Startup Credits 2026: Complete Guide to Free AWS, Google Cloud & SaaS Programs
Simon Chadwick
Founder & CEO
If you're building a startup, you've probably read somewhere about free credits from AWS, Google Cloud, or other major platforms. But there are plenty more startup credit programs, startup perks, and SaaS discounts out there, some even worth hundreds of thousands of dollars if you can get them.
The trick is knowing which startup programs to apply for, what the actual requirements are, and how to use free startup credits without getting hit with surprise bills when they eventually expire.
This guide breaks down the best startup credit programs and startup perks available in 2026, organized by their value and how popular they are.
We'll also explain how eligibility works and how long applications actually take, because not all programs require you to be VC-backed (more on that in our guide to startup credits you don't need funding for).
We also have a free deal finder tool that helps match you with different subscription and SAAS discounts out there.
Or keep reading for the full breakdown on eligibility and applications for startup credits.
What Are Startup Credits and How Do They Work?
Before we dive into the details, let’s clarify what startup credits are. Startup credits and startup perks come in a few different categories, in this article we will primarily be focused on the credit programs:
Free credits: Actual dollar amounts you can use toward a service (like $100,000 in AWS credits or Google Cloud credits)
Extended free trials: Access to paid features for a set period (like 6 months free on a Business plan)
Discounted pricing: Percentage off the regular price (like 90% off HubSpot for a year)
More on the last two are covered in more depth in our article on saving money on saas with startups deals.
Most startup programs offer credits that expire after a certain period (usually 12-24 months) and many will automatically start billing you when the credits run out, which is why tracking these expiration dates is crucial (we built Orbit specifically to help with tracking subscriptions and free trials, which can also help with credit expiry dates).
Startup Credit Program Eligibility Requirements Explained
Startup credit programs aren’t charities, they are part of these businesses’ marketing and customer acquisition strategy. They aim to identify future large spenders at their early stages, this is why many have strict requirements to de-risk the cost of offering services for free.
Their thesis is that VC or accelerator-backed startups have a large chance of success and future large spending.
Here's what most startup programs look for:
Early-stage: Usually means pre-seed through Series A. Some programs define this as "less than $5M raised" or "incorporated within the last 5 years." A few programs extend this to Series B.
VC-backed: Many of the bigger programs require you to be backed by a recognized VC firm or accelerator (Y Combinator, Techstars, 500 Startups, etc.). They'll typically ask for proof like an investment letter or cap table.
Some are accessible pre-funding though, but may require you to be incorporated.
Partner referral: Some programs are only accessible through specific partner channels (like getting AWS Activate credits through your VC firm or accelerator). These can't be accessed directly.
Self-serve: The best kind, just sign up and you're in. No application review, no waiting.
How Long Do Startup Credit Applications Take?
This is important because it affects when you should apply:
Instant approval (same day): Self-serve programs like basic Microsoft for Startups, Notion's direct application, and smaller tier programs. You apply, you get approved, credits are live within hours.
1-2 weeks: Most mid-tier programs that require manual review. This includes things like AWS Activate (when going through a partner), Mixpanel for Startups, and PostHog. Expect to upload some documents and wait for someone to review. When we got approved for Auth0 credits it was still only 1-2 days tops.
2-4 weeks: Higher-value programs that do more vetting. Google Cloud's $350k tier, Anthropic's startup program, and other six-figure credit programs. They want to make sure you're legit and will actually use the credits.
Requires partner connection first: Programs like the biggest AWS Activate tiers ($100k) or certain accelerator-only deals. You can't even apply until you're in the partner program, which might take months.
Pro tip: If you're joining an accelerator or raising from a VC, ask them immediately what startup credit programs they can unlock for you. Some VCs have dedicated platform teams that handle this.
Best Free Cloud Credits for Startups (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)
These are the big ones, hundreds of thousands in free cloud credits for hosting, compute, storage, and cloud services.
