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After launching their new Google Maps Platform recently they’re changing the way they charge companies using their Google Maps API. Here’s an overview of what has changed, what charges are coming into place and who is likely to be most affected.
Edit: This post was originally published in August 2018, but has been updated regularly to stay useful. The most recent review and update was carried out in March 2026.
If your website displays a simple dynamic map with a pin to your office location and nothing else, then no charges will apply.
Sigh of relief for many people! However, you are now required to have a valid credit/debit card on file when using the Google Maps platform, even though the service remains free.
Your web agency might even have done this on your behalf, so you might not need to worry at all.
Google Maps is now part of the Google Maps Platform, which organises its APIs and SDKs into three product categories: Essentials, Pro, and Enterprise. Each category carries its own free monthly usage threshold and pay-as-you-go rates beyond that.
This replaced the previous $200 monthly credit system in March 2025. The new model means each individual API has its own free usage allowance, rather than everything drawing from one shared pot. For many lower-usage businesses this is actually more generous than before.
You can view the Google Maps pricing here.
Most businesses with modest usage will still pay nothing. Under the current model, each API type gets its own free monthly request allowance. Simple dynamic maps (a pin showing your location) remain completely free with no cap.
For higher-usage businesses, Google introduced subscription plans in late 2025 as an alternative to pure pay-as-you-go:
These can offer significant savings versus pay-as-you-go at scale, and new customers can apply a $300 Google Cloud trial credit toward a subscription plan.
If subscriptions aren’t right for you, pay-as-you-go remains an option. You’ll be charged per 1,000 requests, with rates ranging roughly from $2 to $30 depending on the API. Volume discounts now apply automatically and scale up to 5 million+ monthly requests, a major improvement on the old system.
These three APIs have been moved to Legacy status. They still work, but Google recommends migrating to the newer Routes API and Places API, which offer better features, improved data quality, and access to the expanded volume discounts.
If your website or app uses these older APIs, it’s worth asking your developer to assess a migration.
High-traffic websites, estate agents showing local area data, travel sites with route planning, or any business using multiple Maps features are most likely to see costs. The more API calls your site generates, the more likely you’ll move beyond the free tier.
You can use Google’s pricing calculator to estimate your likely monthly cost based on your usage mix.
The Google Maps Platform has evolved significantly since 2018. The key things to know today:
If you need help with implementing a more customised map solution to your website, using the Maps API, we can help. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
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