Stuck on Tier 1 Prepay in AI Studio – Cannot use my existing GCP credits (Request for help)

Google AI Studio
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1

Hello Google AI Studio / Cloud Billing Support,Since the last two months I was happily experimenting with AI Studio for quick tests and personal projects. However, from the last two days I believe I have been switched/assigned to the Prepay billing method. Now AI Studio shows $0 balance and blocks usage even though I have available credits in my Google Cloud Platform (GCP) billing account.It says I am currently on Tier 1 Prepay. According to the official billing documentation, I need to reach Tier 3 before I can switch to Postpay. This is very difficult for indie developers and hobbyists who mainly use AI Studio for experimentation.

My request:

  • Please apply or convert my existing GCP credits to the AI Studio Prepay balance so I can continue using the service without additional purchases.

  • Or, allow an easier switch to Postpay billing for accounts that already have active GCP credits (even on Tier 1 or Tier 2).

  • Make the transition to Postpay less restrictive for developers who were already using AI Studio before the recent billing changes.

This new Prepay requirement with a high Tier 3 barrier is making experimentation and personal development much more painful than before.Thank you for your help!My details:

  • Google Account email: …

  • Project Number: 4858286532..

  • Current Tier: Tier 1 Prepay

2

I’m facing that also, can’t service my clients…

3

Me too. My $50 prepaid balance, of which I used less than $1, simply disappeared.

4

Given that its still advertised on the benefits page that Gen AI & Cloud credits ‘Start building in AI Studio and Vertex AI or any Google Cloud product.’ This has to be a bug. It seems some other people are getting mixed messages regarding if it is a bug or a feature. Other posts are suggesting its a handshake issue with the new system or Google AI Studio is no longer supported with the credits.

5

We are having the same issue, showing “You’ve reached the billing account tier cap and service has been paused” on the AI Studio even though we have credits available