Resume.io Free Tier: What Can You Actually Do?

Wondering what Resume.io’s free tier really lets you do? See exactly which features you get, what’s paywalled, and when an upgrade actually makes sense.

PitchMeAI Editorial team

2026-02-17T00:00:00.000Z

2026-02-17T19:43:12.564Z

<section class="faq" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage"> <details class="qa" id="free-tier-includes" itemprop="mainEntity" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <summary itemprop="name">What does Resume.io&#39;s free tier actually include?</summary> <div itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <p itemprop="text">Resume.io&#39;s free version lets you create and store one resume and one cover letter using the Vancouver template. You can enter work history, education, skills, and other standard sections, preview your document, save progress automatically, and download it as a TXT file or as a PDF using the Vancouver layout only. No credit card is required to start.</p> </div> </details> <details class="qa" id="real-free-or-paywall" itemprop="mainEntity" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <summary itemprop="name">Is Resume.io really free, or will I have to pay to use my resume?</summary> <div itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <p itemprop="text">You can build a complete resume for free, but key features are restricted. The only truly usable free download is a PDF in the Vancouver template; all other templates, layouts, and Word (.docx) exports require a paid plan. Many users report frustration after investing time, then discovering that customization and professional formatting sit behind a paywall.</p> </div> </details> <details class="qa" id="ai-on-free-plan" itemprop="mainEntity" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <summary itemprop="name">Do I get access to Resume.io&#39;s AI resume builder on the free plan?</summary> <div itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <p itemprop="text">The free tier offers only basic prompts and limited pre-written suggestions. Resume.io&#39;s flagship AI tools—such as Recruiter-AI for analyzing job descriptions, generating optimized phrasing, creating matching cover letters, voice input corrections, and ATS optimization checks—are largely reserved for paid subscribers.</p> </div> </details> <details class="qa" id="pdf-download-limitations" itemprop="mainEntity" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <summary itemprop="name">What are the limits on downloading a PDF with Resume.io&#39;s free version?</summary> <div itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <p itemprop="text">On the free plan you can export your resume as a PDF only in the Vancouver template. All other professionally designed templates and formats, including additional PDF styles and Microsoft Word (.docx), require upgrading to a paid subscription. While TXT export is available for free, it strips all formatting and is generally unsuitable for professional applications.</p> </div> </details> <details class="qa" id="costs-and-cancellation" itemprop="mainEntity" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <summary itemprop="name">How much does Resume.io really cost after the free tier, and are there cancellation issues?</summary> <div itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <p itemprop="text">To unlock full template access, multiple resumes, advanced AI tools, and additional formats, Resume.io typically offers a $2.95 7‑day trial that auto‑renews at $29.95 every four weeks (or $49.95 every three months). Their policy states no refunds once a full subscription starts, except cancellations during the trial. Many users report difficulties canceling on time and encountering unexpected recurring charges.</p> </div> </details> <details class="qa" id="alternatives-to-resume-io" itemprop="mainEntity" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <summary itemprop="name">Are there smarter alternatives if I need multiple tailored, AI‑optimized resumes?</summary> <div itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <p itemprop="text">For job seekers who need multiple tailored resumes, stronger AI optimization, and direct outreach, the article highlights PitchMeAI as a better‑value option. PitchMeAI offers a Chrome extension that adapts your resume to each job in one click, finds hiring managers and drafts personalized outreach emails, and includes an ATS‑optimized resume builder. You get 3 free credits on signup plus 10 more in a 3‑day free trial, and unlimited usage costs $22 per month with clearer, more transparent pricing than Resume.io&#39;s $29.95 every four weeks.</p> </div> </details> </section>