WorkOS for Startups
Free AuthKit + User Management up to 1M MAUs, permanently, no application needed. SSO/SCIM remain paid.
WorkOS for Startups offers up to Free up to 1M MAUs permanently to bootstrapped, pre-seed, seed startups, no VC referral required. Review takes 0–1 business days.
About
WorkOS's User Management (AuthKit) is free up to 1 million MAUs, no application, no expiry. Enterprise SSO and Directory Sync (SCIM) remain paid at $125/connection/month. The startup page highlights enterprise-ready onboarding patterns; treat this as a free tier rather than a traditional program.
Tiers
- Any startup
- Startups pursuing enterprise customers
Eligibility
- Any startup (free tier has no gate)
How to apply
- 1
- 2Contact sales (optional)If you need SSO/SCIM discounts for enterprise deals.
What else you get
- AuthKit (pre-built auth UI)
- User Management (profile, sessions, orgs)
- Audit logs (free tier available)
What credits cover (and don't)
- AuthKit
- User Management API
- Enterprise SSO ($125/connection)
- Directory Sync/SCIM ($125/connection)
Tactical tips
- Tip 1.1M MAU free is extremely generous, you may never need to pay for auth.
- Tip 2.If an enterprise customer asks for SSO, the $125/connection add-on unlocks it per-customer.
- Tip 3.No gating, no application, just start using it.
Frequently asked about WorkOS for Startups
Is WorkOS for Startups free to apply?
Yes. Applying to WorkOS for Startups does not cost anything and does not require giving up equity. Some programs require a payment method on file that activates only after credits are consumed or expire, check the program detail page for specifics.
How long does WorkOS for Startups take to review applications?
Processing times are shown on the program detail page. Most programs reply within 1–3 weeks. Self-serve tiers (like AWS Activate Founders) can approve in 2–7 days; partner-referred tiers (like AWS Activate Portfolio) usually take 5–10 days.
Can I combine WorkOS for Startups with other startup programs?
Most programs stack. The "Stacks well with" section on each detail page lists commonly combined programs. A few important exceptions: if you already claimed AWS credits via Brex or Mercury, your direct AWS Activate amount may be reduced.
What is the most common reason applications to WorkOS get rejected?
The top rejection reasons are (1) using a personal Gmail/Outlook address instead of a company domain, (2) having a thin or placeholder website, and (3) mismatched information between the application and Crunchbase/Pitchbook. The tips section on the program page details program-specific factors.
Related programs
Auth0 for Startups
One year free on Auth0 B2B Professional plan, advanced security, integrations, higher tiers (~$24K/year value).
Clerk for Startups
Up to $150K in Clerk credits over 2 years for venture-backed startups; $5K / 6 months for bootstrapped.
SSOJet Startup Program
50% off enterprise SSO (SAML, OIDC, SCIM) for 12 months, unlimited users, 25+ IdPs, implementation help.