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AWS eligibility criteria
AWS startup credits are intended for founders and growing businesses. Eligibility is assessed by our partner based on factors such as company stage, existing credits, current spend etc
You are generally eligible if:
- You are a new or existing AWS customer
Final approval and credit amount is determined by our partner, this offer is free to find out how much you could get/save.
How to redeem free AWS credits
As this is a deal via our partner, please follow these instructions to see how many credits/what discount you may be able to get:
- Click the link at the top of this page
- Fill in the short form
- You'll be instantly emailed further instructions
- Follow these and set up a short meeting with our partner, they'll be able to assess how many free credits and/or discount you'll be able to get.
Once approved, you can begin using your AWS credits immediately across eligible services.
About AWS and pricing
Amazon Web Services is the world’s largest cloud computing platform, providing infrastructure for hosting applications, databases, storage, AI tools, analytics, security and global deployment.
AWS pricing is usage based, you only pay for what you use which makes it flexible but also easy to overspend without controls, thats why startup credits are our most requested deal.
AWS often becomes one of the biggest costs for founders as your products scale. Credits help to extend runway and discounts can help protect margins. Both allow you to move faster with less risk.
AWS is used by startups like Airbnb, Slack and Robinhood as well as global companies like Netflix, Spotify and Zoom. The same infrastructure is available to early stage and small business from day one.
What founders use AWS for
Founders use AWS across almost every industry:
- SaaS platforms and APIs
- Ecommerce stores and marketplaces
- Mobile and web applications
- AI and machine learning products
- Data platforms and analytics
- IoT and hardware systems
- Internal tools and dashboards
Whatever you are building, the great thing is AWS already have services designed for it.
Why this partnership matters
From our experience at FounderPass, cloud costs are one of the biggest hidden risks for startups. Infrastructure is essential but it does not directly generate revenue.
This partnership gives founders room to build properly without being forced to cut corners or delay growth because of cloud spend.
Credits help you start. Discounts help you scale. Together, they change the economics of building technology.
AWS ecosystem advantage
AWS offers:
- Global infrastructure across 30+ regions
- Enterprise grade security and compliance
- Thousands of third party integrations
- Startup focused training and technical support
- A massive community of builders and partners
You are not just getting credits, you are joining the largest cloud ecosystem in the world.
AWS from a founders perspective
As founders ourselves, we know that when one thing becomes your main cost you need to be extra careful with it. Cloud infrastructure is often that cost so it's important to firstly pick the right one for your needs but also to be aware of costs. Free credits like this from AWS can become a great way to reduce costs at the start and increase your runway.
However, a word of warning when picking any cloud platform, always be aware of the costs post your free credits running out, as often they will be used faster than you think and then you'll start seeing a bill come in. So avoid this surprise shock by researching costs of your cloud before you blindly sign up based off a great free credit offer.
Even though AWS is the platform most startups and scaling technology companies choose, it may not be the best option for everyone. Having said that, it's well known that if you are building anything technical, AWS credits remain one of the most valuable advantages a founder can secure early on.
AWS alternatives
While AWS is the largest cloud platform, some founders explore alternatives based on anything from pricing, preference etc.
Most alternatives offer compute, storage and networking, but differ in ecosystem size, service depth and long term scalability. The right choice depends on how complex your product is and how far you plan to scale.
Our most popular alternatives are below:
Frequently asked questions
How much AWS credit can I receive?
Eligible founders can receive up to $100,000 in AWS credits depending on your businesses stage, existing spend and credits.
Do I receive the full $100,000 automatically?
No, the amount you receive depends on many factors, if you are just starting out you can realistically expect a much lower amount of free credits. The largest amount are typically for those who are already spending large amounts on other platforms.
What can I use AWS credits for?
Credits can be used across many AWS services including compute, storage, databases, AI tools and analytics.
How long do AWS credits last?
Credits have expiry periods set by AWS. Exact terms are provided upon approval.
Can existing AWS users apply?
Yes, as long as you have not already exhausted startup credit programs and meet eligibility criteria.
Are the 20% to 60% savings automatic?
Discount levels depend on partner agreements and approval from our partner, savings are applied to eligible services.
Why does FounderPass offer this?
At FounderPass, we focus on removing major cost barriers for founders, we have teamed up with one of our partners to be able to offer this AWS credit offer as cloud infrastructure is typically one of the biggest costs for founders.
Is AWS suitable for non technical founders?
Yes. Many founders start with simple hosting, databases and storage before expanding into advanced services as they grow.
Deal change log
- January 12, 2026 - Offer wording changes