We are writing to inform you of an upcoming billing change to Google AI Studio and the Gemini API.
We require developers to switch your Gemini API billing from Postpay to Prepay by September 14, 2026. This is part of our ongoing effort to improve our platform to give developers more control over API consumption and costs.
This change applies exclusively to your Gemini API usage in AI Studio. All other GCP services on your account will remain on Postpay. What you need to know
Key changes: Starting September 14, 2026, to use paid features in the Gemini API you will be required to change the billing plan associated with your Google AI Studio projects to Prepay. Learn more about the Prepay billing plan here.
Potential impact: If you do not transition to Prepay and purchase credits before September 14, 2026, your service will be interrupted. What you need to do
Action required:
If you use, or plan to use, paid features in the Gemini API:
Switch to Prepay: Transition to Prepay on the AI Studio billing page and purchase credits to continue using paid Gemini API features
Recommendations:
Switch before the September 14, 2026 migration date to avoid service interruptions
Configure auto-reload to automatically top up your Prepay balance and prevent future service interruptions
View your current billing plan, manage payment methods, and switch to Prepay on the AI Studio billing page
No action is required if you do not currently use paid features in the Gemini API