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how to open cursor from cli using the cmd cursor . i mean what setting in cursor to update?

Searching the Web

Cursor editor install cursor command in PATH CLI setup 2025

Here's the full breakdown:

Opening Cursor from CLI with cursor .

The Setting to Enable

Go to the Command Palette and run the shell command installer:
OSSteps
Mac/LinuxCmd+Shift+P → type Install 'cursor' command in PATH → press Enter
WindowsCtrl+Shift+P → type Install 'cursor' command in PATH → press Enter
This adds the cursor binary to your system PATH so you can run:
cursor .          # open current folder
cursor file.txt   # open a specific file
cursor /some/path # open any path

If That Doesn't Work (Mac)

On Mac, if the command palette option is missing or the shell command isn't being picked up, you can add it manually:
# Add to your ~/.zshrc or ~/.bashrc
export PATH="$PATH:/Applications/Cursor.app/Contents/MacOS"
Or create a symlink:
sudo ln -s "/Applications/Cursor.app/Contents/Resources/app/bin/cursor" /usr/local/bin/cursor

On Windows

After running the Command Palette step, restart your terminal. If it still doesn't work, check that the Cursor install directory (usually %LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\cursor) is in your system PATH via: System Properties → Environment Variables → Path

Quick Summary

The one setting you need is:
Command Palette (Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+P) → "Install 'cursor' command in PATH"
No config files to edit manually - Cursor handles it automatically once you run that command.

in cursor i am on free plan but i have $300 credits so can i use them on free plan or do i need to upgrade?

Searching the Web

Cursor editor $300 credits free plan usage 2025 2026

The search results don't specifically mention a "$300 credits" situation in Cursor. That's an important detail - let me clarify what those credits likely are and how they work.

Cursor $300 Credits - What Are They?

The $300 credits you're seeing are almost certainly not from Cursor itself. They are most likely:

Most Common Source: Cloud Provider Credits

  • AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure startup/developer credits
  • These are for cloud API usage, not for Cursor's own subscription features
  • They would be used if you're bringing your own API key (e.g., your own OpenAI/Anthropic API key funded by those cloud credits)

How to Use Them in Cursor (Free Plan)

If they're API credits (e.g., Anthropic/OpenAI credits), you can use them on any plan including free by:
  1. Go to Cursor Settings → Models
  2. Enable "Use your own API key" (or similar toggle)
  3. Paste your API key from OpenAI/Anthropic
  4. Cursor will route requests through your key, drawing from those credits directly
You don't need to upgrade to use your own API key - it works on the free plan too.

If They're Cursor-Specific Credits

Cursor's current credit system (as of 2026):
  • Free (Hobby): Limited requests per month, no credit pool
  • Pro ($20/mo): Comes with a $20/month credit pool for premium models
  • Credits are plan-tied - the free plan does not have a credit pool
So if the $300 appeared inside Cursor's billing dashboard, you'd likely need at least Pro to use them, as the free plan doesn't have credit-based billing enabled.
Bottom line: Where exactly did you see the $300 credits? (Cursor's dashboard, an email, or another platform like AWS/GCP?) That'll determine whether you need to upgrade or not.
attachment

no these are cursor credits not cloud credits

Searching the Web

Cursor credit grants free plan on-demand usage how to use billing credits 2026

Now I can see exactly what's going on from your screenshot. Here's the clear answer:

Your $300 Are "Credit Grants" - Applied to On-Demand Usage

From your billing page, these are Credit Grants - Cursor's own promotional/granted credits. The page says:
"Applied automatically to Cursor usage" "Your account has a credit balance that will be automatically applied to your next invoice."

The catch: You're on the Free plan

The On-Demand Usage section (the one that shows $0.00) is what those credits apply against. But on-demand usage in Cursor is tied to paid plan usage - specifically when you go over your plan's included requests, or when you use premium models that cost extra.
On the Free plan, on-demand usage doesn't really kick in because:
  • Free plan has hard caps on requests (not usage-based billing)
  • Credit grants offset invoices - but on a free plan, there are no invoices generated

What you should do

Upgrade to Pro ($20/month). Here's why it actually costs you nothing:
Detail
Pro cost$20/month
Your credits$300
Months covered15 months free
Net cost to you$0 for over a year
The credits will automatically offset each monthly invoice. You get full Pro features (unlimited Tab, Auto mode, premium models) and your $300 absorbs all charges until it runs out.
Go to cursor.com/dashboard/billing → Upgrade to Pro - your credits will kick in immediately on the first invoice.

but it is asking me to pay for the first time

That's actually normal and expected - here's why:

Why It's Asking for Payment Info

Cursor (via Stripe) requires a payment method on file to upgrade, even if you have credits that fully cover the cost. This is standard practice for subscription billing - they need a card as a backup for:
  • When your credits eventually run out (after ~15 months)
  • To validate you're a real person
You won't be charged $20 upfront. The credits are applied automatically when the first invoice is generated.

What Actually Happens

  1. You enter your card details
  2. Cursor generates your first $20 invoice
  3. Your $300 credit balance automatically offsets it → you pay $0
  4. Same happens every month until credits are exhausted
Your billing page already says:
"Your account has a credit balance that will be automatically applied to your next invoice."
That's exactly what it means.

If You're Uncomfortable Adding a Card

You can:
  • Use a virtual card (Revolut, Privacy.com, etc.) with $0 balance as a formality
  • Contact Cursor support and ask them to apply the credits without requiring a card - some users have had success with this since the credits are already granted
But in most cases, just adding a card and upgrading is safe - the $300 will cover everything and you won't be billed until it runs out.
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