Startup Credits: The Complete Guide for 2026
The most comprehensive directory of startup credits, discounts, and free programs available today. Curated, verified, and updated weekly so you never miss a dollar.
$5M+
Total value
200+
Verified perks
10+
Categories
What are startup credits?
Startup credits are free resources, financial incentives, and discounted services that technology companies offer to early-stage businesses. They exist because vendors want to acquire startups as long-term customers — if you build on their platform early, you are likely to stay as you scale.
These credits come in several forms: cloud computing credits from providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure; AI and API credits from OpenAI, Anthropic, and others; SaaS discounts on tools like Notion, Figma, and HubSpot; and financial perks such as fee waivers from Stripe and Brex.
For early-stage founders, startup credits can mean the difference between running out of runway and reaching product-market fit. A well-optimized credit stack can save your company $100,000 or more in the first two years — money that goes directly to building your product, hiring your team, and acquiring customers.
Reduce burn rate
Replace out-of-pocket expenses with free credits and stretch your runway further.
Ship faster
Access premium tools and infrastructure from day one without waiting for funding.
Stack benefits
Combine credits from multiple vendors — there are no restrictions on stacking.
Credits by category
Browse startup credits organized by the tools and services your company needs most.
Cloud
IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, Alibaba Cloud & more
AI Tools
Cohere, Mistral AI, Together AI & more
DevTools
Twilio (Segment), Algolia, GitLab & more
Data
Redis, Neon, Neo4j & more
Security
Auth0 (by Okta), Cloudflare, Tailscale & more
Marketing
Intercom, Zendesk, Freshworks & more
Finance
Carta, Pulley, Ramp & more
Design
Figma & more
Productivity
ClickUp, Miro, Coda & more
Analytics
Datadog, PostHog, Amplitude & more
Communication
Stream, Twilio, Resend & more
HR & Hiring
Deel, Remote, Gusto & more
Most popular startup credits
The highest-value, most-claimed credits that every startup should know about.
AWS Activate
AWS's flagship startup program offering cloud credits, AWS technical support, training, and go-to-market resources. AI startups can qualify for up to $300K in credits.
Credit value
Up to $300,000
Google for Startups Cloud Program
Google Cloud credits for startups at every stage — up to $350K for AI-first companies — plus a dedicated Startup Success Manager, technical support, and access to Google's partner network.
Credit value
Up to $350,000
OpenAI for Startups
API credits for startups building on OpenAI models, distributed through VC and accelerator partners. OpenAI Grove cohort participants receive $50K in credits plus mentorship from the OpenAI team.
Credit value
Up to $50,000
Anthropic Claude Startup Program
API credits for early-stage startups building AI-powered products with Claude. VC partner path offers up to $25K in credits, priority rate limits, and access to the Anthropic team through office hours and community events.
Credit value
Up to $25,000
Vercel for Startups
Startup credits for deploying on Vercel's frontend cloud, plus access to the Vercel AI Accelerator — a 6-week program offering over $4M in combined partner credits for AI-focused teams.
Credit value
Up to $216,000 (AI Accelerator)
HubSpot for Startups
Up to 90% off HubSpot's CRM, Marketing, Sales, and Service hubs in year one — with a graduated discount structure across three years. Ideal for early-stage startups managing growth without a large sales team.
Credit value
Up to 90% off Year 1How to claim startup credits
Most credits can be claimed in under 10 minutes. Here is the general process.
Step 01
Check eligibility requirements
Each program has specific criteria — usually incorporation date, funding stage, or employee count. Perqly shows eligibility upfront so you never waste time on programs you do not qualify for.
Step 02
Prepare your documentation
Common requirements include proof of incorporation, a company website, a brief product description, and sometimes proof of affiliation with an accelerator or VC. Have these ready before you start applying.
Step 03
Submit your application
Follow the step-by-step instructions on each perk's detail page. Most applications are online forms that take 5-10 minutes. Some credits are instant (just a coupon code), while others require a short review period.
Step 04
Activate and track your credits
Once approved, activate your credits in the vendor's dashboard. Note the expiration date and set a reminder. Many credits expire in 12-24 months, and unused credits are forfeited.
Who qualifies for startup credits?
Eligibility varies by program, but most startups qualify for the majority of credits listed on Perqly.
Typical requirements
- Company incorporated within the last 5-10 years
- Under $10M in annual revenue (varies by program)
- A functioning website or product
- Valid company email address (not personal)
- Under 100-200 employees for most programs
- New customer to the vendor (no existing paid account)
Documents to have ready
- Certificate of incorporation or business registration
- Company website URL with a clear product description
- Pitch deck or one-pager (for premium programs)
- Proof of accelerator or VC affiliation (if applicable)
- LinkedIn profile of the founder or CEO
- Bank statements or revenue proof (rare, but some programs ask)
Pro tip: Apply early in your startup journey
Many programs have age and revenue caps. The earlier you apply, the more programs you qualify for. Some credits (like cloud infrastructure credits) are only available to companies less than 2 years old, so do not wait until you need them to apply.
Startup credits FAQ
Common questions about finding and claiming startup credits.
Startup credits are free resources, discounts, and financial incentives offered by technology companies to help new businesses get started. They range from cloud computing credits (like AWS and Google Cloud) to free SaaS subscriptions, AI API credits, and marketing spend. Most programs are designed to reduce the early-stage burn rate so founders can focus on building their product instead of worrying about infrastructure costs.
The total value of available startup credits exceeds $5M+ across 200+ programs. Realistically, a single startup can unlock between $50,000 and $500,000+ in combined credits depending on eligibility and stage. Cloud infrastructure credits alone (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) can total over $300,000, and stacking AI, DevTool, and marketing credits pushes the number even higher.
No. Many programs are open to all startups regardless of funding status. Some vendor programs (like AWS Activate Founders) only require a company website and a brief description of your product. Others are tied to accelerators or require a certain funding threshold, but the majority of credits on Perqly are accessible to bootstrapped founders.
Most startup credits expire within 12-24 months of activation. Cloud credits from AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure typically last 1-2 years. AI credits from OpenAI and Anthropic usually have a 12-month window. Some programs like Stripe and Notion offer ongoing discounts rather than one-time credits. Always check the specific terms for each program before claiming.
Yes. There is no restriction on claiming credits from multiple vendors simultaneously. In fact, stacking is the smartest strategy — you can use AWS credits for hosting, Google Cloud credits for AI workloads, Stripe credits for payment processing, and Notion credits for team collaboration, all at the same time. Each program operates independently.
Perqly aggregates 200+ verified startup credits in one searchable directory. Instead of spending hours Googling individual programs and parsing vendor websites, you get a curated list with eligibility requirements, step-by-step claim instructions, direct application links, and insider pro tips — all verified and updated weekly.