GitHub Actions Free plan

GitHub Actions runs build, test and deploy workflows on GitHub-hosted runners. The Free plan includes 2,000 minutes a month, and public repositories' standard runners are free.

GitHubUpdated monthly · checked 22 h ago

GitHub Actions Free plan is a developer tools perk from GitHub, offering a free plan (2,000 minutes a month), with no funding required.

Value: 2,000 minutes
Who qualifies: No funding needed
Benefit type: Free plan
Terms: Verified

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While you apply

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What you get

Inside GitHub Actions Free plan

The Free plan includes 2,000 CI/CD minutes a month and unlimited public and private repositories. Standard GitHub-hosted runners in public repositories remain free and do not use the included minutes. Private repository usage draws from the included compute, then bills at standard Actions rates. The Free plan runs up to 20 standard jobs at once, and a job can run for up to 6 hours.

Source: The provider's official program page

Eligibility

Who it's for

Free plan Any startup

Funding / backing: No funding needed
Geography: Global
Recurring / expiry: Free plan with no time limit; included compute resets each billing cycle.
Other requirements: Usage beyond the included compute is blocked without a payment method on file.

How to claim

How to apply for GitHub Actions Free plan

Steps to apply

1Create a free GitHub organization or account and add a workflow.
2No application is needed.

Good to know: Plans read on github.com/pricing and docs.github.com on October 28, 2026.

Apply at GitHub

Source: The provider's official program page

Value is the headline maximum GitHub advertises. What your company actually receives depends on your eligibility and how you use the program, and terms can change. A comparison, not endorsed by the programs listed. A link labeled as a referral link may earn us a commission, and a program labeled Same owner comes from the company that runs StartupPerks. Confirm current terms on the provider's page.

Through your bank or card

Other ways to get a deal on GitHub

Mercury gives its customers a deal on GitHub. It is separate from GitHub Actions Free plan, with its own conditions, and partners usually allow one startup deal per company, so compare who qualifies before you apply.

Mercury Perks$10,000 in GitHub creditsFor Mercury business account holders
- This perk is for funded startups only. You must have raised outside equity funding (up to Series B) from investors. Companies that are bootstrapped, self-funded, grant-funded, etc are not eligible.
- New to GitHub Enterprise (or have not been on a GitHub Enterprise plan within the past six months)
- Have not previously received GitHub for Startups credits or GitHub Enterprise licenses
Compare all 273 Mercury Perks On Mercury: the GitHub perk

Read from each platform's own perks page on or after October 28, 2026.

Questions

GitHub Actions Free plan: common questions

Is GitHub free?

Yes, GitHub can be used for free. Free plan (2,000 minutes a month). As stated on GitHub's own page, linked on this page.

Who qualifies for GitHub Actions Free plan?

GitHub Actions Free plan is open to any startup, with no funding required. Usage beyond the included compute is blocked without a payment method on file.

Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get GitHub Actions Free plan?

No. GitHub Actions Free plan is open to any startup that meets the stated criteria, no investor or accelerator backing required.

How do I apply for GitHub Actions Free plan?

Create a free GitHub organization or account and add a workflow. No application is needed.

How long do I have to use GitHub Actions Free plan, and does it expire?

Free plan with no time limit; included compute resets each billing cycle.

Is GitHub Actions Free plan available outside the US?

GitHub Actions Free plan is available globally, subject to the provider's terms.

Free CI/CD, comparedGitHub Actions's free allowance next to every other free CI/CD serviceWhat each CI/CD service gives you free today, its main limit and what extra minutes cost, read from each provider's own page.