Startup credits: frequently asked questions
The short, honest answers to the questions founders ask most often before applying for cloud, AI, and perk programs.
Are startup credit programs really free?
Yes. The major programs listed here (AWS Activate, Google for Startups Cloud, Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, Notion, HubSpot, etc.) are free to apply to. None of them take equity. You may need to provide a payment method that activates only after credits are exhausted or expire, always check individual terms before applying.
Do I need a VC to get the big cloud credits?
No. The easiest paths for bootstrapped founders are Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub (up to $5K with just business verification), AWS Activate Founders tier ($1,000), Google for Startups Cloud Start Tier ($2,000), and Cloudflare for Startups (up to $5K via the BOOTSTRAPPED code). VC or accelerator referrals unlock larger tiers ($100K–$350K) but are not required for a meaningful base.
In what order should I apply to these programs?
Order matters. A good default for bootstrapped founders: (1) incorporate via Stripe Atlas, (2) join NVIDIA Inception if AI-focused, (3) apply for Microsoft Founders Hub, (4) AWS Activate Founders, (5) Google for Startups Cloud Start, (6) open Mercury or Brex, (7) then layer on Notion, MongoDB, GitHub, and others. See the Playbooks page for sequences optimized by archetype.
How long do credits last?
Typically 12 months from activation, though this varies. AWS Activate credits can last 1–2 years. Microsoft Founders Hub distributes over up to 4 years as you hit milestones. Google Cloud Scale tier runs 2 years. Each program detail page shows the exact validity.
Can I re-apply if I got a smaller tier before?
Usually yes. AWS Activate, for example, lets you re-apply for a higher Portfolio tier after you burn through the Founders tier, as long as you now qualify. But most programs only pay out one-time per company, GitHub for Startups in particular has a strict "one redemption ever" rule.
What email should I use when applying?
Always use a professional domain email (name@yourcompany.com), not Gmail or Outlook. Programs verify you as a real company through your website and matching email domain. A Gmail address is one of the most common rejection reasons across AWS, Google Cloud, and Notion.
Can international (non-US) founders qualify?
Yes, for most programs. Stripe Atlas lets non-US founders incorporate a Delaware C-Corp in ~2 business days. Mercury and Brex require a US entity but will onboard non-resident founders (Mercury compliance review can take weeks). Microsoft Founders Hub Ideate tier is the easiest entry point with no residency requirements. AWS Activate Founders accepts global applications.
What is the 83(b) election and why is the deadline so important?
The 83(b) election is a tax filing you make to the IRS within 30 calendar days of receiving founder stock. It locks in your tax basis at the time of grant, when equity is worth almost nothing, instead of when it vests (when it could be worth a lot). Missing the 30-day window can cost you tens of thousands in future taxes. The deadline is not extendable for weekends or holidays.
Should I use Brex or Ramp?
Both are excellent and have overlapping but different Marketplace perks. Brex leans toward travel/dining rewards and has a larger $50K+ cash reserve bar. Ramp leans toward software tools (better OpenAI credits, stronger compliance perks via Vanta/Drata/Secureframe) and is more accessible for earlier-stage startups. If you can qualify for both, having Brex for rewards and Ramp for spend controls is a common setup.
Why is the "Last verified" date important?
Terms, credit amounts, and eligibility rules change frequently. Listings on this site show the last time the program details were confirmed against the official provider page. We refresh all entries at least quarterly, but before you apply, always click through to the provider and confirm current terms.
Still have questions?
Every program detail page has a FAQ specific to that program, plus tactical tips and common rejection reasons.