Google Cloud credits
You can get free Google Cloud credits primarily through the $300 Free Trial for new customers, valid for 90 days, to explore various services. Additionally, students and researchers can earn credits via specific programs like Cloud Skills Boost, Google's educational initiatives, and startup programs. An "Always Free" tier also offers limited usage of over 20 products without cost, regardless of the trial.
How to Get Credits
- Sign Up for the Free Trial: Go to the Google Cloud website (cloud.google.com) and start the free trial to receive $300 in credits for 90 days. You'll need to provide payment details, but won't be charged until the credits are used and you opt-in to continue.
- Use the Always Free Tier: Even without the trial, many products (like Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, BigQuery) offer a generous "Always Free" tier for ongoing, limited usage.
For Students & Researchers:Cloud Skills Boost (Arcade/Gen Academy): Complete challenges to earn monthly free credits.Research Programs: Apply for grants up to $5,000 for academic research.Startup Programs: Eligible startups can receive additional credits and benefits.
What You Can Do
- Experiment: Test services like Compute Engine, Kubernetes Engine, BigQuery, and Spanner.
- Learn: Use credits for training through Google Skills.
- Build: Deploy and test real-world applications and solutions.