How to get $1000 in AWS Credits in 2026: Fastest ways for Startups
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If you’re a startup founder looking to launch or scale your product, AWS infrastructure is powerful — but costly. Thankfully, Amazon Web Services offers $1,000 in free credits through the AWS Activate Founders program, designed specifically for early-stage startups without VC backing.
But navigating AWS’s application process can be confusing — and that’s where this guide comes in. We’ve helped hundreds of startups secure credits quickly and properly — and we’ll tell you how to get them.
Table of Contents
What is AWS Activate Founders?
AWS Activate is Amazon’s official startup support program. It offers different tiers of credits depending on your funding and partner affiliation:
- AWS Activate Founders – $1,000 in credits
- AWS Activate Portfolio – Up to $100,000 (requires accelerator or VC partner affiliation)
This guide focuses on the $1,000 Founders track — for startups that are not part of an accelerator or VC portfolio.
For more context, you can also check our full guide: AWS Credits for Startups
Scale Your Startup with Free AWS Credits!
Who Can Apply for AWS $1k Credits?
To qualify for the AWS Activate Founders program, your startup must meet the following criteria:
- Be self-funded or have raised funds through pre-seed, angel, seed, or Series A rounds.
- Have a fully functioning company website.
- Be founded within the past 10 years.
- Not be affiliated with an AWS Activate Provider (e.g., accelerators, incubators, venture capital firms).
- Have not previously received AWS Activate credits of equal or greater value.
These requirements are strict — but predictable.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply DIY
Here’s the exact process to apply for $1000 AWS credits:
- Create an AWS Builder ID at console.aws.amazon.com/builderid
- Log in to AWS Activate at aws.amazon.com/activate
- Choose “Founders” program
- Complete your Activate Profile, including company website, funding details, and AWS Account ID
- Submit and wait 7–10 days for approval
- Receive your credits via email and apply them through your AWS billing dashboard
Tip: Use a LinkedIn-verified business email and match it with your website domain — it improves trust and speeds up approval.
What You Can Use the Credits For
Once approved, you can spend AWS Activate credits on almost any core AWS service, including:
- EC2 (virtual servers)
- S3 (file storage)
- RDS (managed databases)
- SageMaker (ML development)
- Lambda, Fargate, CloudFront, and more
Many startups use the AWS 1k credits to cover:
- MVP launches
- AI/ML prototype testing
- Internal tools hosting
- Dev/staging environments
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Application
Here are 3 common errors that can delay or ruin your application:
- Using Gmail or personal email — AWS requires a company-branded domain
- Website under construction — it must be live and legit
- Company name mismatch – if the company name differs from the product/platform/software name on your website, AWS may request additional documentation
Don’t waste time reapplying. We’ll help you get it right the first time.
What Happens After You’re Approved?
Once your credits land, here’s what to do:
- Track usage in AWS Billing Dashboard
- Set cost alerts to avoid overspending
- Review credit expiration date (usually 12 months)
- Start optimizing your setup — or talk to us and we’ll help
Need help using those credits effectively? Our team offers AWS cost optimization support to make sure you get the most out of your credits.