Google for Startups Cloud Program
Value: Up to $350,000
What you get: Cloud credits split over two years (100% coverage in year one, 20% in year two), plus access to Firebase, AI/ML tools, and technical support
Eligibility: Pre-seed to Series A startups. Standard tier offers around $2,000-20,000; the $350k tier is for AI-focused startups and usually requires a VC or partner referral
Application time: 2-4 weeks for higher tiers, instant for basic tier
The catch: AI startups get the big bucks, but you'll likely need a referral from a recognized accelerator or investor. If you're building anything AI/ML-related, this should be at the top of your list.
This is probably the most generous cloud program out there right now, especially if you're building anything AI-related. Just know that the higher tiers aren't self-serve.
Apply for Google Cloud for Startups →
Cloudflare for Startups
Value: Up to $250,000
What you get: Credits for Cloudflare's Developer Platform including Workers, Pages, R2 storage, D1 database, and edge computing
Eligibility: Varies by tier, smaller amounts ($1k-5k) are easier to get and often self-serve. Larger credits require VC backing or accelerator participation.
Application time: 1-2 weeks for higher tiers
Why it's great: Cloudflare is fast and reliable, and if you're building anything web-facing, these credits can save you a ton. Their edge network is hard to beat for performance.
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub
Value: Up to $150,000
What you get: Azure credits plus free GitHub Enterprise (20 seats), Microsoft 365, Visual Studio, and OpenAI credits
Eligibility: Open to all startups, no funding requirement for the basic tier ($1k Azure credits). Larger credit amounts ($25k-150k) require VC backing.
Application time: Instant approval for basic tier, 1-2 weeks for higher tiers
The deal: This is actually a bundle of multiple products, so the value adds up quickly if you use the Microsoft ecosystem. The OpenAI credits alone are worth it if you're building AI features.
Get started with Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub →
AWS Activate
Value: Up to $100,000
What you get: AWS credits covering EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS, DynamoDB, and most AWS services, plus technical support and training credits
Eligibility: Self-service tier gives you $1,000 (instant). The bigger credit packages ($5k-$100k) require being part of an accelerator, incubator, or VC portfolio company.
Application time: Instant for $1k tier, 1-2 weeks for partner-referred higher tiers
The reality: AWS is everywhere, so these credits are super useful. But getting the big numbers requires connections. If your VC or accelerator has an AWS partnership, ask them for the application link, don't try to apply directly.
Learn more about AWS Activate eligibility and apply here →
DigitalOcean Hatch
Value: Up to $100,000
What you get: Infrastructure credits for DigitalOcean's cloud platform, including Droplets, Kubernetes, managed databases
Eligibility: Must be part of a participating VC fund, accelerator, or startup program
Application time: 1-2 weeks
Why consider it: Simpler than AWS/GCP if you don't need all the complexity. Better pricing for smaller workloads, and their documentation is actually readable.
Startup Programs for Developer Tools & SaaS
These startup programs help you build, ship, and manage your product faster.
Retool Startup Program
Value: Up to $60,000
What you get: 1 year free on Retool's platform for building internal tools, admin panels, and dashboards, plus 25% off the second year
Eligibility: Early-stage startups, some tiers require funding proof. Basic tier is pretty accessible.
Application time: 1-2 weeks
Use case: If you need to build internal tools fast without coding, this is gold. Customer admin panels, data dashboards, approval workflows, all the boring but necessary stuff.
GitHub for Startups
Value: 20 seats free (GitHub Enterprise)
What you get: GitHub Enterprise for 12 months including advanced security, compliance tools, code scanning, and project management features
Eligibility: Available through Microsoft for Startups or partner programs
Application time: Instant if you're already in Microsoft for Startups
The play: If you're already on GitHub, this is an easy upgrade to Enterprise features. The security scanning alone is worth it.
