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Free Google Cloud AI credits (Agent Platform, formerly Vertex AI)

Google Cloud's free trial gives new accounts a $300 credit to spend over 90 days, including on Google's own Gemini models in Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform (formerly Vertex AI). It needs a payment method, and it excludes the standalone Gemini API and partner models such as Claude.

The short answer

The Google Cloud $300 / 90-day trial funds Google’s own models on Agent Platform; the standalone Gemini API and partner models are excluded. Startups can apply to the Google for Startups Cloud Program for much larger credits, which also exclude third-party models. For an ongoing allowance instead, see the Gemini API free tier.

  • Google Cloud Cloud AI credits
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    Google Cloud free trial — $300 credit

    New Google Cloud accounts get a $300 welcome credit to spend over 90 days — usable on Google's own Gemini models in Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform (formerly Vertex AI), but not on the standalone Gemini API or on third-party partner models. A payment method is required.

    Free value
    $300
    Card required
    Card: conditional A credit card or another supported payment method is required; available methods depend on country.
    Application deadline
    No deadline stated
    Credit validity
    90 days after signup
    Who
    New customers who have never been a paying user of Google Cloud, Google Maps Platform or Firebase, and who haven't signed up for the Free Trial before.

    Available subject to the provider eligibility and usage conditions.

    Check eligibility & claim Google Cloud free trial — $300 credit (opens in a new tab) Details
  • Google Cloud Startup program
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    Google for Startups Cloud Program

    Eligible startups get Google Cloud credits — up to $2,000 on the Start tier, or up to $200,000 over two years on the Scale tier (year 2 covers 20% of usage). AI-first startups can reach $350,000. Third-party models are not covered.

    Free value
    Up to $200,000
    Card required
    Card: conditional A Cloud Billing account is required. Self-serve accounts use a supported payment method; separately approved invoiced accounts are another option.
    Application deadline
    No deadline stated
    Credit validity
    Start: 12 months; Scale/AI: coverage over two years, with 20% of eligible spend covered in year two. Award-specific start and expiry dates are not stated here.
    Who
    Apply to the tier matching your stage. Google's Start page requires an MVP, a clear business model, plans to seek venture funding, founding within 24 months, and no credits beyond the free trial. The Scale page requires recent pre-seed to Series A funding, founding within five years, and no more than $5,000 of prior Google Cloud credits. The overview gives a broader three-to-five-year criterion depending on tier; use the specific tier page and application for your eligibility. A company domain and Google Cloud billing ID are required.

    Available subject to the provider eligibility and usage conditions.

    Check eligibility & claim Google for Startups Cloud Program (opens in a new tab) Details

Frequently asked questions

How much free credit does Google Cloud give?
New Google Cloud accounts get a $300 welcome credit to spend over 90 days across Google Cloud products, including Google’s own Gemini models in Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform — the product Google called Vertex AI until April 2026. Two generative-AI exclusions apply: the credit cannot pay for standalone Gemini API / AI Studio usage, and it cannot pay for third-party partner models offered as a managed API. Google requires a credit card or other payment method at sign-up and says you won’t be billed during the trial.
Can I use the $300 Google Cloud credit for Claude?
No. Google states you “can’t access or use the $300 credit for a generative AI partner model that is offered as a managed API”, and Claude on Google Cloud is exactly that. Google’s own Gemini models are covered. The startup programme’s credits exclude third-party models too.
Who is eligible for the Google Cloud free trial?
New customers who have never been a paying user of Google Cloud, Google Maps Platform or Firebase, and who have not signed up for the Free Trial before.
Is the Google Cloud free trial the same as the Gemini API free tier?
No. The $300 / 90-day trial credit is separate. For an ongoing allowance on selected Gemini models, see the Gemini API free tier in Google AI Studio — which the $300 credit cannot pay for.