Understanding Gemini API Billing: Free Usage vs. Paid Tier Implications

As I explore the functionalities of the Gemini API, I find myself contemplating the transition to a paid billing tier. With the recent changes indicating that the free tier will no longer grant access to pro models, I’m eager to understand the nuances of the billing system.

Key Inquiry: Is There Free Usage with a Paid Tier?

My primary concern revolves around the treatment of free usage once the billing feature is activated. Specifically, I am curious whether the paid tier incorporates any free usage allowance. For instance, can users still access resources within the free tier rate limits without incurring charges? Or does the activation of billing mean that every action becomes billable, regardless of its relation to the free tier?

This understanding is crucial as I assess the value of moving to a paid model and what it entails for my usage of the Gemini API. If anyone has insights or experiences to share about the billing structure and its implications for free and paid usage, it would be greatly appreciated!