Understanding Gemini API Billing: Does Enabling the Paid Tier Impact Free Usage?

As a developer eager to leverage the Gemini API, I’ve recently been contemplating the implications of switching to a paid tier for my account. With the announcement that the free tier will no longer support access to professional models, I find myself weighing the benefits of the paid subscription against potential costs.

One critical aspect I’m curious about is whether enabling the paid tier alters my ability to utilize any free usage allowance. Specifically, I want to understand if the paid subscription includes a certain amount of free usage—such as retaining access to features within the free tier’s rate limits without incurring charges—or if transitioning to a paid account means that all usage will be subject to fees.

Having clarity on this matter will greatly assist me in making an informed decision about whether to move forward with upgrading my account. If anyone has insights or experiences to share regarding the billing structure of the Gemini API, I would greatly appreciate your input!