Notion for Startups
Value: Up to $1,000 (6 months free)
What you get: Free access to Notion's Business Plan for your whole team
Eligibility: Open to startups on the free plan. You get $1,000 worth through partner codes (AWS Activate, Stripe Atlas), or $500 through direct application
Application time: Instant with partner codes, 1 week for direct application
Why it matters: Most teams use Notion anyway, might as well get it free for half a year. The unlimited file uploads and advanced permissions are actually useful at this tier.
Figma Startup Program
Value: $1,000
What you get: Credits for Figma's design platform including UI/UX, prototyping, and design systems
Eligibility: Early-stage startups
Application time: 1-2 weeks
For who: Essential if you have designers on the team or if you're doing any product design work. FigJam for brainstorming is included too.
Free Analytics and Monitoring Tools for Startups
Track what's happening in your product and keep systems running smoothly.
Mixpanel for Startups
Value: $50,000
What you get: One year free of Mixpanel's Growth plan including product analytics, session replay (500K sessions), and A/B testing
Eligibility: Early-stage startups (typically less than Series B, under $20M raised)
Application time: 1-2 weeks
Why it's valuable: Product analytics isn't cheap, and Mixpanel's Growth plan normally costs $24/month per seat plus usage. This gives you the good stuff, cohort analysis, funnel tracking, behavioral insights, all free for a year.
PostHog for Startups
Value: $50,000
What you get: All-in-one platform with product analytics, session replay, feature flags, A/B testing, and user surveys
Eligibility: Early-stage startups
Application time: 1 week
The advantage: Open-source alternative with a lot of features bundled together. You can self-host if you want, or use their cloud version. The feature flag system alone saves you from building your own.
Datadog for Startups
Value: 1 year free (worth $1,500-3,000+)
What you get: Comprehensive monitoring including APM (application performance monitoring), infrastructure monitoring, log management, and real-time observability
Eligibility: Early-stage startups backed by select VCs or in participating accelerators
Application time: 1-2 weeks
Use case: If you need to monitor production systems seriously, Datadog is the industry standard. Tracks everything from server metrics to application traces to custom business KPIs.
Free AI API Credits and Machine Learning Programs
With everyone building AI features, these startup credits matter more than ever.
Anthropic Startup Program
Value: $25,000 in Claude API credits
What you get: Claude API credits with priority rate limits and access to Anthropic technical resources, including early access to new models
Eligibility: Startups building AI-powered products, usually you need some traction or backing from friendly VCs. They prioritize companies genuinely building with AI, not just experimenting.
Application time: 2-3 weeks
Worth noting: Claude's API is competitive with OpenAI, and $25k in credits goes further than you'd think with Claude Sonnet. If you're building conversational AI, summarization tools, or coding assistants, this is extremely valuable.
Apply for the Anthropic Startup Program →
ElevenLabs Grants Program
Value: 33 million characters (~$4,000+)
What you get: 12 months of Scale-tier access for voice AI including text-to-speech, voice cloning, and conversational AI features
Eligibility: Startups building voice-enabled products or using voice AI in their core offering
Application time: 1-2 weeks
The opportunity: Voice AI is getting huge, and ElevenLabs has some of the most realistic text-to-speech out there. If you're building podcasting tools, audiobook platforms, or accessibility features, this is a no-brainer.
OpenAI Startup Credits
Value: Up to $2,500
What you get: API credits for GPT-4, GPT-4o, DALL-E, and other OpenAI models
Eligibility: Available through partner programs like Ramp, Microsoft for Startups, or certain VCs
Application time: Instant through partners
The reality: Not as much as some other programs, but OpenAI's APIs are what most people are building with. $2,500 covers a decent amount of GPT-4 usage if you're smart about caching and prompt optimization.
Startup Discounts for CRM and Customer Support Software
Customer-facing tools that help you talk to users professionally.
HubSpot for Startups
Value: Up to 90% off (worth $10,000+ per year)
What you get: Massive discounts on HubSpot's CRM, marketing automation, sales tools, and customer service software
Eligibility: Must be associated with a qualifying accelerator, VC fund, or startup organization. Under 2 years old, less than $2M in funding.
