Prepay for the Gemini API in Google AI Studio

Today, we are announcing Prepay Billing in Google AI Studio, a significant update to how you can pay for the Gemini API. This feature offers increased spend predictability and a simplified workflow for both prototyping and scaling applications. Prepay Billing is available in AI Studio for new Google Cloud Billing Accounts in the US that enable the Gemini API, with a global rollout in the coming weeks.

Get predictable, accessible billing from day one

With Prepay Billing, you can now purchase Gemini API credits when setting or linking a Google Cloud Billing Account in Google AI Studio. This flow ensures that developers can start building immediately without the risk of surprise charges at the end of the month.

The process is simple: top up your account with credits (with the option to reload credits automatically when your balance is low) and make API calls against that balance. Everything is managed within the Google AI Studio billing interface, providing a transparent view of your spend and remaining budget.