OpenAI Just Blocked Multi-Account Tricks: What Changes Now?

OpenAI is tightening the screws on how users access paid tiers. According to reporting by The Decoder, the company has quietly implemented strict caps on the number of paid accounts linked to a single payment card or physical device.

Why this blocks multi-account workarounds

Many power users and small teams previously juggled multiple cheaper subscriptions on a single computer to maximize output without upgrading to enterprise tiers. The new policy puts an immediate stop to that habit.

When a device hits its limit, users receive a "Device limit reached" error. Crucially, simply logging out of an account does not free up a slot, and the affected account is locked out of that specific machine entirely.

How to adapt your workflow

If your daily routine relied on switching between multiple paid profiles on the same workstation, you need to adjust immediately to avoid sudden lockouts.

• Audit the payment cards and devices linked to your subscriptions to identify potential bottlenecks.
• Consolidate heavy workloads into a single, higher-tier account rather than splitting tasks across smaller plans.
• Budget for official usage resets or extra credits instead of relying on secondary subscription workarounds.

Is it worth changing your setup?

For individual creators, the restriction forces a choice between paying for higher-tier plans or scaling back heavy usage. While OpenAI frames this as a security measure, the financial result pushes users directly toward more expensive options like credit top-ups.