Application time: 2-3 weeks (need to verify accelerator/VC partnership)
Why it's big: HubSpot gets expensive fast at scale, 90% off is massive savings. The CRM is free anyway, but the Marketing Hub and Sales Hub are where costs add up. This deal makes them actually affordable.
Intercom Early Stage Program
Value: Up to 95% off (worth $2,000-5,000+ per year)
What you get: Customer messaging platform with live chat, chatbots, help desk, and customer support automation
Eligibility: Early-stage startups, usually less than $1M ARR. They're pretty strict about the "early stage" part.
Application time: 1-2 weeks
Perfect for: B2B SaaS companies that need professional customer communication. The chatbot builder and automated workflows save a ton of support time.
Zendesk for Startups
Value: 6 months free (worth $1,000-2,000)
What you get: Customer service and help desk software, including ticketing, knowledge base, and multi-channel support
Eligibility: Early-stage startups in partner programs
Application time: 1 week
Consider if: You're scaling support and need a real ticketing system. The knowledge base features help you build self-service support.
Free Database Credits for Startups (MongoDB, Supabase)
Where your data lives and how you access it.
MongoDB for Startups
Value: Up to $20,000
What you get: Atlas credits for MongoDB's multi-cloud database platform, plus technical support and training resources
Eligibility: Early-stage startups (typically less than Series B, under $20M raised)
Application time: 1-2 weeks
Why MongoDB: NoSQL flexibility with managed hosting. If your data model is still evolving or you need flexible schemas, MongoDB makes sense. Atlas handles all the infrastructure.
Supabase Startup Credits
Value: $300
What you get: Credits for Supabase's open-source Firebase alternative including Postgres database, authentication, real-time subscriptions, and storage
Eligibility: Generally available through partner programs (Vercel, Y Combinator, etc.)
Application time: Instant through partners
The pitch: If you want Postgres with modern developer tooling, Supabase is solid. The authentication and real-time features save you from building that yourself.
Additional Startup Perks and Benefits (Stripe, Brex, Mercury)
Stripe Atlas
Value: $150 off incorporation + extensive partner perks
What you get: Delaware C-corp incorporation with tax ID, 83(b) filing, banking connections, and access to extensive partner perks (including many of the credits on this list)
Eligibility: Anyone incorporating a company anywhere in the world
Application time: 2-3 weeks for full incorporation process
Pro tip: Stripe Atlas gives you automatic access to partner deals from AWS, Notion, OpenAI, and dozens of other companies. It's essentially a startup credit aggregator, so the $500 incorporation fee pays for itself immediately through the unlocked credits.
Incorporate with Stripe Atlas →
Brex for Startups & Ramp Partner Perks
Value: Extensive partner deals (access to hundreds of thousands in credits)
What you get: Corporate cards plus access to hundreds of partner perks and software discounts from their deal marketplace
Eligibility: Startups with revenue or funding (Brex requires $50k+ in the bank, Ramp is more flexible)
Application time: 1-2 weeks for card approval
The strategy: These fintech companies aggregate deals from other platforms, giving you one place to access multiple startup programs. Both Brex and Ramp offer OpenAI credits, AWS credits, and discounts on 100+ SaaS tools.
Mercury Partner Network
Value: Access to partner startup programs
What you get: Banking plus connections to investor networks and startup program partners
Eligibility: Startups opening a business bank account with Mercury
Application time: 1-2 weeks for account setup
Why it matters: Mercury's partner network includes access to various startup credit programs, though it's not as extensive as Brex or Ramp's offerings.
How to Get the Most Value from Startup Credit Programs
Here's what we've learned helping startups navigate the world of free credits and startup perks:
Stack your credits strategically: Many of these programs work together and unlock each other. Get Stripe Atlas ($500), which automatically gives you access to AWS Activate and Notion credits, which might unlock other partner deals through those platforms. It's a cascade effect.
Apply before you need them: Some startup programs have application deadlines, limited spots, or seasonal windows. Apply when you're eligible, even if you won't use the credits for a few months. Most credits don't start counting down until you activate them.
