diff --git a/src/components/UserStatusBadge.tsx b/src/components/UserStatusBadge.tsx
index 6bb4bad..822e2b5 100644
--- a/src/components/UserStatusBadge.tsx
+++ b/src/components/UserStatusBadge.tsx
@@ -42,14 +42,15 @@ export default function UserStatusBadge() {
                 .eq('user_id', user.id)
                 .single();
 
-            // Get subscription plan
+            // Get subscription plan with monthly credits
             const { data: subscription } = await supabase
                 .from('user_subscriptions')
                 .select(`
                     plan_id,
                     subscription_plans (
                         name,
-                        display_name
+                        display_name,
+                        monthly_credits
                     )
                 `)
                 .eq('user_id', user.id)
@@ -59,8 +60,11 @@ export default function UserStatusBadge() {
             const planData = subscription?.subscription_plans;
             const plan = Array.isArray(planData) ? planData[0] : planData;
 
+            // If no credits entry yet, show plan's monthly credits as expected amount
+            const displayCredits = credits?.balance ?? plan?.monthly_credits ?? 10;
+
             setStatus({
-                credits: credits?.balance ?? 0,
+                credits: displayCredits,
                 planName: plan?.name ?? 'starter',
                 planDisplayName: plan?.display_name ?? 'Starter',
             });