Why it matters
On a paid cloud account you pay for what you use, often in US dollars. A server left running, a forgotten database or a large download can keep billing day and night, and when the cedi moves the bill in cedis moves with it. Ghanaian adverts ask for cost efficient design because cloud bills are a real business cost. For you as a learner, the first rule is simpler: practise in ways that cannot bill you.
How free offers work (and which need a card)
These were the terms on the providers' own pages when this lesson was written. They change, so read the provider's free tier page yourself before signing up.
- AWS lets new customers choose a Free account plan or a Paid plan. The Free plan includes credits, lasts up to six months or until the credits run out, does not charge you unless you upgrade, and then closes. AWS says most new customers can sign up without a payment method, but it may ask for one to verify identity.
- Azure's standard free account gives credit for a short period plus some free services, and needs a credit card or non prepaid debit card. Azure for Students needs a school email address instead of a card; it is for full time university students whose institution qualifies.
- Google Cloud's free trial gives credit for a limited period and needs a card or other payment method.