Track expiration dates religiously: This is crucial and where most startups mess up. Most credits expire after 12-24 months, and many services will automatically start billing you when credits run out. Set calendar reminders 60 days before expiration. Or use a tool like Orbit to track all your subscription expirations automatically.
Read the fine print on billing: Some programs (like AWS) require you to add a credit card and will charge you for usage above the credits. Others (like some Azure tiers) will just cut you off when credits run out. Know which model you're dealing with before you build critical infrastructure on it.
Use partner stacking: Joining an accelerator (even remote ones like Techstars or Y Combinator) or using startup-friendly banking (Brex, Ramp, Mercury) can unlock access to multiple programs at once. Sometimes the accelerator equity you give up is worth it just for the credit access.
Document what you get: Keep a spreadsheet of every program you apply to, what you got approved for, when credits expire, and what the renewal terms are.
Future you will thank you.
Don't build critical dependencies on expiring credits: Use free credits for experimentation, dev environments, and testing. But for production systems that need to stay up, have a plan for when the credits run out. Don't assume you'll just "figure it out later."
Startup Credits Without VC Funding: Options for Bootstrapped Founders
If you’re an indie hacker or bootstrapping and haven't raised VC funding, don't worry, you're not locked out of everything.
Self-serve programs you can access right now:
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub ($1,000 Azure + GitHub + more) - No funding required for basic tier, instant approval
Notion for Startups ($500 direct, $1,000 through partners) - Open to any startup on the free plan
AWS Activate ($1,000 self-serve tier) - Anyone can get this without referrals
Many SaaS tools with "startup discounts" - These often just require you to have a company email and be incorporated. Check out the Orbit deal finder tool which includes tags on eligibility.
Programs accessible through free partnerships:
Join free communities like Indie Hackers and you'll get access to their partner perks
Sign up for Mercury or Relay banking (no minimum balance) and get their partner network access
Apply to online-only accelerators with no equity requirement
The reality: The mega-credits ($100k+ from Google, AWS high tier, etc.) almost always require VC backing or accelerator participation. But you can still access $10,000-50,000+ in credits through self-serve and low-barrier programs.
We're actually writing a separate deep-dive guide specifically on startup credits available to bootstrapped founders because this is such a common question. If you're building without outside funding, that guide will be more relevant to you.
Making Startup Credits Work for Your Business
Between cloud infrastructure, dev tools, analytics, AI credits, and SaaS discounts, you could easily access $500,000+ in free startup credits and perks if you qualify for the right programs.
The challenge isn't finding these deals, many types catalog these and our deal finder too aggregates them, and VCs usually have lists for their portfolio companies.
The real challenges are:
1. Knowing which ones you're actually eligible for
Don't waste time applying to programs that require Series A funding if you're pre-seed. Start with the self-serve programs, then work your way up as you raise or join accelerators.
2. Applying strategically to maximize value
Focus on credits for tools you're actually using or will use in the next 6 months. A $100k AWS credit doesn't help if you're on Vercel. A $50k Mixpanel credit is useless if you're using PostHog. Be strategic about what you apply for.
3. Tracking when credits expire so you don't get surprise bills
This is the one that gets everyone. You're busy building, and suddenly you get a $5,000 AWS bill because your $100k credits expired and you forgot to set up billing alerts.
Put every credit expiration date in your calendar. Set reminders 90 days out, 60 days out, and 30 days out. Or use a subscription tracking tool like Orbit that automatically monitors these for you.
4. Having a plan for when credits run out
Don't build your entire production infrastructure on temporary credits without a plan for what happens when they expire. Either:
Budget for the real cost and treat credits as runway extension
Plan to migrate to a cheaper alternative before expiration
Negotiate a discount or commit deal before the credits run out
5. Not over-subscribing to tools just because they're free
Free credits tempt you to sign up for everything. Resist this. Every tool you add is another thing to manage, another integration to maintain, another potential point of failure. Only use what you actually need.
