bill received for a free startup account!

This will be difficult for the community to address because we can't see if you met all the requirements for any promotional credits being applied to your account, nor can we see the terms of the deal you signed up for. This is a case where it seems there is clearly a misunderstanding between what you signed up for, and how your AWS account is setup. This could be AWS' fault, if you met all the program requirements, and they failed to apply the required credits, or it could be your fault, if you have outstanding obligations to qualify or if you misunderstood the terms of the agreement. I would recommend you immediately open up a support case with AWS and speak with them to help isolate the discrepancy and chart a path forward.

Here are the steps you can follow to get the case open:

Step 1: Sign in to AWS Management Console

• Navigate to the AWS Management Console (https://aws.amazon.com/console/).
• Sign in with your AWS account credentials.

Step 2: Access AWS Support

• In the AWS Management Console, click on "Services" from the navigation menu.
• Find and click on “Support” in the drop-down menu. You may find it at the bottom part of the services list.

Step 3: Create a New Support Case

• Click on “Support Center” to go to the AWS Support Center page. Make sure the "Account & billing" issue type is selected.
• On the AWS Support Center page, click on the “Create case” button, which you would find usually in the upper right corner.

Step 4: Choose Case Type

• **Service: **Unknown Charges
• **Category: **Located on my account/unable to locate on my account
• **Severity: **Urgent business impacting question

Step 5: Fill in Case Details Fill out the case form with the pertinent details regarding your billing issue. Make sure to include:

• **Subject: **A concise and descriptive subject (e.g., "Unexplained Charges on Startup Free Account").
• Description: Detail the issue clearly, mentioning the unexpected charge, and specify the services that were billed. Reference the agreement you have in place.
• Attachments: If you have any screenshots or documents that can support your case, attach them here.

Step 6: Contact Options

• Choose your preferred contact method. AWS offers various methods such as chat, phone, or web/email. Obviously for the fastest response select Phone or Chat if they are available.

Step 7: Submit the Case

• Review all the details you've input to ensure they are correct.
• Click “Submit” to open the case.

Step 8: Monitor Your Case

• After submitting, you'll be taken to your open case. AWS Support might contact you for additional details.
• You can reply to them directly through the case in the Support Center, providing any additional information that is requested.

I would make sure you have all the details at hand when you engage them, as it will help you get to the bottom of it as quickly as possible.