AWS promotional credits vs Activate credits: same terms, different ways in.
"Promotional credit" is AWS's word for its credits in general. Activate credits are promotional credits you apply for as a startup. A promotional code, for example from an AWS event, is one you redeem yourself. Both follow the AWS Promotional Credit Terms.
- "Promotional credit" is the term AWS uses for its credits in general. Activate credits are promotional credits too, and they sit on the same Credits page in the AWS Billing console.
- The difference is how you get them. Activate credits arrive after AWS approves your startup application. A promotional code, for example from an AWS event or training, has to be redeemed on the Credits page.
- Both follow the AWS Promotional Credit Terms: they expire, they cannot be transferred or sold, they have no cash value, and they do not pay Savings Plans or Reserved Instance upfront fees.
IWhat each one is
One umbrella term, two common ways credit reaches a startup's account.
- Promotional credit: AWS's general term. The AWS Promotional Credit Terms (last updated 24 September 2026) cover the credits AWS gives out.
- Activate credits: Credits for startups through AWS Activate. AWS Activate Founders: $1,000 to start, up to $5,000. AWS Activate Portfolio: up to $200,000, with an Org ID or invite from your Activate Provider. You apply for both yourself.
- Promotional codes: Codes AWS hands out, for example at events or for training. You redeem them yourself. The amount and the expiry date come with the code.
IIHow each one reaches your account
Activate credits are applied for. Codes are redeemed.
Activate: you apply, AWS reviews, and approved credits appear on the Credits page about 3 to 4 hours after approval. AWS says applicants hear back within 5 to 10 business days.
Activate eligibility, per AWS: Pre-Series B, founded in the last 10 years, with an AWS account on a paid plan. You must be new to Activate credits or ask for more than you got before.
Promotional code: on the Credits page, choose Redeem credit and enter the code. Under the terms, a code cannot be redeemed after its expiry date, and it applies only to the account that redeems it.
IVWhere bigger AWS funding comes from
For most startups without a VC, the biggest AWS funding is neither a code nor Activate Founders.
It is partner-filed funding for a real project: MAP when you move to AWS, POC funding when you test something, and incremental workload (IW) funding when you launch new work on AWS. A vetted AWS partner files it when the work qualifies. For startups: $50K to $150K. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
| Funding | Who files it | Amount | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You are not on AWS yet and want to migrate. |
| Proof of concept (POC) funding | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You want to test something, whether or not you are on AWS today. |
| Incremental workload (IW) funding | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You are already on AWS and are launching new work: a new AI feature, a new customer or a new contract. |
| AWS Activate Founders | Founder applies | $1,000 to start, up to $5,000 | Self-funded startups with no investor or accelerator behind them. |
| AWS Activate Portfolio | Founder applies | up to $200,000 | Startups backed by a VC firm, accelerator or angel investor that is an AWS Activate Provider. |
| AWS Credits for AI Startups | Invite only (AWS account manager) | $200,000 or more, by invitation | AI startups ready to scale after Activate Portfolio, invited by AWS. |
How a match works (example)
- You tell us about the work
You fill in a short form: what you run today, what you want to move, test or build, your stage and your region.
- We pick one partner
We read your answers and pick one vetted AWS consulting partner that fits the work, the stack and the region. We reply within 24 hours; your matched partner reaches out within 5 business days.
- The partner checks which funding fits
Your matched partner scopes the work with you. Then it checks which partner-filed funding fits: MAP if you are moving to AWS, POC if you want to test something, or incremental workload (IW) funding if you are already on AWS and launching new work.
- The partner files, AWS decides
If the work qualifies, the partner files the funding request with AWS. AWS reviews it and decides. The amount depends on the workload.
- You pay nothing
CloudRoute is free for startups. Partners pay CloudRoute a monthly membership plus 10% of AWS-approved funding.
AWS Activate credits are separate, and you apply for them yourself. Use Activate Founders if no investor backs you. Use Activate Portfolio with the Org ID or invite from your VC, accelerator, incubator or angel group if it is an Activate Provider. A consulting partner cannot apply for Activate on your behalf.
Common questions
Are Activate credits promotional credits?
How do I redeem an AWS promotional code?
Should I still apply for Activate if I have a promotional code?
Do promotional credits expire?
Can I move credits to another AWS account?
Want AWS funding for a real project?
A vetted AWS partner can check MAP, POC or IW funding for your migration, test or new workload: $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. We reply within 24 hours; your matched partner reaches out within 5 business days.