Can you stack AWS credits? Some funding combines. Some does not.
You hold one AWS Activate package at a time, and you apply for it yourself. Partner-filed MAP, POC and incremental workload (IW) funding is separate: it is tied to a specific project, so it can come on top. Credits from other companies' startup programs sit on their own bills.
- AWS Activate is one package at a time, and the founder applies. AWS says you must be new to Activate credits or be asking for more than you got before. AWS Activate Founders is $1,000 to start, up to $5,000; AWS Activate Portfolio is up to $200,000.
- Partner-filed funding is separate from Activate because it is tied to a project: MAP for a migration, POC for a test, incremental workload (IW) funding for new work on AWS. A vetted partner files it when the work qualifies. For startups: $50K to $150K. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
- If you hold several AWS credits, AWS applies the one that expires soonest first. Credits from Google, Microsoft or other startup programs pay those companies' bills, not your AWS bill.
IWhat can sit together on one AWS account
The useful way to think about stacking: one Activate package, plus funding tied to each real project.
- One Activate package: You apply for Founders or Portfolio yourself. 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.
- Partner-filed funding per project: A migration, a test and a new workload are different projects. Each can qualify for its own partner-filed funding: MAP, POC or IW. The partner files; AWS decides.
- Promotional codes: Codes from AWS events or training are redeemed on the Credits page and sit next to your other credits, each with its own expiry date.
- AWS-selected programs: The AWS Generative AI Accelerator gave its 2025 cohort of 40 startups up to $1 million each in AWS credits. AWS selects the startups; no partner files it.
IIWhat does not add up
Most failed "stacks" come from counting the same thing twice.
- Two Activate tiers at once: Founders and Portfolio are not simply added together. AWS lets you apply again only if you are asking for more than you got before.
- The same work described twice: One project is one funding request. Describing the same build as a test and as new work does not double the funding.
- A new build called a migration: MAP is for moving workloads you already run somewhere else. A greenfield build is not a migration.
- Several partners for one project: Work with one partner per project. Racing two partners for the same work wastes everyone's time.
- Programs AWS does not list: Some guides name credit programs AWS does not publish. Check any program against an AWS page before you plan around it.
IIIWhich credit AWS uses first
You do not choose. AWS applies credits automatically during billing.
If an account holds more than one credit, AWS applies the one that expires soonest first, then the one with the fewest eligible services, then the oldest (AWS Billing user guide). So a short-lived code is used before a larger, longer credit.
Every credit has its own expiry date. See Do AWS credits expire?
IVWho files each kind of AWS funding
For most startups without a VC, the partner routes are the bigger part of the total: $50K to $150K for a qualifying project, against $1,000 to start, up to $5,000 from Activate Founders.
| 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. |
VCredits from other startup programs
Google Cloud, Microsoft, and many SaaS tools run their own startup programs. Their credits pay their own bills.
They can sit alongside your AWS credits, but they do not reduce your AWS bill. The startup credits directory lists 62 programs with who files each one, and the playbooks show which ones fit together for common situations.
AWS facts on this page were checked on the AWS Activate credits page on 10 October 2026.
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
Can you stack AWS credit programs?
Can I get Activate Founders and Activate Portfolio together?
Can a partner file Activate as part of a stack?
Which AWS credit is used first?
Do Google Cloud or Microsoft credits stack with AWS credits?
One Activate package, plus funding for each real project
Apply for Activate yourself. For a migration, a test or new work on AWS, a vetted partner can check MAP, POC or IW funding: $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.