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Curated for founders
Every startup credit, in one clean directory.
A founder-first index of cloud, AI, and developer credits from DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, Render, GitHub, OpenAI, and Vercel — verified, free, and no sign-up required.
Trusted programs from leading companies
01 — Featured
Hand-picked programs with the highest value.
The credits we'd apply for first if we were starting a company tomorrow.
See all credits →02 — Categories
Find tools across the entire startup stack.
From infrastructure to growth — pick a category and see every program we've curated for it.
All categories →Drag, scroll, or use the arrows to explore all categories
03 — How it works
Three steps from browsing to building.
No accounts, no paywalls, no middleman. You apply directly with the provider.
Check eligibility
Each program shows requirements, credit amount, and validity — so you know if you qualify in seconds.
Apply in minutes
Click through to the official program page and apply directly. No fees, no spam, no strings.
04 — Read first
Guides, rankings & head-to-head comparisons.
Founder-tested writeups on what startup credits are, how to stack them, and which providers to apply for first.
Guide · Definition
What are startup credits?
The complete definition with five real examples ($1k–$200k), how they flow through billing, and why providers give them away.
Guide · How-toHow to get AWS credits ($1k–$100k)
The two AWS Activate tiers, exact eligibility, the 5-step application, and what to do if your accelerator isn't a partner.
Guide · StrategyCan you stack startup credits?
Yes — combine all 9 programs for up to $485k. The application order, the one mistake to avoid, and why providers don't cross-check.
Best of · 2026Best startup credits 2026
The 9 best credit programs ranked by dollar value, eligibility breadth, and stacking potential. Picks by stage.
ComparisonAWS Activate vs Google for Startups
$100k vs $200k, eligibility differences, AI tooling (Bedrock vs Vertex), and how to apply for both. Stack them.
ComparisonDigitalOcean Hatch vs AWS Activate
Same $100k credit, opposite founder profiles. The verdict for indie vs accelerator-backed startups.
05 — Reviews
Loved by founders, ranked 4.9 / 5.
Based on 247 ratings and 184 written reviews from founders who used StartupCredits to extend their runway.
"Stacked DigitalOcean Hatch + GitHub Copilot + Vercel in one afternoon. Saved us roughly $115k of runway in our first year — that's a full engineering hire."
"Other 'credit list' sites are bloated and stuffed with affiliate junk. StartupCredits is just the 9 programs that actually matter — and they keep them up to date."
"The Vercel AI Gateway listing alone paid for itself. One API key for OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google — plus the credits. Found it here in 30 seconds."
"The eligibility cards are the killer feature. I knew in 10 seconds I qualified for AWS Activate and GCP — and didn't waste an hour on programs I couldn't get."
05 — By the numbers
Built for founders who ship.
A small, opinionated directory designed to surface what matters and skip what doesn't.
9
Active programs
$485k+
Total credit value
3
Categories covered
100%
Free & ad-free
06 — FAQ
Questions founders ask before applying.
Everything you need to know about startup credits, eligibility, and stacking programs together.
What are startup credits?
Startup credits are free dollar-denominated balances or discounts that providers like AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, GitHub, and OpenAI give early-stage companies so they can use cloud, AI, and developer tools without paying upfront. Credits typically range from $2,500 to $200,000 and last 1–2 years.
Is StartupCredits free to use?
Yes. StartupCredits is 100% free, ad-free, and no sign-up is required. We don't charge founders, providers, or take referral fees. You apply directly with each provider through the official link on every listing.
Do I qualify for these startup credits?
Most programs require you to be an early-stage company (typically under 5–10 years old, fewer than 20 employees, less than $5M–$10M raised). Many also require backing from an approved accelerator, VC, or partner. Each listing shows exact eligibility so you know in seconds.
Can I stack multiple credit programs?
Yes — most providers run independently, so you can stack DigitalOcean Hatch, AWS Activate, Google for Startups, GitHub Copilot, OpenAI, and Vercel together. Stacking $200k GCP + $100k AWS + $100k DigitalOcean + $10k Copilot + $50k Render is common for AI startups.
How long do startup credits last?
Most credits expire 12–24 months after activation. AWS Activate and Google for Startups Cloud last up to 2 years. DigitalOcean Hatch, Render, GitHub Copilot, and Vultr typically run 12 months. Always activate close to when you'll actually use them.
What is the GitHub Copilot for Startups program?
GitHub Copilot for Startups gives qualifying early-stage companies up to $10,000 in Copilot Business credits — covering AI pair programming, chat, code review, and agent mode powered by Claude, GPT-4, and Gemini models. It's bundled with GitHub for Startups (under 10 years, fewer than 20 employees, approved partner).
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