Google Maps API free tier in 2026 ​
Google Maps Platform provides a generous free tier that covers the vast majority of WordPress websites. Here is exactly what you get.
The $200 monthly credit ​
Every Google Cloud account with Maps Platform enabled receives $200 in free credits per month. This is not a trial, not a promotion — it is a permanent, ongoing benefit. It renews on the first of each month and does not roll over.
What $200 covers ​
Maps JavaScript API (the main one for WP Google Street View) ​
- Cost: $7.00 per 1 000 map loads
- Free map loads per month: ~28 571
- That is approximately 952 map loads per day
Other APIs included in the credit ​
| API | Cost per 1 000 calls | Free calls/month |
|---|---|---|
| Geocoding | $5.00 | ~40 000 |
| Places Autocomplete (per session) | $17.00 | ~11 764 |
| Directions | $5.00 | ~40 000 |
| Street View Static Images | $7.00 | ~28 571 |
The $200 credit is shared across all APIs. If you use multiple APIs, the total consumption is deducted from the same $200 pool.
Real-world examples ​
| Site type | Monthly pageviews | Pages with maps | Map loads | Estimated cost | After credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small business | 5 000 | 30% | 1 500 | $10.50 | $0 |
| Restaurant | 15 000 | 20% | 3 000 | $21.00 | $0 |
| Real estate agency | 30 000 | 50% | 15 000 | $105.00 | $0 |
| Tourism portal | 100 000 | 40% | 40 000 | $280.00 | $80 |
For the vast majority of WordPress sites, the free tier is more than enough.
How to stay free ​
- Enable billing — Required even for the free tier. Without it, Google treats your quota as $0 and maps show "For development purposes only."
- Set budget alerts — In Cloud Console → Billing → Budgets & alerts. Set a $10 alert to catch unexpected usage early.
- Load maps only where needed — WP Google Street View already does this: it only enqueues the API on pages with a shortcode.
- Restrict your API key — Prevents unauthorized usage that would count against your credit.
- Monitor usage — Check the APIs Dashboard monthly.
What happens if you exceed $200? ​
You are charged for the overage at the standard rates. There is no automatic cutoff unless you set one. This is why budget alerts are important.
However, for a WordPress site to exceed $200/month, it would need over 28 000 pages with maps loaded per month. That is a very high-traffic site.