How Gemini API billing works on Google Cloud
Introduction
Gemini API billing follows Google Cloud's "pay for what you use" model. You incur costs whenever you make API calls to generate text, images, or other services offered by Gemini. In this article, you will see how to set up your billing account, understand the pricing model, and monitor your usage.
Prerequisites
Google account with permission of Owner or Billing Administrator.
Project created in Google Cloud where the Gemini API is enabled.
Billing account configured and linked to the project.
Configuring Billing
Access the Billing Console
In the main menu of the Google Cloud Console, click Billing and Create account.
Create or Link a Billing Account
If you do not have an active billing account, select + Create account and follow the wizard to enter your payment details.
If you already have billing accounts, click Manage billing accounts and then Link a billing account.
Associating with the Project
With the account created or selected, choose the project where you enabled the Gemini API and confirm the link.
The "This project has no billing account" banner should disappear, indicating that billing is active.
Monitoring and Alerts
Billing Reports
In Billing > Reports, follow cost charts by day, month, and product (Gemini API).
Budgets and Alerts
Go to Billing > Budgets & alerts to create a budget (e.g. BRL 500/month).
Set alerts at 50%, 80%, and 100% to receive emails if usage exceeds those thresholds.
Quota Limits
In APIs & Services > Library > Gemini API > Quotas, adjust request limits per minute or per day to prevent exceeding the budget.
8. Conclusion
Properly configuring billing and understanding the Gemini API pricing model is essential to control costs and avoid surprises on the invoice. Use Google Cloud's budgeting and reporting tools to monitor usage and optimize your calls to maximize return on investment.
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