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Direct provider sources
Every credit value, eligibility rule, and validity period is read directly from the provider's official application page or partner portal — never from third-party blogs.
Directory · 9 verified programs
Every startup credit, in one place.
A curated directory of $485,000+ in verified credits and perks for early-stage founders — cloud, AI, and developer tools. Apply directly on the official program page. No fees, no referrals, no email gates.
All programs
Every verified startup credit, ranked by face value
We track 9 active credit programs from the largest cloud, AI, and developer-tool providers. Every program below is currently accepting applications, verified by our team within the last 7 days, and links directly to the official application page — no middlemen, no email gates.
Methodology
How we verify every startup credit program
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Weekly re-checks
We re-validate every active link, credit amount, and eligibility list weekly. Programs that pause or change tier sizes are updated within 7 days.
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Founder-tested
Where possible we cross-check approval notes from real founders we've worked with, so the "ease of approval" signal on each card reflects real-world experience.
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No referral kickbacks
We don't take referral cuts on any free credit program. Rankings are based purely on dollar value, validity period, and approval rate — never on commercial relationships.
Frequently asked
Common questions about startup credits
What are startup credits?
Startup credits are free service vouchers given by cloud, AI, and developer-tool providers to early-stage companies. They typically range from $1,000 to $200,000 in face value, are valid for 1–2 years, and cover services like AWS EC2, Google Cloud Run, OpenAI API calls, GitHub Enterprise seats, and more.
Are these credits really free?
Yes — every program in this directory is 100% free for eligible startups. There are no application fees, no email gates on our side, and no kickbacks taken from providers. You apply directly on the provider's official page.
Can I stack multiple credit programs?
Yes. Most credits are independent of each other — for example, you can hold AWS Activate, Google for Startups Cloud, GitHub Copilot, and OpenAI credits simultaneously. See our stacking guide for the recommended sequencing.
What's the typical eligibility?
Most programs require: a registered legal entity, less than $5M raised (or pre-seed/seed stage), founded within the last 5–10 years, and a working product or website. AWS Activate Founders has the loosest requirements; Google for Startups AI-First has the strictest.
How long does approval take?
Self-served programs (AWS Activate Founders, Vultr) approve within 24–72 hours. Reviewed programs (Google for Startups, GitHub for Startups) take 1–4 weeks. We list typical timelines on each program's detail page.
What if I'm not approved?
If you're declined, the most common reasons are: missing legal entity, no working product/website, or already over the funding cap. You can usually re-apply 90 days later after addressing the issue. Try a smaller-tier program first to build a track record.