AWS Free Credits: How to Get Them (and Maximize Your Benefits)
AWS free credits are a practical way to reduce your cloud costs when you're just starting out or you want to migrate to AWS. Whether you're a student, developer, or early-stage builder, there are multiple ways to get free AWS credits without complex processes. This guide explains how to get free AWS credits based on your situation and shows how to use AWS credits effectively so you don’t waste valuable resources.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- AWS free credits are promotional credits that allow students, developers, and early-stage builders to use core AWS services such as compute, storage, and databases at no immediate cost.
- There are multiple ways to get AWS credits, including student programs, the AWS Free Tier, startup-focused options, and smaller opportunities through events or partners.
- Understanding how to get AWS credits and choosing the right path helps you avoid rejection and maximize the amount of credits you receive.
- Knowing how to use AWS credits properly helps extend their value by focusing on essential services, monitoring usage, and avoiding unnecessary spending.
Introduction
Yes, AWS free credits are real, and they are more accessible than most people think.
The main challenge is not availability, but understanding how to get AWS credits in a way that matches your situation. A student, a freelancer, and a small business owner will all qualify through different paths.
Many users searching for how to get AWS credits for free end up applying to the wrong programs or missing simpler opportunities. This guide helps you avoid that by focusing only on the most relevant options.
Another important factor is timing. The earlier you apply for AWS free credits, the more value you can extract from them during development, testing, and early experimentation.
For example, if you start building a project before applying for credits, you may end up paying for initial infrastructure that could have been covered. Starting with credits allows you to experiment more freely and reduce early risk.
What Are AWS Free Credits, and How Do They Work?
AWS free credits are promotional credits that cover the cost of using AWS services.
Once activated, they are automatically applied to your account and used before your payment method is charged. This makes them ideal for testing, learning, and early-stage development.
You can use them across a wide range of AWS credits eligible services, including:
- Compute, such as virtual servers
- Storage solutions
- Managed databases
- AI and machine learning tools
Many people ask, “What can AWS credits be used for?”, and the answer is that they typically cover core infrastructure services. However, not all services are included, and some third-party tools may still require payment.
In practice, AWS free credits are most useful for building development environments, testing new features, running small workloads before scaling or to offset costs for production environments.
For instance, a junior developer might use credits to deploy a portfolio project, while a small SaaS founder might use them to run an MVP backend and database during early user testing.
Understanding AWS credits how to use them early is important if you want to avoid unexpected costs later.
Main Ways to Get Free AWS Credits Based on Your Profile
AWS free credits for students: the easiest starting point
If you are searching for AWS free credits for students, AWS Educate is often one of the first programs you’ll come across—but it’s important to understand what it actually offers. AWS Educate is primarily an educational platform, but in some cases it can also provide access to free AWS credits.
The main way to use AWS within this program is through the AWS Educate Starter Account, which provides a pre-configured environment with limited resources instead of large credit allocations. In some cases, additional credits may be available through partner universities or educational institutions.
If you are exploring how to get AWS credits for students, this should be your first step. These programs allow you to experiment, build projects, and learn without worrying about immediate costs.
For example, you might deploy a small web app or run a basic database for a university project using the Starter Account environment.
AWS free credits for developers and freelancers
If you are not a student but are still building projects, the AWS Free Tier is your entry point to get AWS credits and start using AWS services.
Currently, the AWS Free Tier combines onboarding credits (up to $200 USD) with free usage of selected services for a limited period. This means you may receive AWS free credits applied to your bill, along with access to services that are free within specific usage limits.
The Free Tier typically includes:
- Onboarding credits that can be used across eligible AWS services
- Time-limited free usage (for example, up to 6 months for certain services)
- Always-free resources with fixed monthly limits (e.g., AWS Lambda, Amazon CloudFront, and Amazon S3)
Unlike startup programs, this does not provide a large upfront credit package, but it remains one of the simplest ways to get AWS credits without going through an approval process.
This option works well for:
- junior developers
- freelancers
- bootcamp graduates
It is also a practical way to learn how to use AWS credits and understand what AWS credits can be used for, while gaining hands-on experience with real workloads.
For example, a freelancer might use the Free Tier to test a client prototype or host a small staging environment before moving to paid infrastructure.
