The AMD AI Developer Program hands out free cloud credits to developers. You pick one of two options: $50 in Fireworks AI credits for managed LLM inference, or $100 in AMD Developer Cloud credits for bare-metal GPU access. All you need to apply is a public profile like GitHub or LinkedIn. No credit card, no payment method, and approval usually lands within 3 business days. Verified August 2026.
Credit amounts and program terms are subject to change. Always check the official AMD page for the latest information.
1. Open the AMD AI Developer Program Page
Visit the official AMD AI Developer Program page:
AMD AI Developer ProgramThe official program page. Join for free, then request your cloud credits from Member Perks.developer.amd.com
New here? Click Create Account. Already have an AMD account? Click Log In.
2. Complete the Sign Up Form
The form is basic stuff: name, email, company or university, location, language, and where you'll run your projects. Two things worth knowing:
- Use an email you actually check. Your activation token and later your coupon code both go here.
- Not affiliated with a company or university? "None" is fine in that field.
Skip the sweepstakes and marketing checkboxes unless you want them, then click Join.
3. Activate Your Account
After joining, you land on the Activate Your Account page. Leave this tab open and check your email.
AMD Registration ([email protected]) sends you a one-time Access Token, valid for 7 days. Not in your inbox? Check junk and whitelist the address.
Paste the token, set a password (10+ characters with upper/lower/number/special), and hit Activate Account.
4. Go to Member Perks and Request Cloud Credits
Log in to the AMD AI Developer Program portal. Click Member Perks in the top navigation, scroll to Cloud Credit Options, and hit Request Cloud Credits at the bottom.
You pick one of the two options:
- AMD Developer Cloud: raw AMD Instinct GPU access, expires 30 days after activation
- Fireworks: managed LLM endpoint on AMD GPUs (MiniMax, Kimi K, and more), expires 90 days after issuance
This guide picks Fireworks AI.
5. Complete the Credits Application Form
Fill in the form: pick your Job Function, set Product Needed to Fireworks AI, choose your Affiliation Type, and write a line or two about what you're building.
The part that matters most: at least one public profile for verification. LinkedIn, GitHub, Portfolio, Company Profile, School Profile, WeChat, WeCom, or Other Public Profile all work. Paste the URL in Profile 1. Profile 2 is optional but helps.
Click Submit.
6. Wait for Approval
Done. The Thank You page says you'll get an email within 3 business days. Demand is high, so it can slip. Nothing after 5 business days? Email [email protected].
7. Receive the Approval Email
Once approved, you will receive an email from the AMD Developer Cloud Team with the subject "You've been approved for Fireworks AI access". It contains your unique coupon code, which starts with AMD-.
Keep the code private. Anyone who has it can redeem your $50.
8. Redeem Your Fireworks AI Credits
- Go to fireworks.ai and create your Fireworks AI account (or log in).
- Open your account's Billing section and click Redeem Promo under Prepaid Credits.
- Paste your AMD-... coupon code and click Redeem.
The $50 is added to your prepaid credit balance immediately. Credits expire 90 days after issuance, so redeem early and use them before the deadline. From here you can create an API key in the Fireworks dashboard and start building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AMD AI Developer Program free?▼
Yes. The program is completely free to join. No payment method or credit card is required. AMD verifies your identity through a public profile link.
How long does approval take?▼
AMD sends activation instructions within 3 business days. Approvals can be delayed during high demand. If nothing arrives within 5 business days, email [email protected].
Who can apply?▼
Students, developers, researchers, and engineers working with AI/ML. You need a public profile (GitHub, LinkedIn, portfolio, or company page) for verification. No .edu email is required.
Can I get both Fireworks AI and AMD Developer Cloud credits?▼
No. The cloud credit page says you choose between the two, and the application form has a single Product Needed dropdown, so one request covers one option. Fireworks AI ($50) is for managed LLM inference. AMD Developer Cloud ($100) is for bare-metal GPU training and fine-tuning.
Do the credits expire?▼
Yes. Fireworks AI credits expire 90 days from issuance. AMD Developer Cloud credits expire 30 days after activation.
What can I build with Fireworks AI?▼
Chatbots, RAG systems, code generation tools, document processing pipelines, and real-time inference. The platform supports Llama, Mixtral, MiniMax, Kimi K, and more through an OpenAI-compatible API.
What if my application is rejected?▼
Strengthen your public profile and reapply. Add projects to GitHub, update LinkedIn, or create a portfolio. There is no penalty for reapplying.
The Verdict
The Bottom Line
Fireworks AI credits ($50): best if you're building something on LLMs. Managed inference through an OpenAI-compatible API, no infrastructure to set up. Valid for 90 days.
AMD Developer Cloud credits ($100): best for training, fine-tuning, and benchmarking. You get bare-metal AMD Instinct GPUs, valid for 30 days after activation.
You pick one. The application form lets you select a single option. You only need a public profile to apply, and approval takes up to 3 business days. Free to join.
Want more free cloud credits? Check our guide to AWS vs Azure vs GCP for students for up to $600 more in no-card options.
Last verified: August 12, 2026. Credit amounts and program terms are subject to change. Always check the official AMD page for the latest information.
Student Offers Team
Student Discount Verification Team
Last verified 2026-08-12