Free Google Ads Credit: The DreamHost AdWords Offer and How Credits Work Now

Want free google ads credit to try advertising your website? Back in July 2009, DreamHost offered free Google AdWords credits to both new and existing hosting customers. This article recaps that deal and explains how Google Ads promotional credit works in 2026, including who qualifies and the conditions to watch.

Quick answer: Google Ads gives promotional credit mainly to new advertisers, usually after you spend a set amount within a time limit. Offers come from Google directly or through partners, and terms vary by country and offer. The 2009 DreamHost offer has long expired, so always read the current terms before you sign up.

The 2009 DreamHost AdWords offer

Most hosting companies gave free AdWords credits only to new customers. In 2009 DreamHost extended the offer to existing customers too, with credit that grew with how much you spent on hosting. The terms were typical of these deals:

• The credit had to be applied to a new AdWords account within 15 days of creating it.
• Only new Google AdWords customers could use it, one credit per customer.
• The credit was non-transferable and could not be sold.
• Ads kept running after the credit ran out, so you were charged unless you paused them.
• Self-managed accounts had a $5 activation fee, and the offer was limited to billing addresses in the US and Canada.
• The credits expired on 31 December 2009.

It was a win-win: Google got more advertisers and DreamHost gave customers a reason to stay. That offer is long gone, and AdWords itself was renamed Google Ads in 2018.

How free google ads credit works in 2026

Google Ads still runs promotional offers, but they are tied to spending rather than given away outright. According to Google’s help page on promotional offers:

• New advertiser offers are for businesses that have never advertised with Google Ads (or are expanding to a new country with a new billing address). They are usually redeemed at sign-up.
• Spend first: you typically need to spend a set amount within about 60 days.
• Verification: Google may take up to 35 days to confirm you are a new advertiser before adding the credit.
• Use it in time: once added, the credit usually has to be spent within about 60 days.
• Existing advertisers sometimes get offers too, based on recent activity.
• No offers on request: Google support can’t hand out promotional credit when asked.

Where to find offers

Google often shows an offer when you create a new Google Ads account. Partners such as hosting companies, website builders and online tools sometimes include Google Ads credit with their plans. Check the partner’s terms, the countries covered and the expiry date, and only sign up through the official link they give.

Tips to use your credit wisely

1. Set a daily budget you are happy to pay once the credit runs out.
2. Start with one focused campaign and a small set of keywords.
3. Use ad assets like sitelinks to get more from each ad. See our guide to Google Ads sitelinks and Shopping ads.
4. Track conversions so you know which ads actually bring sales or sign-ups.
5. Pause or adjust campaigns before the credit ends if results are weak.

FAQ

Can I get free Google Ads credit without spending money?

Usually not. Most current offers require you to spend a set amount first, then Google adds matching credit.

Is the DreamHost AdWords offer still available?

No. It was a 2009 promotion and the credits expired at the end of that year.

Can existing Google Ads accounts get promotional credit?

Sometimes. Google offers some promotions to existing or returning advertisers, but most offers are for new advertisers.

Will I be charged after the credit runs out?

Yes. Campaigns keep running and are billed to your payment method unless you pause them or lower the budget.