# Get $5K to $100K AWS Credits in 2025 (Simple Guide for Startups)

**URL:** <https://onehack.st/t/get-5k-to-100k-aws-credits-in-2025-simple-guide-for-startups/306888>\
**Category:** Tutorials & Methods\
**Tags:** freebies, business, cloud-storage\
**Created:** [June 19, 2025, 12:22pm UTC](https://onehack.st/t/get-5k-to-100k-aws-credits-in-2025-simple-guide-for-startups/306888 "2025-06-19T12:22:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![SRZ](https://onehack.st/user_avatar/onehack.st/srz/32/146132_2.png) [@SRZ](https://onehack.st/u/SRZ)\
**Post date:** [June 19, 2025, 12:22pm UTC](https://onehack.st/t/get-5k-to-100k-aws-credits-in-2025-simple-guide-for-startups/306888/1 "2025-06-19T12:22:44Z")

</div>

## 🧭 Quick Overview (How It Works)

Start with AWS Activate ➜ Apply through trusted partners ➜ Join free programs ➜ Stack higher credit offers ➜ Avoid scams or expired links

* * *

 ![image](https://onehack.st/uploads/default/original/3X/e/6/e6bc6f8a29b05d406cd71e27ad079210d9aed790.jpeg)

* * *

## 🟢 Start Here: Everyone Gets $1K Free

👉 Apply on the official page: [aws.amazon.com/activate](https://aws.amazon.com/activate)  
✅ This gives a basic **$1,000 AWS credit**  
❌ No partner or funding needed  
⏱ Instant approval if all info is correct

* * *

## 💸 Want $5K? These Are the Easiest Options

| Partner | What’s Needed | Country Limit | Link |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Mercury Bank | EIN + US business | US only | [mercury.com/perks](https://mercury.com/perks) |
| Stripe Atlas | US LLC + EIN | Global | [stripe.com/atlas](https://stripe.com/atlas) |
| YC Startup School | Just fill 4 weekly updates | Global | [startupschool.org](https://startupschool.org) |
| Expensify Card | Sign up & follow steps | Global | [expensify.com/aws](https://community.expensify.com/discussion/5344/how-to-redeem-5-000-in-aws-credits-with-the-expensify-card) |
| AWS Startup Loft | Apply, no action needed | Global | [aws.amazon.com/startups/loft](https://aws.amazon.com/startups/loft) |
| Founderpass | $99/year subscription | Global | [founderpass.com](https://founderpass.com) ⚠ Mixed results, some rejected |

📌 AWS only accepts the highest approved credit.  
📉 Already used $1K? A new $5K offer gives **only $4K more**.

* * *

## 🔼 Need More? How to Reach $10K to $25K

| Platform | Credit Amount | Requirement | Link |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Beamstart | $10,000 | Must use 70% of earlier $5K | [beamstart.com/deal](https://beamstart.com/deal/10000-aws-credits) |
| Argonaut | Many listed offers | Various partners | [argonaut.dev](https://www.argonaut.dev/blog/aws-free-credits) |
| Antler / SOSV | Varies (for funded startups) | Join incubator or accelerator | [antler.co](https://antler.co), [sosv.com](https://sosv.com) |

🧠 Most of these need:

- Basic traction (website, user activity)
- A previous round of startup credits used

* * *

## 🌏 Bonus: For Startups in Asia

📍 Based in Asia (not China)?  
Check out: [AWS LIFT Program](https://aws.amazon.com/events/apj/aws-lift)  
🤑 Can get **up to $83,500**  
💼 Must have a registered business and AWS usage

* * *

## 🏦 Portfolio-Size Credits ($25K–$100K)

To get this level:

- Must be connected to a **VC firm, incubator, or accelerator**
- Org ID from a valid **AWS Activate Partner**
- Credits are added **only if bigger than previous**

📝 Example:  
Already used $5K ➜ Got approved for $25K ➜ AWS adds $20K

✅ Some users also got extra by:

- Contacting AWS support or account manager directly
- Explaining a business pivot or growth plan

* * *

## ⛔ What Not to Do (Avoid These Mistakes)

| Don’t Do This | Why |
| --- | --- |
| Reapply to AWS Activate | Gets rejected if already used |
| Use old Org ID (like F6S) | Many are **expired or invalid** |
| Pay shady sellers | AWS credits **can’t be transferred** |
| Try stacking small credits | AWS only applies the biggest one |

* * *

## 📆 How Long Does Approval Take?

| Program | Time to Get Credits |
| --- | --- |
| YC Startup School | 4 weeks of updates |
| Founderpass | 7–10 business days |
| AWS Loft | Sometimes instant |
| Beamstart | After 70% of $5K is used |
| Expensify | Usually quick |

* * *

## 📋 What You’ll Need

- Business name and website
- Work email (not Gmail or Yahoo)
- EIN (for US options like Mercury, Stripe)
- Use-case or basic AWS setup

* * *

## 🔗 Helpful Links (All in One Place)

- [AWS Activate](https://aws.amazon.com/activate)
- [Stripe Atlas](https://stripe.com/atlas)
- [Mercury Perks](https://mercury.com/perks)
- [YC Startup School](https://www.startupschool.org)
- [Founderpass AWS](https://founderpass.com)
- [Beamstart $10K Deal](https://beamstart.com/deal/10000-aws-credits)
- [AWS LIFT Asia](https://aws.amazon.com/events/apj/aws-lift)
- [Antler](https://antler.co)
- [SOSV](https://sosv.com)
- [Expensify AWS](https://community.expensify.com/discussion/5344/how-to-redeem-5-000-in-aws-credits-with-the-expensify-card)
- [Argonaut Credit Guide](https://www.argonaut.dev/blog/aws-free-credits)

* * *

## 🧠 Final Tips

- Already used credits? Try bigger deals only
- Free options exist – don’t rush to pay
- Real approvals happen – just follow the steps
- Avoid shortcuts, fake sellers, or outdated links

Use what fits best ➜ Stick to known partners ➜ Apply once per tier ➜ Use credits wisely

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![SRZ](https://onehack.st/user_avatar/onehack.st/srz/32/146132_2.png) [@SRZ](https://onehack.st/u/SRZ)\
**Post date:** [June 21, 2025, 2:25am UTC](https://onehack.st/t/get-5k-to-100k-aws-credits-in-2025-simple-guide-for-startups/306888/2 "2025-06-21T02:25:43Z")

</div>

**AWS Phone Number Verification Error Fix (Simple Steps):**

1. **Use a different country code** (like +1 USA) with a virtual number (try TextNow or PingMe).
2. **Clear browser cache** or switch to _Incognito mode_.
3. **Try from a desktop browser** (Chrome or Firefox).
4. **Use a credit/debit card that matches your region.**
5. **If blocked again** , contact [AWS Support](https://aws.amazon.com/contact-us/) and request manual verification.

✅ Most users solve this by using a clean browser + valid card + working SMS number (preferably US-based).