Track: Default
Electron: 39.8.1
Chromium: 142.0.7444.265
Node.js: 22.22.1
V8: 14.2.231.22-electron.0
OS: Windows_NT x64 10.0.19045

For AI issues: which model did you use?

GPT 5.3 Codex Spark

Does this stop you from using Cursor

Sometimes - I can sometimes use Cursor