Most of these startup programs are legit ways to save significant money while you're getting traction. Just treat them like the temporary runway extenders they are, not permanent solutions. Build your business model assuming you'll eventually pay full price for the tools you depend on.
And seriously,track your credit expiration dates. Set calendar reminders, use a spreadsheet, use Orbit, whatever. Just don't let $50,000 in credits silently expire and kick you in the butt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Startup Credits
How do I qualify for startup credits?
Most startup credit programs require you to be an early-stage company (typically pre-seed through Series A, less than $5M raised, or incorporated within the last 5 years). Some programs like Microsoft for Startups and AWS Activate have self-serve tiers that anyone can access, while larger credit amounts usually require VC backing or participation in an accelerator program.
Do startup credits expire?
Yes, almost all startup credits expire after 12-24 months. Some programs like Google Cloud split credits over multiple years, while others give you a lump sum that expires all at once. Always check the expiration terms and set calendar reminders at least 60 days before credits run out.
What happens when my startup credits run out?
This depends on the program. Some services (like AWS and Google Cloud) will automatically start billing your credit card once credits are exhausted. Others will simply cut off your access until you add payment. Always read the billing terms before building critical infrastructure on temporary credits.
Can I get startup credits without being VC-backed?
Yes! Programs like Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub ($1,000 Azure), AWS Activate ($1,000 tier), and Notion for Startups ($500) are available to any startup without requiring VC funding. However, the largest credit amounts ($100k+) typically require either VC backing or participation in a recognized accelerator.
Which startup credit program is the best?
It depends on what you're building. For AI companies, Google Cloud ($350k) and Anthropic ($25k) are extremely valuable. For general web apps, AWS Activate or Cloudflare provide the most flexibility. The "best" program is the one that covers tools you're actually using or will use in the next 6-12 months.
How long does it take to get approved for startup credits?
Self-serve programs like basic Microsoft for Startups or AWS Activate ($1k tier) approve instantly. Most mid-tier programs take 1-2 weeks for manual review. High-value programs ($100k+) can take 2-4 weeks and may require additional documentation or VC referrals.
Can I apply to multiple startup credit programs at once?
Absolutely! In fact, you should. Many programs stack together, Stripe Atlas gives you access to AWS and Notion credits, which unlock other partner deals. Just make sure you can actually use the credits before they expire. Don't apply for analytics tools you won't use for a year.
Do I need a business bank account to get startup credits?
Not for most programs. However, some larger credit programs or partner perks (like those through Brex, Ramp, or Mercury) do require you to have a business bank account with them. The basic tier programs from AWS, Google, Microsoft, and most SaaS tools just need a company email address.
What's the difference between startup credits and startup discounts?
Startup credits are actual dollar amounts you can spend on a service (like "$100,000 in AWS credits"). Startup discounts are percentage reductions on regular pricing (like "90% off HubSpot for 12 months"). Both save you money, but credits typically have expiration dates while discounts may renew annually at reduced rates.
Can bootstrapped startups get AWS credits?
Yes, AWS Activate offers a $1,000 self-serve tier that any startup can access without VC backing. Larger AWS credit amounts ($5k-$100k) require being part of an accelerator, incubator, or VC portfolio company. If you're bootstrapped, start with the $1k tier and look into joining a free online accelerator to unlock higher tiers.
How do I track all my startup credit expiration dates?
Use a spreadsheet, set calendar reminders 60-90 days before expiration, or use a subscription management tool like Orbit that automatically tracks expiration dates for you. The key is having one centralized place where you can see when all your credits expire and what happens when they do.
Are startup credits actually worth it?
For early-stage companies, absolutely. $100k in cloud credits can extend your runway by 6-12 months. Free access to tools like Mixpanel, HubSpot, or Datadog saves thousands in monthly costs. Just treat them as temporary, build your business model assuming you'll pay full price eventually, and use credits to extend the runway while you prove product-market fit.