How to Create an AWS Free Tier Account – Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Introduction: Why AWS Free Tier Is Important for Beginners
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s leading cloud platform, powering startups, enterprises, and governments globally. For students, freshers, developers, and IT professionals, AWS Free Tier is the perfect way to start learning cloud computing without upfront cost.
In this guide by CloudSoftSol, we explain how to open an AWS Free Tier account step by step, including billing verification, common mistakes, and best practices to avoid unexpected charges.
What Is AWS Free Tier?
AWS Free Tier allows new users to explore AWS services free of cost within specific usage limits.
AWS Free Tier Types:
- Always Free – Services available free forever (within limits)
- 12-Month Free Tier – Valid for 12 months after signup
- Trials – Short-term free trials for select services
Charges apply only if you exceed the Free Tier limits.
Charges apply only if you exceed the Free Tier limits.Prerequisites Before Creating an AWS Free Tier Account
Before starting, keep the following ready:
- Valid Email ID
- Active Mobile Number (OTP verification)
- Debit or Credit Card (International transactions enabled)
- Billing address details
- Stable internet connection
AWS uses your card only for verification. A small temporary amount may be deducted and later refunded.Step-by-Step Guide to Create an AWS Free Tier Account (2026)
Step 1: Visit the AWS Free Tier Page
Go to the official AWS Free Tier website and click “Create a Free Account.”
Step 2: Enter Login Details
Provide:
- Email address
- Strong password
- AWS account name (example: CloudSoftSol-AWS)
Click Continue.
Step 3: Add Contact Information
Choose account type:
- Personal – for learning and practice
- Professional – for business use
Enter:
- Full name
- Country (India or applicable region)
- Address
- Phone number
Click Continue.
Step 4: Add Billing Information
Enter your debit or credit card details.
Important Notes:
- International transactions must be enabled
- Visa/MasterCard are recommended
- AWS may deduct ₹2–₹5 temporarily for verification
Click Verify and Continue.
Step 5: Phone Number Verification
Choose:
- SMS verification or
- Automated voice call
Enter the OTP received to confirm your identity.
Step 6: Choose a Support Plan
Select Basic Support Plan (Free).
This includes:
- 24/7 customer service
- AWS documentation
- Community forums
Click Complete Sign-Up.
Step 7: Account Activation
Your AWS account will be activated within a few minutes.
You will receive a confirmation email.
Log in to the AWS Console using:
What to Do After AWS Account Creation
1. Enable Account Security
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Create an IAM User
- Avoid using the root account daily
2. Set Billing Alerts (Very Important)
To avoid unexpected charges:
- Enable Billing Dashboard
- Set AWS Budget alerts
- Monitor monthly usage
Popular AWS Free Tier Services (2026)
| AWS Service | Free Tier Limit |
|---|---|
| EC2 | 750 hours/month |
| S3 | 5 GB storage |
| RDS | 750 hours/month |
| Lambda | 1 million requests |
| IAM | Always Free |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to stop EC2 instances
- Leaving Elastic IPs unused
- Exceeding storage limits
- Using paid regions/services unknowingly
Who Should Use AWS Free Tier?
- Students & freshers
- DevOps & cloud learners
- Software developers
- Startups testing MVPs
- IT professionals upgrading skills
Final Thoughts
Creating an AWS Free Tier account is the first step toward a successful cloud career. With proper monitoring and best practices, you can learn AWS services completely free.
At CloudSoftSol, we recommend AWS Free Tier for hands-on learning, certifications, and real-world cloud practice.
Related CloudSoftSol Tutorials:
- AWS EC2 Beginner Guide
- AWS IAM Best Practices
- AWS Free Tier Billing Alerts Setup
- AWS Cloud Career Roadmap 2026
