The basics
Are AWS credits really free?
Credits are free to claim. Plan for the bill that follows when they run out.
Yes, the credits themselves are free. You don't buy them, and you don't pay back what you use. There's no equity, no interest and no contract to stay on AWS.
The catch is in the details. Credits expire, usually after one to two years. Some charges are excluded, such as AWS Marketplace software, domain registration and some support plans. And once credits run out, normal pricing applies straight away.
The real cost is lock-in: a product built deeply on AWS services is harder to move later. That's often a fair trade, but it's worth knowing before you build.
Questions
Do I need a credit card?
Yes. AWS needs a payment method on the account, which it charges for anything the credits don't cover.
Is there a hidden fee for applying?
No. Legitimate programs never charge you to apply. A fee is a warning sign.
Prices and credit amounts are estimates and may change. Check AWS for current terms.