An AWS credit code is most useful when it supports work you already plan to run. Build a budget around your workload, then choose between the US$25 and US$100 credits.
Estimate the full workload cost
Start with the AWS Pricing Calculator. Include the services, regions, usage levels, and data transfer your application needs. Keep the estimate with your project plan so you can compare expected usage with the actual bill.
Treat the credit as a separate allowance. Your project should still have an affordable plan after that allowance ends.
Review costs in AWS Cost Explorer
AWS Cost Explorer helps you inspect cost and usage trends and forecasts. Review which services are driving spending and whether the pattern matches your estimate. Its billing data has a refresh delay, so it is not a live spending meter.
For a small project, a regular review is often enough to spot a service you forgot was running. Investigate unexpected changes before increasing capacity.
Set budget alerts
Create an AWS Budget with actual-cost alerts and, when available, forecast alerts. Choose an email address you monitor.
Check whether the budget includes or excludes credits, taxes, and other charges. AWS’s budget guidance explains these options. An ordinary alert does not stop resources, and notifications can arrive after spending passes the threshold.
Reduce avoidable usage
AWS recommends rightsizing resources, reviewing unused capacity, and matching storage and data transfer choices to the workload. See its cost optimization guidance.
Review a resource’s dependencies and backup requirements before deleting it. Schedule a final balance and workload review ahead of the AWS credit offer’s stated December 31, 2027 expiry.