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Google vs Microsoft: startup credits compared

Side-by-side amounts, eligibility and access paths, both verified against the official program pages.

GoogleMatching ad credit after meeting a spend threshold within 60 days (amount varies by country)Verified Nov 3, 2026MicrosoftPromotional ad credit after qualifying spend (2026 offer: $500 after $250; expires 90 days)Verified Nov 3, 2026

At a glance

FactGoogleMicrosoft
ValueMatching ad credit after meeting a spend threshold within 60 days (amount varies by country)Promotional ad credit after qualifying spend (2026 offer: $500 after $250; expires 90 days)
TypeCreditsCredits
DurationNot statedNot stated
StagesAny stageAny stage
RegionsGlobalGlobal
Max funding raisedNot statedNot stated
Max company ageNot statedNot stated
Ways to get it
  • Apply directly — Spend X, get X (e.g. $500 for $500)
  • Google Partners agencies — Tiered: $500 credit for $500 spend up to $6,000 credit for $12,000 spend
  • Apply directly — Promotional credit after qualifying spend (e.g. $500 after $250)
Requirements
  • New Google Ads account (under 14 days old) with a valid payment method
  • Business has not advertised with Google Ads under any other account
  • Spend the threshold within the offer window (typically 60 days)
  • New Microsoft Advertising customer
  • Primary payment method on file
  • $250 of ad spend (excluding taxes) after account creation
Not eligible
  • Existing or previous Google Ads advertisers for the same business
  • Spend made before redeeming the offer
  • Costs accrued before the credit is applied
  • Existing Microsoft Advertising accounts
  • Accounts with another active promotional offer
  • Agency-consultation offer: non-US customers or non-recipients of the offer email
VerificationPartially verified· Nov 3, 2026Partially verified· Nov 3, 2026

Which should you pick?

The two programs are not directly comparable on dollar value. Both accept the same range of funding stages. If you qualify for both, there is usually no reason not to apply to both; the programs are independent.

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