If you are looking for AWS startup credits, the most direct way to get AWS credits right now is AWS Activate. AWS has different credit tiers depending on your startup’s funding stage. Self-funded startups can apply for AWS Activate Founders, while startups backed by a VC, accelerator, angel investor, or another Activate Provider can apply through AWS Activate Portfolio.
The current AWS program offers up to $200,000 in AWS Activate Credits, while eligible AI startups may qualify for additional credits beyond that amount. Founders starts with $1,000, and select startups may qualify for up to $5,000.
The important part is choosing the right route. You do not automatically get the maximum amount just because you apply. AWS checks your startup’s eligibility, funding stage, AWS account, and other program requirements.
This guide explains what AWS credits are, who can get them, how the application works, and which AWS Activate option may fit your startup.
What are AWS Credits?
AWS credits are promotional credits that can be used toward eligible AWS costs. For a startup, this can be useful when you are spending money on cloud infrastructure while your product is still growing. Instead of paying the full eligible AWS cost from your own budget, available credits can help offset those charges. You can use AWS credits while building things such as:
- SaaS products
- AI applications
- Web and mobile applications
- APIs
- Cloud infrastructure
- Data and analytics platforms
- Products using Amazon Bedrock
AWS describes Activate Credits as a way for startups to move from prototype to production faster.
If you want to understand what happens to credits after you receive them, you can read our detailed guide on how AWS credits work.
What Is the Actual Way to Get AWS Credits?
For most startups, the actual process starts with AWS Activate. AWS currently has three main Activate credit options:
- AWS Activate Founders: for self-funded or bootstrapped startups.
- AWS Activate Portfolio: for eligible startups backed by an Activate Provider.
- AWS Credits for AI Startups: an invite-only option for startups ready to scale beyond Activate Portfolio.
There is also the AWS Free Tier, which is separate from Activate Credits and follows its own eligibility rules.
- If you are self-funded: Start with AWS Activate Founders.
- If you have an investor or accelerator: Check whether they are an AWS Activate Provider. If they are, you may be able to use their Org ID to apply for Activate Portfolio.
- If you are an AI startup already scaling: Check whether you qualify for the additional AI startup credit route.
AWS currently states that eligible startups must generally be pre-Series B, founded within the last 10 years, have an AWS account on the Paid Tier Plan, and either be new to Activate Credits or be requesting more credits than they previously received.
How Much AWS Credit Can You Get?
The amount depends on the Activate tier you qualify for.
| AWS Program | Designed For | Current Credit Level |
| Activate Founders | Self-funded startups | Up to $5,000 |
| Activate Portfolio | Eligible provider-backed startups | Up to $200,000 |
| AWS Credits for AI Startups | Eligible AI startups ready to scale beyond Portfolio | $200,000+ |
For Founders, AWS says startups start with $1,000 in Activate Credits, while select participants may qualify for additional credits up to $5,000.
Who Can Get AWS Credits?
AWS Activate is designed for startups from pre-seed to scale. However, not every startup qualifies for every credit tier. AWS currently lists these general eligibility conditions:
- Startup is pre-Series B.
- Founded within the last 10 years.
- AWS account is on the Paid Tier Plan.
- Startup is new to Activate Credits, or is requesting more credits than it previously received.
There are additional requirements depending on the tier you apply for. Your funding situation is particularly important because it determines which Activate route you should look at.
- Self-Funded Startups: If you are building your startup with your own money, Activate Founders is the relevant option. This is the route AWS provides for bootstrapped and self-funded startups.
- VC-Backed Startups: If you have raised money from a venture capital firm, check whether the investor is an AWS Activate Provider. If it is, you may be able to apply for Activate Portfolio using the provider’s Org ID.
- Accelerator-Backed Startups:The same applies to accelerators. If your accelerator is an Activate Provider, ask them for their Org ID before starting your Portfolio application.
AWS Activate Founders vs AWS Activate Portfolio
The difference between the two programs is fairly simple.
| Feature | Activate Founders | Activate Portfolio |
| Best suited for | Self-funded startups | Provider-backed startups |
| Funding | Self-funded | VC, accelerator, angel, or other provider |
| Provider required | No | Yes |
| Org ID required | No | Yes |
| Credit level | Starts at $1,000; select startups up to $5,000 | Up to $200,000 |
| Application | Directly through AWS | Through AWS using provider Org ID |
What Is an AWS Activate Provider?
An AWS Activate Provider is an organization that participates in the AWS Activate ecosystem. These can include:
- Venture capital firms
- Accelerators
- Angel investors
- Startup-enabling organizations
AWS says thousands of such organizations are part of its Activate Provider network.
If your startup is connected to one of these organizations, ask whether they can provide an AWS Activate Org ID.
What Is an AWS Activate Org ID?
An Org ID is used when applying for the Activate Portfolio program. If you are backed by an AWS Activate Provider, such as an accelerator or VC firm, that provider can give you the relevant Org ID. You then use it during your AWS Activate application. This helps AWS identify the relationship between your startup and the Activate Provider.
If you are self-funded and applying for Activate Founders, you generally do not need a provider Org ID.
How To Apply For AWS Credits?
AWS keeps the application process fairly straightforward.
Step 1: Create an AWS Builder ID
Create an AWS Builder ID using your professional email address. If you already have one, simply sign in and complete your profile.
