How to maximize startup savings with cloud credits

Most cloud credit programs require proof of startup status. This typically means being part of an accelerator, having received funding, or meeting specific revenue thresholds.

AWS Activate, for example, requires accelerator membership or proof of funding. Google Cloud for Startups accepts companies from partner accelerators or those that have raised seed funding.

Before applying, gather your documentation: accelerator acceptance letters, funding announcements, or incorporation documents. Having these ready speeds up the approval process significantly.

Some programs also have geographic restrictions or industry limitations, so check these before spending time on an application.

Don't apply for all credits at once. Start with the programs that offer the most value for your specific needs. If you're building on AWS, prioritize AWS Activate. If you need global CDN, start with Vercel or Google Cloud.

Apply early—some programs have limited availability or long approval times. AWS Activate typically approves within 5-7 business days, while Google Cloud can take up to 2 weeks.

Be honest about your usage projections. Overestimating can delay approval, while underestimating might limit your credit amount. Base your estimates on realistic growth projections.

Cloud credits are typically valid for 12-24 months, so plan your usage strategically. Don't burn through credits on development environments—save them for production workloads.

Use credits for your highest-cost services first. For AWS, this might be EC2 instances, RDS databases, or S3 storage. For Google Cloud, prioritize Compute Engine and Cloud SQL.

Monitor your credit usage regularly. Most cloud providers offer dashboards showing credit consumption. Set up alerts when you reach 50%, 75%, and 90% of your credit limit.

You can claim credits from multiple providers simultaneously. Many successful startups use AWS for compute, Google Cloud for AI/ML services, and Vercel for frontend hosting—all on credits.

This multi-cloud approach not only maximizes savings but also reduces vendor lock-in. You're not dependent on a single provider's pricing or availability.

Just be mindful of complexity. Managing multiple cloud accounts requires more operational overhead. Start with one or two providers and expand as your team grows.

Cloud credits don't last forever. Most expire after 12-24 months, so plan your runway accordingly. If you're burning $5K/month in credits, you need to either raise funding or become profitable before expiration.

Some programs offer credit renewal for companies that meet growth milestones. AWS Activate, for example, offers additional credits for startups that hit certain usage thresholds.

Build a financial model that accounts for credit expiration. Know exactly when you'll need to start paying for infrastructure and plan your fundraising or revenue milestones accordingly.