Setting Up Your Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Billing Account

As an All of Us Researcher Workbench user, you have the option to set up your Google Cloud Platform (GCP) billing account through Carahsoft, through another reseller partner, or on your own.

If you’d like some information to help determine whether setting up your GCP billing account through a Google partner or by yourself is the best approach for you, read about paying for your Researcher Workbench costs.

Through Carahsoft

Carahsoft is a government IT solutions provider and a reseller of various technology products and services, including Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

To set up a GCP billing account with Carahsoft

1. Contact a Carahsoft representative

   • If you are logged into the All of Us Researcher Workbench, you can access the Carahsoft information request form directly from the billing section of your workspace. 

     • Completing this form will route your information to their team for review and follow up. 

     • You can also visit Carahsoft’s website or contact them directly through their sales or customer service channels.

   • Explain that you are interested in setting up a Google Cloud Platform billing account through Carahsoft as billing payment for your Researcher Workbench account.

2. Provide necessary information

   • Carahsoft will likely require certain information from you to initiate the process, such as your organization's details, billing address, and potentially the specific Google Cloud services you intend to use if you plan to use your account for services more broadly.

3. Agree to terms and conditions

   • Review and agree to any terms and conditions or contractual agreements that Carahsoft may have regarding the provisioning and billing of Google Cloud services.

4. Billing setup by Carahsoft:

   • Carahsoft will set up the billing account on your behalf. This typically involves creating an account within their systems and linking it to Google Cloud Platform.

5. Payment and billing management:

   • Once the billing account is set up, you may need to provide payment information to Carahsoft, as they will handle the billing for the Google Cloud services you use.

6. Account management

   • After setup, you should receive instructions on how to manage your billing account, including viewing invoices, managing payment methods, and accessing usage reports.

7. Support and further assistance

   • Carahsoft may also provide ongoing support and assistance for managing your Google Cloud billing account, such as help with billing inquiries or changes to your service plan.

Through another domestic or international partner

Setting up a Google Cloud Platform (GCP) billing account through a different partner involves following a similar process to setting it up through Carahsoft or any other reseller.

To set up a GCP billing account with another partner

1. Choose a partner

   • Select a reseller that operates in your region and has a partnership with Google Cloud Platform. 

   • Resellers often have local expertise and can provide localized support. You can search for partners based on your location and organization type.

2. Contact the reseller

   • Visit the reseller’s website or contact their sales team directly to inquire about setting up a GCP billing account through them.

   • Provide details about your organization, such as your company name, location, and the specific GCP services you are interested in.

3. Agree to terms and conditions

   • Review and agree to any terms and conditions or contractual agreements that the reseller may have regarding the provisioning and billing of Google Cloud services.

4. Billing setup by the reseller:

   • The reseller will set up the billing account on your behalf. This typically involves creating an account within their systems and linking it to Google Cloud Platform.

5. Payment and billing management:

   • Once the billing account is set up, you may need to provide payment information to the reseller, as they will handle the billing for the Google Cloud services you use.

6. Account management

   • After setup, you should receive instructions on how to manage your billing account, including viewing invoices, managing payment methods, and accessing usage reports.

7. Support and further assistance

   • The reseller may also provide ongoing support and assistance for managing your Google Cloud billing account, such as help with billing inquiries or changes to your service plan.

On your own

If you decide working with a Google partner to set up your GCP billing account isn’t right for you, you can set one up on your own.

To set up a GCP billing account on your own

1. Sign in to Google Cloud Console with an existing or new Google account. Do not create the account using your "@researchallofus.org" credentials.

2. Create a new billing account

   • If you don't have a billing account, click "Create account."

   • Fill in the required details, such as your organization’s name, billing country, and address.

   • Review the Google Cloud Platform Terms of Service and the Google Cloud Platform Marketplace Terms of Service.

   • Click "Submit and enable billing."

     Note: To proceed with setting up a GCP account on your own, you need to be able to contract with GCP on behalf of yourself or your institution. If you are unsure whether you are allowed to do this through your institution, check with your department supervisor or administrative official.

3. Add payment information

   • Once your billing account is created, you'll need to add a payment method. Google accepts various payment options, including credit and debit cards.

   • Enter your payment information and billing address details as required.

4. Verify your payment method

   • After entering your payment details, Google may verify your payment method.

   • This might involve Google charging and refunding a small amount to your card and requiring you to confirm the exact amount charged.

5. Billing account setup complete

   • Once your payment method is verified, your billing account setup is complete.

That's it! You've successfully set up a billing account on Google Cloud Platform through Carahsoft, another partner, or on your own. 

Now, you are ready to link your new GCP billing account to your Researcher Workbench account. As you start paying for your work, always remember to monitor your usage and billing to avoid unexpected costs. Read tips on monitoring your usage with the GCP billing account console and Researcher Workbench features.

Note: GCP offers a promotional $300 in compute credits for Google accounts and profiles that haven’t utilized them before. Unlike All of Us credits, the GCP credits only last a total of 90 days once they’re activated. Learn more about the GCP promotional credits.

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