How to Claim Hetzner’s €20 New User Credit in 5 Easy Steps

Introduction

Looking for a low‑cost way to test Hetzner’s powerful cloud servers? The German hosting giant regularly offers a €20 new user credit that lets you spin up a VPS, dedicated server, or storage box without spending a dime. In this guide we’ll walk you through the entire process – from signing up to deploying your first instance – so you can start experimenting right away.

Why Hetzner’s €20 Credit Is Worth Your Time

• Full‑featured infrastructure: Access to SSD‑based cloud servers, dedicated machines, and traffic‑heavy bandwidth.
• No hidden fees: The credit is applied automatically and expires only after 30 days.
• Scalable pricing: Once the credit runs out you can continue on Hetzner’s low‑cost plans (starting at €3.49/month).

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Claim the Credit

1. Create a Hetzner Account

Visit hetzner.com and click “Sign up”. Fill in your email, choose a strong password, and verify the account via the confirmation link.

2. Verify Your Identity

Hetzner requires a simple KYC check to prevent abuse. Upload a scanned ID (passport or driver’s license) and a selfie, or use the video‑verification option. The process usually completes within a few minutes.

3. Add a Payment Method

Even though the credit is free, Hetzner asks for a credit card or SEPA direct debit as a fallback. Your card will not be charged unless you exceed the €20 credit.

4. Activate the €20 Credit

After logging in, navigate to Billing → Credits. You’ll see a banner offering “€20 New User Credit – Activate Now”. Click the button, and the credit will be added to your account instantly.

5. Deploy Your First Server

Head to the Cloud dashboard, choose a Cube or CX instance, select the desired region (Falkenstein or Nuremberg), and click “Create”. Hetzner will deduct the cost from your credit automatically.

Tips to Stretch the €20 Credit Further

• Choose low‑tier instances: A CX11 (1 vCPU, 2 GB RAM) costs ≈ €4.00/month, giving you five days of uptime.
• Take advantage of free traffic: Hetzner includes 20 TB of outbound traffic in most cloud plans – no extra cost.
• Use snapshots wisely: Snapshots consume storage credits; delete unnecessary snapshots to preserve budget.

FAQ

Q: How long does the credit last?

A: The €20 credit expires 30 days after activation. Unused balance rolls over until the deadline.

Q: Can I use the credit for dedicated servers?

A: Yes, the credit can be applied to any Hetzner product, but dedicated servers consume it quickly.

Q: Will my payment method be charged automatically?

A: Only if you exceed the €20 credit. You’ll receive an email warning before any charge.

Conclusion & Call to Action

The Hetzner €20 new user credit is a risk‑free gateway to world‑class hosting. Follow the steps above, launch a server, and experiment with cloud‑native tools without spending a cent. Ready to get started?

Claim Your €20 Credit Now

For deeper tutorials, check out our guides on Hetzner Cloud Basics and Running Docker on Hetzner.

Learn more about Hetzner’s pricing structure on their official Pricing Overview page.