Tips for getting more from free credits and codes.
Plain advice on startup programs, promo codes and free AI tools: where they come from, how to claim them, and how to make them last.
- Hackathons
Getting the most from hackathon credits
Hackathons hand out cloud, GPU and API credits that often outlast the event. Here is how to claim them, use them well and keep the value afterwards.
- About PerkRadar
How PerkRadar checks codes, and how you can help
Every code on PerkRadar is checked against its live source before it is listed. Here is how that works and how members keep the list clean.
- Startup credits
How to make startup credits last a full year
Large startup grants can disappear in months. Practical habits for budgeting, monitoring and architecture that stretch credits across a full year.
- Nonprofits
How nonprofits get tech discounts
Many software companies donate or discount their tools for nonprofits. Here is how verification works and where to start.
- Free tiers
How to find credits that don't need a card
Some credits and free tiers ask for no payment details at all. Here is how to find them, why many offers ask for a card, and how to stay safe either way.
- Startup credits
How accelerator perk packs work
Accelerators and investors often bundle hundreds of partner deals for their startups. Here is how perk packs work and how to get the most from one.
- Open source
Perks for open-source maintainers
CI minutes, hosting, security scanning, AI coding tools and more: the free programs open-source maintainers can apply for, and how to apply well.
- Students
How students can get free AI and developer tools
Students qualify for more free software than almost anyone. Here is how to verify once and collect the AI and developer tools worth having.
- Deal basics
How to tell if a deal is actually worth it
A big discount is not always a good deal. Use these simple checks to judge any perk, credit or promo code before you claim it.
- GPU compute
How to get free GPU compute for side projects
Monthly free tiers, signup credits, academic grants and hackathon kits: realistic ways to get GPU time for a side project without a big bill.
- Domains & hosting
How to get a cheap domain and hosting for a new project
First-year domain deals and hosting credits can make a new project nearly free to launch. Here is how to avoid the renewal trap.
- Promo codes
Where the best promo codes hide: YouTube, podcasts, hackathons, launch posts
The most generous developer promo codes rarely show up on coupon sites. Here is where they actually appear and how to catch them early.
- AI tools
How to get free credits for AI image and video tools
AI image and video tools burn through credits fast. Here is where free credits come from and how to make them stretch further.
- Startup credits
How to stack startup credits across providers without wasting them
Combining cloud, AI and tooling credits can carry a young startup a long way. Here is how to plan the order so grants do not expire unused.
- Promo codes
Why promo codes stop working, and what to do
Most failed promo codes fail for a handful of predictable reasons. Here is how to work out which one you hit and what to try next.
- Startup perks
Perks for bootstrapped founders without VC backing
Many big startup perks require investors, but plenty do not. Here is where bootstrapped founders can still find real credits and free tools.
- AI credits
How to get free AI API credits in 2026
Free tiers, cloud welcome credits, promo codes and startup programs: a practical order for collecting AI API credits without wasting them.
- Cloud costs
How to avoid surprise bills when free credits run out
Free credits end, and the bill that follows can be a shock. Set up these alerts, limits and habits on day one to stay in control.
- AI tools
How to try AI coding agents for free
Free credits, trials and open-source programs let you test AI coding agents before paying. Here is how to find them and test fairly.
- Startup credits
AWS vs Google Cloud vs Azure startup programs: how to choose
All three big clouds advertise large startup credit programs. Here is how to compare them and pick the one that fits your product and stage.