Clarification on Gemini API Free Tier vs. Paid Tier after Billing Activation

Gemini API
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1

Hello everyone,

I’m seeking clarification regarding the Gemini API pricing, specifically for Gemini 2.5 Flash-Lite, and the interaction between the “Free Tier” and activating billing.

According to the documentation, Gemini 2.5 Flash-Lite has a Free Tier with limits like:

  • 15 RPM

  • 250,000 TPM

  • 1,000 RPD

And the “Used to improve our products” column states “Yes” for Free Tier, “No” for Paid Tier.

My confusion arises after activating billing (linking a Google Cloud billing account) for my project, seemingly moving into a “Tier 1” or similar status.

My main questions are:

  1. Does activating billing for the Gemini API mean that all my usage immediately becomes subject to the “Paid Tier” rates ($0.10 input, $0.40 output, etc.), even if I stay within the original “Free Tier” limits for RPM/TPM/RPD? Or do I still get the “free of charge” benefit for usage within those stated limits, and only pay for usage exceeding them?

  2. What are the precise implications of activating billing regarding the “Used to improve our products” clause? Does activating billing automatically mean my data will not be used for product improvement, even if my usage is within what would have been the free quota (i.e., am I still “free” in terms of cost, but “paid” in terms of data privacy)?

I’m trying to understand if activating billing truly “removes” the Free Tier entirely, or if it simply enables usage beyond the Free Tier limits while still potentially offering free usage up to those limits, but under paid-tier data terms.

Any clear explanation from Google reps or experienced users would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

3

Hi @junkx,

Upon linking a billing account to a project, all usage will be subject to charges, irrespective of prior free tier limitations. Furthermore, your data will not be utilized for product development once you transition to a paid-tier user. For more details see Gemini API Additional Terms of Service  |  Google AI for Developers.

Thank you!

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