I recently set up a new AWS account but got a message saying "not eligible" for the free plan. It stated that I'm associated with an existing AWS account, which means I won't receive the $200 in credits typically offered to new users. Instead, I'm being placed on a paid plan with pay-as-you-go pricing. I'm really confused—is the AWS Free Tier now just a one-time offer for new users? I've even tried different emails and credit cards but keep facing the same issue. Also, I heard that Oracle Cloud offers a lifetime free tier—why doesn't AWS do the same?
4 Answers
Make sure you read the fine print! Your eligibility for the new credits is what’s gone; you still have access to the basic free tier resources, just without the safety net of credits to protect against unexpected charges.
The way AWS Free Tier works hasn't really changed, but there are new rules for new customers. You can still access some basic free usage limits, like with services like Lambda, but if you've had any previous accounts, you might miss out on the new $100 credits they offer.
Totally get your frustration! OCI does have a lifetime free tier but it's not great. AWS still provides free service allowances, you just have to be careful with the credits and rules. Sounds like they’re cracking down on eligibility, maybe to avoid folks creating multiple accounts for free tier benefits.
But honestly, AWS is probably just tightening up their systems to stop abuse of the free tier. They still have resources that are available for free, just not the same setup as before. If the eligibility rules are affecting you, you might want to check out options with Azure or GCP as alternatives for free usage.
Yeah, they've definitely revamped how the free tier works lately. You can read more about the changes directly from their docs.