Step 2: Choose Your Credit Tier
Look at your funding situation.
- Self-funded? Check Activate Founders.
- Backed by a VC or accelerator? Check whether they are an Activate Provider and apply for Portfolio if eligible.
Step 3: Tell AWS About Your Startup
AWS asks for information about your:
- Product
- Funding stage
- Company profile
Use accurate and consistent information throughout the application.
Step 4: Link Your AWS Account
Create or link an AWS account to your Builder ID. Once everything is ready, submit the application.
Step 5: Wait for the Review
AWS currently says you should hear back within 5–10 business days. This is the published response timeframe. It should not be treated as a guarantee of approval.
What Information Should You Keep Ready?
Before applying, it helps to have the basics in front of you.
Company information
- Company name
- Company website
- Product details
- Company profile
- Business email
Funding information
- Current funding stage
- Funding status
- Investor or accelerator details, if applicable
- Activate Provider information, if applicable
AWS information
- AWS account
- AWS Builder ID
- Activate Provider Org ID, if applicable
The exact information requested can vary based on the application and the tier you choose.
How Long Does AWS Take to Approve AWS Credits?
AWS currently says applicants will hear back within 5–10 business days after submitting their application. The process is generally:
Apply → AWS reviews your details → Eligibility is checked → Application outcome
If you are applying through a provider, make sure the provider information and Org ID are correct before submitting. A wrong or inconsistent detail can create unnecessary delays.
Can AI Startups Get AWS Credits?
Yes. AWS currently has a specific credit option for AI startups that are ready to scale beyond the standard Activate Portfolio program.
The current page lists this as an invite-only option with $200,000+ in AWS Credits. AWS directs eligible startups to speak with their Account Manager when they need additional support.
AWS also highlights using promotional credits for AI development, including products built with Amazon Bedrock. This makes the program particularly relevant to startups building:
- Generative AI products
- AI SaaS platforms
- AI agents
- AI-powered business applications
- Products using foundation models
However, being an AI startup does not automatically mean you qualify for the additional credit tier.
Can Bootstrapped Startups Get AWS Credits?
Yes. Bootstrapped startups can apply for AWS Activate Founders if they meet the current eligibility requirements.
AWS currently lists the Founders tier as starting at $1,000, with select participants potentially qualifying for additional credits up to $5,000. You do not need to raise VC funding simply to explore this option.
The important part is making sure your startup meets the current AWS requirements before applying.
What Happens After You Receive AWS Credits?
Once your application is approved, the credits can help offset eligible AWS costs. But don’t treat the credit balance as unlimited spending money. Keep track of:
- Credit balance
- AWS usage
- Expiration dates
- Eligible services
- Monthly cloud spending
AWS credits are subject to the applicable promotional credit terms.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
A few simple mistakes can make the process harder than it needs to be.
- Applying for the wrong tier: A bootstrapped founder should first check Founders, while a provider-backed startup should investigate Portfolio.
- Using incorrect company information: Make sure your website, company details and funding information are consistent.
- Using the wrong Org ID: If you are applying through a provider, confirm the Org ID directly with them.
- Assuming the maximum amount is guaranteed: Seeing “$200,000” on the AWS page does not mean every startup receives $200,000. Your actual credit amount depends on your eligibility and program tier.
- Ignoring current requirements: AWS can change its eligibility rules and credit programs. Always check the current requirements before submitting your application.
What If You Are Not Eligible for AWS Activate?
Not every startup will qualify for Activate. If you do not meet the current requirements, you can still look at other ways to reduce your cloud costs. Depending on your situation, consider:
- AWS Free Tier, if eligible
- AWS startup resources
- Accelerator programs
- Other legitimate cloud startup programs
- Cloud cost optimization
- Reducing unused infrastructure
These options are separate from AWS Activate and should not be treated as equivalent to startup credits.
Final Takeaway
The actual way to get AWS credits is not a secret code or a shortcut. For most founders, it starts with choosing the right AWS Activate tier.
- Bootstrapped or self-funded: Check Activate Founders.
- VC or accelerator-backed: Check whether your organization is an Activate Provider and ask for its Org ID.
- Scaling AI startup: Explore the additional AI startup credit option.
- New AWS customer: Check the AWS Free Tier separately.
The current AWS Activate program offers meaningful support, but eligibility matters. Before applying, check your startup’s funding stage, age, AWS account status and previous credit history.
FAQs
The main route for startups is AWS Activate. Self-funded startups can check Activate Founders, while eligible provider-backed startups can apply through Activate Portfolio.
Activate Founders starts at $1,000, with select startups potentially qualifying for up to $5,000. Activate Portfolio offers up to $200,000 for eligible startups.
Yes. Eligible self-funded startups can apply through AWS Activate Founders.
No. VC backing is not required for Activate Founders. It is relevant when applying through the provider-backed Portfolio route.
It is an organization participating in the AWS Activate ecosystem, such as a VC firm, accelerator, angel investor, or startup-enabling organization.
It is the identifier provided by an eligible Activate Provider for startups applying through Activate Portfolio.
AWS currently says applicants will hear back within 5–10 business days.
Yes. AWS currently lists an invite-only AI startup option offering $200,000+ for eligible startups ready to scale beyond Activate Portfolio.
No. The published credit amounts are program levels, not guaranteed awards for every applicant.
