Google Gemini API Free Tier
New Gemini API accounts start on Google's Free tier: free input and output tokens on certain Gemini models, up to each model's free rate limits, with billing needed only to move to a paid tier.
Google Gemini API Free Tier is an AI and ML perk from Google, offering free input & output tokens, with no funding required.
Inside Google Gemini API Free Tier
- New accounts begin on the Free tier, which gives free input and output tokens on certain Gemini models in the Gemini API and Google AI Studio, up to each model's free rate limits (shown per project in AI Studio).
- Under Google's terms, content sent on the free tier is used to improve Google products and human reviewers may read it, so do not send sensitive, confidential or personal information.
- In the EEA, Switzerland and the UK the paid-service data terms apply even to free usage, and apps made available to users there must use the paid tier.
Source: The provider's official program page · as of Oct 4, 2026
Who it's for
- Funding / backing
- No funding needed
- Geography
- Global
- Recurring / expiry
- Ongoing: the Free tier has no end date; Google sets which models it covers and their limits.
- Other requirements
- Free on certain models only, up to per-model free rate limits viewed in Google AI Studio. Google uses free-tier content to improve its products and human reviewers may read it (outside the EEA, Switzerland and the UK). Apps made available to users in the EEA, Switzerland or the UK must use the paid tier.
How to apply for Google Gemini API Free Tier
- A payment method / paid account on file
- 1Sign in to Google AI Studio and create a Gemini API key; new accounts start on the Free tier.
- 2To raise limits, link a billing account and prepay at least $5 of credits.
Source: The provider's official program page · as of Oct 4, 2026
Google Gemini API Free Tier: common questions
What do you get with Google Gemini API Free Tier?
Google Gemini API Free Tier offers free input & output tokens. New accounts begin on the Free tier, which gives free input and output tokens on certain Gemini models in the Gemini API and Google AI Studio, up to each model's free rate limits (shown per project in AI Studio). Under Google's terms, content sent on the free tier is used to improve Google products and human reviewers may read it, so do not send sensitive, confidential or personal information. In the EEA, Switzerland and the UK the paid-service data terms apply even to free usage, and apps made available to users there must use the paid tier.
Who qualifies for Google Gemini API Free Tier?
Google Gemini API Free Tier is open to any startup, with no funding required. Free on certain models only, up to per-model free rate limits viewed in Google AI Studio. Google uses free-tier content to improve its products and human reviewers may read it (outside the EEA, Switzerland and the UK). Apps made available to users in the EEA, Switzerland or the UK must use the paid tier.
Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get Google Gemini API Free Tier?
No. Google Gemini API Free Tier is open to any startup that meets the stated criteria, no investor or accelerator backing required.
How do I apply for Google Gemini API Free Tier?
Sign in to Google AI Studio and create a Gemini API key; new accounts start on the Free tier. To raise limits, link a billing account and prepay at least $5 of credits.
How long do I have to use Google Gemini API Free Tier, and does it expire?
Ongoing: the Free tier has no end date; Google sets which models it covers and their limits.
Is Google Gemini API Free Tier available outside the US?
Google Gemini API Free Tier is available globally, subject to the provider's terms.
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