Credits
Credits are the main currency in Starsector, in use by all major factions. Player's current amount of credits can be seen on bottom left on the main screen. Credits are, apparently, not the smallest unit of currency available, as the game mentions "fractional credits"[1] and "millicredits"[2], though these smaller units aren't relevant gameplay-wise.
Credits are used to buy and sell ships, weapons, and commodities, hire officers and administrators, build colony buildings, bribe officials and terrorists, pay fines, and so on.
The player has a monthly income and expenses that can be checked on the third tab of the Command screen. On the first day of every month, the sum is either added or deducted from player's wallet.
If the player can't pay monthly expenses, they will start accruing debt. Running the debt for multiple months will cause some crew and marines to leave the next time the player docks to a market.
Income & Expenses
Monthly income and expenses include:
- Each crew member is paid 10¢ per month.
- Each marine is paid 20¢ per month.
- Each officer is paid 500¢ + 400¢ per level per month.
- Administrators with Industrial Planning skill are paid 20,000¢ per month. Those without it are paid 2,500¢ per month. Unassigned administrators are paid 1/10 of their normal salary.
- Colonies provide both income and expenses, depending on their buildings and exports.
- Custom production order cost is added to expenses.
- Having a commission with a faction provides money monthly, depending on player's level.
- Galatia Academy stipend will run for three cycles after finishing the tutorial (or starting a new game if it's skipped), bringing 15,000¢ per month.
Other ways of earning money include:
- Trade
- Missions (exploration, bounties, etc.)
- A small amount of credits is obtained after most fights
- Commissioned captains earn money for destroying enemy fleets (similar to bounties)