Claim your startup credits

Why this step matters

Cloud providers, AI model companies and software vendors give startups credits and discounts because they want you to build on them. Used well, these programs can cover a large share of your infrastructure and tooling costs for the first year or more, which matters most when you have little or no revenue.

The catch is that most credits are time-limited and many larger tiers are only available through a partner such as an accelerator, incubator or investor. Applying in the wrong order, or before you are ready to use them, wastes them.

Think of credits as a budget with an expiry date rather than free money. The goal is to line up each grant with the months when you will actually spend on that provider, keep enough room to unlock larger tiers later, and avoid surprises when the credits end and normal billing starts.

How to do it

1. List what you will actually use in the next 12 months. Cloud hosting, AI model APIs, databases, analytics, design, CRM, customer support and productivity tools. Credits are only valuable for services you would otherwise pay for.
2. Apply to direct programs first. Many providers run a self-serve startup tier that needs only a company website, a business email and sometimes a registered company. These are quick to get and do not depend on anyone else. Find them at /best/cloud-credits and /best/ai-credits.
3. Save partner-code tiers for later. The larger tiers of many cloud and AI programs require a referral code from an accelerator, incubator, VC firm or partner platform. If you plan to join an accelerator or raise, wait and apply through them rather than using a small tier now; check whether a provider lets you upgrade later or only allows one application per company.
4. Claim when you are ready to spend. Many credit grants expire, often around 12 months after they are issued, whether you use them or not. Claim a provider's credits when you are about to build on it, not months before.
5. Read the terms. Check which services the credits cover (some exclude certain AI models, marketplace products or support plans), monthly caps, eligibility limits on company age or funding, and whether a card is required.
6. Track everything in one sheet. Record provider, amount, start date, expiry date, covered services and the account owner. Review it monthly.
7. Set billing alerts. When credits run out or expire, normal charges begin. Budget alerts on every cloud and AI account stop a surprise invoice.
8. Add software perk bundles. Perk marketplaces, accelerator deal books and banking or incorporation providers often bundle discounts on SaaS tools. Browse /perks and pick only what fits your stack.

What it costs and how long it takes

Applying is free. Direct programs are often approved within days; partner-referred tiers depend on your accelerator or investor relationship. Plan a few hours to apply to the main programs and a few minutes a month to keep the tracking sheet current.

Free credits, perks and services that help

Start with the directory pages: /best/cloud-credits for hosting and infrastructure, /best/ai-credits for model APIs, and /perks for software discounts. If you are self-funded and will not join an accelerator, /for/bootstrapped lists programs you can get without a partner code. Accelerators and investor programs that unlock higher tiers are at /accelerators, and all programs are browsable at /programs.

Common mistakes

• Claiming everything at once. Credits that expire before you launch are worth nothing.
• Choosing your stack for the credits. Switching providers later costs far more than the credits saved. Choose the right tools, then find credits for them.
• Using up your one application on a small tier. Some programs allow only one grant per company. Check before applying directly if a partner could get you more later.
• No billing alerts. Expired credits plus an always-on service can produce a large bill.
• Ignoring exclusions. Credits often do not cover every product. Check before you rely on them for a costly service.

Go deeper

VibeCodes lists AI coding apps, Agent Skills and MCP servers, many with free tiers, so you can see which tools are worth spending your credits on when you start building.