Does Upgrading to Gemini API’s Paid Tier Remove Free Usage Limitations?

Understanding Gemini API Billing: Does Activating a Paid Tier Impact Free Usage?

As I explore the options for the Gemini API, I’m faced with a pivotal decision: whether to activate billing for the paid tier. This consideration arises from the recent limitation on the free tier, which no longer supports access to pro models.

My primary concern hinges on the billing structure. Specifically, once I enable the paid tier, will I still enjoy any form of free usage? More precisely, does this mean that any operations performed within the free tier’s rate limits remain complimentary, with charges only applied beyond that threshold? Or does the switch to a paid plan render all usage billable from the outset?

Clarifying these details is essential for optimizing my budget and understanding how best to leverage the Gemini API for my projects.