Yes, only the first day of use of the cup is free. Then you pay I think each day after that to use it for that day. Think with tax it is around 10 dollars each day of activating it. I think if you don’t want to pay for full use for the day, you may be able to get it filled at a quick service place or where snack place has a fountain soda machine, and I think you can now pay the refill price around $1.50 or so, plus tax each time you refill your mug. That is, not using the you serve Coke machines, but have it refilled once at a time by paying at a counter or snack cart for one refill.