CreditStack

Aws

AWS Activate

$1K – $100K in credits
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Up to $100K in AWS credits for startups, no equity required. Grows with your spend.

AWS Activate hands out $1K–$100K in credits depending on your stage and traction. You get 12–24 months to burn them down against your AWS bill—compute, storage, databases, the works. Credits stack on top of the free tier, so you're not double-dipping, just extending runway. The catch: you need to either be in a recognized accelerator, have raised under $2M, or be pre-seed with some traction signal. Approval usually takes 2–4 weeks. Best for early-stage teams that are already committed to AWS and need breathing room on infrastructure costs.

2 tiers

Tier 1

Activate Founders

Start here if your startup is not yet associated with an Activate Provider

$1K

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Application difficulty: Easy Benefits: Standard

Benefits

  • $1,000 USD AWS Activate Credits
  • Eligible for usage on hundreds of AWS services

Eligibility

  • New to AWS Activate Credits
  • Self-funded or pre-Series B (most recent funding round must be within the last 12 months, if applicable)
  • Have a fully-functioning company website
  • Founded in the past 10 years

How to apply

  1. 1

    Create AWS Builder ID

    Create an AWS Builder ID to access AWS services and apply for Activate

    Create Builder ID →
  2. 2

    Complete Founders Application

    Fill out and submit the Activate Founders package application

    Apply Now →
Apply for Activate Founders →

Tier 2

Activate Portfolio

Start here if your startup is associated with an Activate Provider

$100K

click to collapse
Application difficulty: Hard Benefits: Exceptional

Benefits

  • Up to $100,000 USD AWS Activate Credits
  • Eligible for usage on hundreds of AWS services

Eligibility

  • Have not previously received AWS Activate Credits of equal or greater value
  • Self-funded or pre-Series B (most recent funding round must be within the last 12 months, if applicable)
  • Have a fully-functioning company website
  • Founded in the past 10 years

How to apply

  1. 1

    Obtain Organization ID

    Contact your Activate Provider to request a valid Organization ID

    Request Org ID →
  2. 2

    Complete Portfolio Application

    Fill out and submit the Activate Portfolio package application using your Org ID

    Apply Now →
Apply for Activate Portfolio →

Pros

  • ✓ Up to $100K in credits with no equity stake or repayment terms
  • ✓ 12–24 month validity window gives real runway flexibility
  • ✓ Stacks on top of AWS free tier; covers all service types including managed databases

Cons

  • ✗ Eligibility tied to accelerator participation, funding stage, or vague 'traction' criteria—rejections common
  • ✗ Credits expire; unused balance vanishes after 12–24 months regardless of circumstances
  • ✗ Approval takes 2–4 weeks minimum; some applicants report 6–8 week delays

Frequently asked questions

What can I use AWS Activate Credits for?
AWS offers over 200 services worldwide. You can use Activate Credits toward eligible AWS services and support, including infrastructure, machine learning, analytics, and more. For a full list of eligible services, see the AWS Billing and Cost Management console after receiving your approval email. Additional details are in the AWS Activate Terms & Conditions.
What is not covered by AWS Activate Credits?
AWS Activate Credits cannot be applied to certain AWS Support tiers, AWS Marketplace products (except specific models on Amazon Bedrock), AWS Professional Services, or other ineligible fees. For comprehensive details on what's excluded, review the AWS Promotional Credit Terms & Conditions and the AWS Activate Terms & Conditions.
How do I use my AWS Activate Credits?
Once approved, your credits are automatically applied to offset eligible AWS services and support costs. You can track credit usage and expiration dates within the AWS Activate Console or AWS Billing and Cost Management Console.
What is an organization ID?
An organization ID is a numeric code associated with your Activate Provider. It's required if you're applying for the Activate Portfolio package. If you are not affiliated with a provider, you can apply for the Activate Founders package without an organization ID.
What is an Activate Provider?
Activate Providers are accelerators, venture capital firms, and other startup enablers that collaborate with AWS. They issue organization IDs to qualifying startups, enabling them to apply for and receive AWS Activate Credits.
Where can I find details about my credits including usage and expiration dates?
You can view your AWS Activate Credits balance, expiration date, and usage within both the AWS Billing and Cost Management Console and the AWS Activate Console. Email notifications will also be sent prior to expiration or when approaching full usage.
How are my credits applied to Reserved Instances or Saving Plans?
Activate Credits apply to usage-based fees for Reserved Instances and Savings Plans. However, the upfront costs for RIs or Savings Plans are not covered by AWS Activate Credits.

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