If you are exploring how to get AWS credits for free as an individual developer, the Free Tier is usually the fastest and most accessible place to start.
Startups: the highest-value AWS credits
If you are building a startup, this is one of the most valuable ways to get AWS credits.
AWS offers dedicated programs like AWS Activate, designed specifically for startups at different stages. These programs can provide significantly higher credit amounts compared to standard options, making them ideal for building and scaling products.
Startups often qualify for larger credit packages, especially when applying through partners. Partner-based applications typically increase both approval chances and credit amounts. This makes it possible to run infrastructure, test products, and onboard users without immediate cloud costs.
For example, a funded startup might receive enough credits to run its backend, database, and testing environments for several months without incurring cloud costs.
For more information, see AWS Startup Credits: How to Get Free AWS Credits for Your Startup in 2026.
Early-stage builders: how to get AWS credits for free
If you are building a product, MVP, or small SaaS, there are startup-focused options available.
Even without funding, some programs allow you to get AWS credits so you can test your idea without upfront infrastructure costs. These are often accessed through incubators, accelerators, or AWS partner networks.
For many builders, this is a key step in validating an idea before committing real budget.
For example, you might run an MVP backend, authentication system, and database entirely on credits during your first user testing phase.
Enterprises and existing organizations (PoC program)
If you are exploring how to get free AWS credits for an existing business or enterprise workload, AWS may provide support for Proof of Concept (PoC) projects. However, this is not a standard, publicly available program you can apply to directly, like programs offering AWS free credits for students.
Instead, PoC-related AWS free credits are typically granted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the use case, business potential, and alignment with AWS priorities, for example, AI/ML, data platforms, migration, or sustainability projects.
In some situations, AWS runs targeted initiatives or funding programs with dedicated application pages. These can be one way to get AWS credits, especially in areas like AI or research. Outside of these, access to PoC support usually happens through:
- an AWS Account Manager (for existing or larger customers)
- an AWS Partner (for startups, SMBs, or new workloads)
Partners play a key role in helping you get AWS credits more effectively. They can:
- help define and refine your use case
- position your project in a way that aligns with AWS funding criteria
- submit or support funding requests internally
- improve your chances of getting approved
In practice, this means you typically do not get free AWS credits independently. They are usually granted as part of a guided engagement with AWS or a partner.
For example, a company might work with an AWS Partner to secure AWS free credits for developers testing an AI model or migrating a specific workload before committing to full adoption. This also helps clarify what AWS credits can be used for and which AWS credits eligible services apply to your use case.
If you are evaluating how to get AWS credits for free for your next project, working with an AWS Partner like Stormit can help you identify funding opportunities, structure your PoC, and improve your chances of approval.
Contact Stormit to discuss your use case and learn how to get AWS credits for your project.
Migration Acceleration Program (MAP): For Larger-Scale Moves
For businesses looking to make a more significant move—like migrating entire data centers or legacy applications from another cloud—the Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) is the heavy hitter of AWS benefits.
Depending on your project's size, you might land in MAP Lite (for migrations between $100k and $500k in annual spend) or the full MAP program for larger moves up to $10M. The amount of funding you can secure through MAP depends on your project's Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). You can receive cash funding for the initial phases and a 15%-25% credit on your bill during the migration phase.
To truly get the most out of it, it’s best to connect with an AWS partner who can help you handle the application process and unlock significantly higher credit allocations.
Nonprofits and research projects
If your project focuses on education, research, or social impact, AWS offers specialized programs.
These can provide AWS free credits in cases where traditional startup programs may not apply. Eligibility often depends on organizational status and alignment with AWS-supported initiatives.
This is especially useful for research prototypes, data processing, or educational tools that require cloud infrastructure but have limited funding.
For example, a research team might use credits to process datasets or run simulations without needing a dedicated infrastructure budget.
Events, partners, and additional opportunities
One of the most overlooked ways to get AWS credits is through smaller opportunities, such as:
- AWS events and hackathons
- Training sessions
- AWS partners (e.g. Stormit)
These often provide smaller credit amounts but are easier to access and can be combined over time.
In some cases, this is the fastest way to get AWS credits without going through a formal application process. For example, hackathon participants often receive instant credits to build and deploy projects during the event.
