How to redeem cloud credits in AWS, Google Cloud and Azure

What you need before you start

• The credit code or redemption link, plus its terms and redemption deadline.
• Access to the correct account: the AWS account, the Google Cloud billing account, or the Azure subscription and Microsoft Account that will run your workloads.
• Billing permissions on that account. In larger organizations only certain roles can view or manage billing.
• A payment method on file where required. AWS, for example, requires a valid card to activate an account, even if credits cover your usage.

Decide which account the credit belongs on before you redeem. AWS says each code can be redeemed only once, on one account, and other clouds have similar rules.

Redeem a credit code in AWS

AWS applies eligible credits automatically. When an account has several credits, AWS uses the one that expires soonest first. The Amount remaining column updates at the end of each billing cycle, while the credit details page also shows an estimated amount remaining that updates daily.

1. Sign in to the AWS account that should receive the credit.
2. Open the Billing and Cost Management console.
3. In the navigation pane, choose Credits.
4. Choose the option to redeem a credit, enter the promotional code, and complete the on-screen checks.
5. After redeeming, select the credit to open its details page and confirm the Amount remaining, Expiration date and Applicable products.
6. If you use AWS Organizations, check Billing preferences to see whether credit sharing is turned on for your accounts.

Redeem credits in Google Cloud

Education coupons have their own flow. Google's documentation says that if the code is not filled in automatically you enter it under Coupon code, and extra coupons can be entered on the Education grants page.

1. Open the redemption link or offer page you received while signed in with the Google account that should own the credit.
2. Check that the offer or event name matches what you expect.
3. If the code is not filled in automatically, enter it in the coupon or promo code field, read the terms and accept.
4. Choose or create the Cloud Billing account the credit should attach to. Google attaches credits to billing accounts, not to individual projects.
5. Open Billing in the console and go to the Credits page. Confirm the remaining value, original value, and start and end dates.
6. Link the projects you want covered to that billing account.

Redeem and check credits in Azure

Azure does not have one universal promo code box. Most credits come through a specific program, such as Microsoft for Startups, Azure for Students or an Azure Pass from an event, and each has its own activation page. Follow the activation link from that program while signed in with the Microsoft Account you plan to keep using.

1. Open the activation link or benefits page for the program that issued the credit.
2. Sign in with the right Microsoft Account. A private browser window helps if you have several accounts signed in.
3. Complete activation, which usually creates or attaches a subscription.
4. In the Azure portal, search for Cost Management + Billing and open it.
5. Go to Payment methods and open the Azure credits tab.
6. Check Available balance, then the credit details for Original amount, Balance, Expiration date and Status.

Microsoft says new credit can take up to 24 hours to appear in the portal. If you see no credits, check that you selected the right billing scope before contacting support.

After redeeming on any cloud

• Record the amount, account and expiration date in one tracking sheet.
• Read which services are excluded. Marketplace and third-party products are commonly not covered on all three clouds.
• Set a budget alert, because credits apply silently and charges begin once they run out or expire.