# Google Cloud’s Nov 16 Update: How to Keep Your $300 Trial Credits for Vertex AI & Gemini

> Source: <https://dev.to/techlift-solutions/google-clouds-nov-16-update-how-to-keep-your-300-trial-credits-for-vertex-ai-gemini-1eia>
> Published: 2026-11-12 20:09:00+00:00

Starting **November 16, 2026**, Google Cloud is updating its Free Trial terms. The standard **$300 welcome credit** will no longer cover **Gemini platform (Vertex AI)** services for new or newly upgraded accounts.

According to the [official Google Cloud documentation](https://cloud.google.com/free/docs/free-cloud-features):

*"The $300 credit can't pay for Gemini platform (formerly known as Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, Vertex AI) services if you sign up for a free trial or upgrade to a paid account on or after November 16, 2026."*

Notice the wording: **"sign up for a free trial OR upgrade to a paid account."**

Adding a credit card during initial registration only places your account in a restricted **Free Trial** state. If you register before November 16, but click **"Upgrade to a Paid Account"** on or after November 16, you will lose the ability to use your remaining $300 credit on Vertex AI.

**How to lock in the $300 credit for 90 days (Before Nov 16):**

Google’s AI billing is split into two separate tracks:

**Google AI Studio (Direct API Keys):**

`Prepay required` lock. Once active, Google spends your free $10/month Developer credits first. Keep `Auto-reload: Off` to prevent automatic charges.
**Vertex AI / Gemini Platform (Production & Agents):**

*Published by [TechLift Solutions](https://techlift.solutions)* — IT engineering and systems architecture studio (in the industry since 2005), building custom web solutions, business automation, and open-source AI agents. Read our notes on **[Substack](https://techliftsolutions.substack.com/p/google-clouds-300-trial-credit-for)** and **[Hashnode](https://techliftsolutions.hashnode.dev/try-gemini-on-vertex-ai-with-google-cloud-s-300-trial-credit)**.