Per Google https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/javascript/get-api-key
During development and testing, you can register a project for testing purposes in the Google Cloud Platform Console and use a generic, unrestricted API key. When you are ready to move your app or website into production, register a separate project for production, create a browser-restricted API key, and add the key to your application.
Answer from cy-c on Stack OverflowVideos
Per Google https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/javascript/get-api-key
During development and testing, you can register a project for testing purposes in the Google Cloud Platform Console and use a generic, unrestricted API key. When you are ready to move your app or website into production, register a separate project for production, create a browser-restricted API key, and add the key to your application.
You can skip the key parameter and you can work with a map for development purposes. It means, normally you use next code:
<script async defer src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?key=YOUR_API_KEY&callback=initMap">
Indeed, you can use this one:
<script async defer src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?callback=initMap">
So I am working on an angular project & I need to use google maps API(its a personal project not related to my job), so when I look up to its website it is showing that I need to create a billing account & I need to add my card number, It shows on the website that $200 worth of usage per month is free & after that it will start charging me, can anyone confirm my doubt that it is free of cost or not? Thanks in advance
I am looking for a free google map API key.. I am a student and wanting to test out a django application i am working on.
Admittedly, I feel a little bit stupid right now, but ima ask anyways lol
For personal non-commercial projects, is there a free option for the Google Maps Places and Directions APIs? (I've only used this at work where I'm not paying for it lol)
I took a look and couldn't find one, but could anyone confirm please?
(Not looking for alternatives, this is just a casual non-commercial project and I'm not interested in learning another map tool)
There seems no way to have google maps api key free without credit card. To test the functionality of google map you can use it while leaving the api key field "EMPTY". It will show a message saying "For Development Purpose Only". And that way you can test google map functionality without putting billing information for google map api key.
<script src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?key=&callback=initMap" async defer></script>
Updated Answer
As of June11, 2018 it is now mandatory to have a billing account to get API key. You can still make keyless calls to the Maps JavaScript API and Street View Static API which will return low-resolution maps that can be used for development. Enabling billing still gives you $200 free credit monthly for your projects.
This answer is no longer valid
As long as you're using a testing API key it is free to register and use. But when you move your app to commercial level you have to pay for it. When you enable billing, google gives you $200 credit free each month that means if your app's map usage is low you can still use it for free even after the billing enabled, if it exceeds the credit limit now you have to pay for it.