Guide
The complete guide to AWS credits
AWS gives credits worth $1,000 to $100,000 (and more for AI startups) to help young companies build on its cloud. Here's how it works and where to go next.
What AWS credits are
Credits are a balance on your AWS account that pays your bill instead of your card. They usually last 1 to 2 years and cover most services.
Who qualifies
Self-funded founders can get $1,000 through AWS Activate Founders. Startups backed by an Activate provider (an accelerator, incubator or VC) can get up to $200,000. Some programs serve nonprofits, AI startups and specific countries.
How to apply
Create an AWS account, find the program or provider that fits you, and apply with your company website and details. Approval takes 1 to 3 weeks.
Every topic
- Prices and credit runwayWhat AWS costs, and how many months credits would pay for. 1552 guides.
- Build and host on AWSArchitectures and monthly costs for the apps startups actually ship. 9 guides.
- Migrate to AWSLeaving Heroku, Vercel or another cloud, with funding for the move. 9 guides.
- AWS servicesPer-service pricing and what credits cover. 8 guides.
- AI and GPU computeBedrock models and GPU instances paid for with credits. 7 guides.
- Compare cloudsAWS against other clouds and hosts, credits included. 5 guides.
- Answers and troubleshootingRejections, expiry, stacking and the questions founders ask. 20 guides.
- Programs and offersAWS Activate and the other named credit programs. 28 guides.
- EligibilityWho qualifies, by country, city, industry and stage. 354 guides.
- Via accelerators, VCs and perksClaim credits through your investor, bank or SaaS tools. 9 guides.
- Business and enterprise fundingMigration funding and pilot credits for established companies. 5 guides.