Hey everyone, I wanted to share my situation and ask for advice from people who understand Google Cloud or have been through something similar.
Back in 2025, I created a Google Cloud account because I wanted to try to get a project called BotOnline running. At the time, I was a complete beginner with the platform, and I genuinely believed I was using the Free Trial. I didn't really understand how Google Cloud's billing system worked or that certain services could continue generating charges even if I wasn't successfully using the project.
I ended up creating a MySQL database through Cloud SQL, but I couldn't get BotOnline working as intended. After some time, my account was suspended in 2025, and I assumed that was the end of it. I had no idea the database might still be generating charges.
Recently, I checked my account again and discovered an outstanding balance of R$3,355.90 (approximately US$600), mostly related to Cloud SQL. I was shocked when I saw the amount because that's a huge sum of money for me, and I simply cannot afford to pay it.
I understand that I should have paid more attention and checked whether my resources were still running. However, I honestly didn't know how the platform worked back then. I never intended to sign up for an expensive service or accumulate this kind of debt. I just wanted to test my project and believed I was still within the free trial period.
I contacted Google Cloud Support and requested a full waiver of the charges as a one-time exception. I explained my situation, asked them to consider my inexperience, and made it clear that I don't want to continue using Google Cloud. I would like to close my account and put this situation behind me.
Support replied that they need to resolve an account hold before they can forward my case to the specialized Billing Team. I'm currently waiting for an update.
I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has dealt with something similar:
- Has Google Cloud ever granted a full or partial waiver for unexpected charges like these?
- Is there any chance of getting the bill waived by explaining that I was a beginner and genuinely believed I was using the free trial?
- Has anyone successfully resolved a similar situation directly with the Billing Team?
- Would closing the account make any difference, or would the outstanding balance remain even after closure?
I'm not trying to avoid dealing with the situation. I'm trying to find a reasonable solution to a bill I genuinely didn't expect and that is far beyond what I can afford right now.
If you've been through this or know how Google's billing review process works, I'd be very grateful if you could share your experience. Any advice would mean a lot to me.