Clarifying Gemini API Access: Free vs Paid (Need Confirmation)

Gemini API
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1

Hi everyone, I want to make sure I’m understanding Gemini API access correctly. Can you confirm if the following is accurate?

  • Free usage: You can get a free Gemini API key in Google AI Studio that comes with limited quota. No billing setup is required. https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/quickstart

  • Paid usage (Pay-as-you-go): To go beyond the free quota, you need to:

    1. Create a Google Cloud project.

    2. Attach a billing account with a valid payment method.

    3. Enable the Gemini API in that project.

    4. Generate credentials (API key or service account). https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/billing

  • Separation from Workspace: A Google Workspace subscription (Gmail, Drive, etc.) does not include Gemini API access. Paid Gemini API usage is only available through a Google Cloud billing account.

Is my understanding correct?

3

Hi @David_Nguyen,

Welcome to the Google AI Forum! :confetti_ball: :confetti_ball:

Your understanding is on point.

As soon as you add your payment information, your account switches from “Free Tier” to “Tier 1” user and Google Workspace subscription does not include Gemini API.