Hi,
I am a new Google Cloud user with active Free Trial credits (originally HK$2,346.03). I linked my billing account to Google AI Studio to use the Gemini API, fully expecting that my free trial credits would cover API usage.
The Issue:
After reviewing my billing report for March 2026, I discovered that:
- Vertex AI charges (HK$556.01) were properly deducted from my free trial credits, resulting in HK$0 actual cost.
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- Gemini API charges (HK$280.48) were NOT covered by my credits at all, resulting in a real charge to my credit card.
- I was not aware that free trial credits do not apply to Gemini API usage through AI Studio. The documentation does not make this distinction clear when linking a billing account in AI Studio. As a new user, I reasonably assumed that all API usage under my billing account would be covered by my available credits.
What I am requesting:
A one-time billing adjustment or credit for the HK$280.48 in Gemini API charges, as this was caused by unclear documentation regarding credit eligibility.
Account Details:
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- Period: March 1-21, 2026
- I believe Google should either clearly document this limitation at the point where users link billing accounts in AI Studio, or allow free trial credits to cover Gemini API usage as well.
- Thank you for your attention to this matter.