Partner-related opportunities, however, can help you access higher credit allocations, especially for startups and enterprise use cases. For example, a startup working with an AWS partner might receive a structured credit package along with architectural guidance, allowing them to build and scale their product faster without navigating the application process alone.
How to Get AWS Credits Step by Step
If you're wondering how to get AWS credits, the process is straightforward when you choose the right path.
Start with these steps:
- Identify your category (student, developer, startup, or organization)
- Choose the right AWS program (Educate, Free Tier, Activate, or events)
- Register or apply with basic information
- Activate your AWS free credits once approved
If you receive AWS credits, the activation process depends on the program, as AWS doesn’t use a single consistent activation mechanism across all programs. Some credits are applied automatically, while others require manual redemption (for example, promo codes or AWS Activate credits).
However, the biggest AWS free credits are often available through AWS partners, like Stormit. Partner programs can unlock higher credit amounts, faster approvals, and added support, especially useful if you're building a product or scaling beyond the basics.
If you want more than just entry-level credits, partner-based options are worth prioritizing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming AWS Free Credits
Even though the process to get AWS credits can be relatively simple, many users miss out due to incorrect assumptions or missed opportunities.
The most common mistakes include:
- Applying to programs that do not match your profile For example, trying to access startup credits without meeting eligibility criteria, or overlooking options better suited for individual developers.
- Overlooking student-specific programs and eligibility If you qualify, programs that offer AWS free credits for students can provide significantly more value than the standard Free Tier. Many users simply do not realize they are eligible or do not complete the verification process.
- Confusing Free Tier benefits with actual AWS credits Free usage limits and always-free services are not the same as AWS free credits. Credits are applied to your billing, while Free Tier usage simply allows certain services to be used at no cost within limits.
- Ignoring smaller or indirect sources of credits Events, hackathons, AWS workshops, and partner-led programs can be valid ways to get free AWS credits, but they are often overlooked.
- Assuming all services are covered by credits Not all services are eligible. Understanding AWS credits eligible services is essential to avoid unexpected charges.
Avoiding these mistakes will make it much easier to understand how to get AWS credits and use them effectively.
How to Use AWS Credits Without Wasting Them
Getting credits is only the first step. Knowing how to use AWS credits correctly determines their real value.
Focus on:
- Core infrastructure such as compute, storage, and databases
- Testing before scaling
- Monitoring usage from the beginning
A common mistake is spending credits too quickly on unnecessary resources. Understanding AWS credits and how to use them properly helps you extend their value and avoid sudden costs later.
For example, launching oversized servers too early can quickly consume credits without providing real benefits.
Learn more about optimizing your cloud costs in our guide: AWS Cost Optimization: Best Practices for Reducing AWS Bill
How to Check if Your Credits Are Active
To check if your credits are active:
- Go to the Billing & Cost Management Dashboard in your AWS account
- Open the Credits section
- Review your available balance, expiration date, and usage history
This is the easiest way to confirm that your credits have been applied correctly and avoid unexpected charges.
For example, if you’ve been approved for AWS Activate credits but don’t see them reflected in your balance, it usually means there’s an additional activation step required.
How to Maximize AWS Free Credits Over Time
To get the most value from AWS free credits, it helps to think strategically.
- Prioritize essential services first
- Avoid overprovisioning resources early
- Monitor usage regularly
- Combine multiple sources to get AWS credits over time
This approach helps you extend your credits and maintain better control over your cloud costs.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss Your AWS Free Credits Opportunity
AWS free credits can significantly reduce your early cloud costs, but only if you choose the right path and act early.
Whether you are looking for AWS free credits for developers, exploring AWS free credits for students, or trying to get AWS credits for your own project, there is a path that fits your situation.
The key is understanding how to get AWS credits and using them strategically from the start.
Want to make sure you don't leave free AWS credits on the table? Book your free eligibility consultation now!
An AWS Solutions Architect with over 5 years of experience in designing, assessing, and optimizing AWS cloud architectures. At Stormit, he supports customers across the full cloud lifecycle — from pre-sales consulting and solution design to AWS funding programs such as AWS Activate, Proof of Concept (PoC), and the Migration Acceleration Program (MAP).
