A Serverless Subscription covers the Serverless Framework CLI V.4+ and Serverless Framework Dashboard. Subscriptions are paid for via Credits, which are redeemed for either Serverless Framework Service Instances, Container Instances, Metrics & Traces.
Pay-As-You-Go $4 per CreditPay only for the Credits you use on a monthly basis.
Reserved Credits As low as $1 per Credit Reserve Credits in advance for large discounts.
Purchase a Serverless Subscription via Credit Card or AWS Marketplace
Need help deciding? Schedule a call with us to discuss your options
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Credit Value Breakdown
Each Credit can be redeemed for one of the below items.
Service Instances
The Serverless Framework charges 1 Credit for each Service Instance, which is a serverless.yml file that is in a deployed state within a specific "stage" and "region" for more than 10 days in a given month.
Container Instances
The Serverless Container Framework charges 1 Credit for each Container Instance, which is a container that is within a deployed state for more than 10 days in a given month.
Traces
A Trace captures a single AWS Lambda invocation in Serverless Dashboard and its errors, spans, logs, and can be viewed by our Trace Explorer and Alerts to troubleshoot.
Metrics
A Metric is a performance metrics on AWS Lambda invocations in Serverless Dashboard. Each AWS Lambda invocation generates 4 Metrics.
Frequently asked questions Can’t find any answer for your question? Schedule a call with us here for direct guidance.
Do I have to pay for a License to use the Serverless Framework CLI?
Starting in 2024, the Serverless Framework CLI remains free for most users. However, all organizations that earned over $2M in their last fiscal year must purchase a Serverless Subscription which includes a license to use Serverless Framework V.4 and beyond.
You can purchase a Serverless Subscription via Credit Card or the AWS Marketplace. To use either checkout option, go to the Serverless Framework Dashboard . You can also go to our AWS Marketplace listing to simply add a Serverless Subscription to your AWS bill.
Small businesses slightly above the revenue limit or Non-profits qualify for significant discounts via the Small Business Discount (read this F.A.Q. for more info). Additional savings are available through an Annual Contract, billed monthly.
You do not have to buy a License for Serverless Framework V.3 and less. V.3 will continue to receive essential security and bug fixes throughout 2024.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions at contact@serverless.com
How do I get a License for the Serverless Framework CLI?
If you're using the Serverless Framework CLI and meet the criteria mentioned in the "Do I have to pay for a License..." F.A.Q., obtaining a License is straightforward. Just purchase a Serverless Subscription and make sure to toggle the "Serverless Framework V.4 License" option in the "Plan" section during checkout. This process is managed on the Billing page of the Serverless Framework Dashboard: https://app.serverless.com/settings/billing .
The cost of the Serverless Framework CLI License is included in your Serverless Subscription and paid for with Credits. By activating the "License" option, the Service Instances you've utilized through the CLI will be documented in the "Usage" section. Although CLI Service Instances are always monitored, turning on this option ensures their inclusion in your monthly usage calculation, which determines the cost of your License.
What is a Service Instance?
A Service Instance in the Serverless Framework is defined by a specific combination of "service", "stage", and "region" parameters in your serverless.yml file, essentially representing a unique deployment in a particular stage and region. Think of it as a distinct AWS CloudFormation stack managed by the Serverless Framework.
Fees for Service Instances apply under two conditions: if they're used with Serverless Framework V.4 through any CLI command or if they're published to the Serverless Framework Dashboard, regardless of the Framework version. Service Instances will incur charges only if their cost exceeds the free tier limit and they exist for more than 10 days. This policy is designed to exempt temporary preview Service Instances from fees, supporting teams in deploying short-term test environments without additional costs.
Service Instances can be paid for using Credits. Whether you're utilizing Serverless Framework V.4 or the Dashboard, you're charged only once for each Service Instance. This approach streamlines the cost associated with deploying and managing your cloud resources. It's important to note that individual functions (such as AWS Lambda functions) or standalone cloud resources do not qualify as Service Instances and are therefore not subject to these specific fees.
How can I see my Service Instances?
On the Serverless Framework Dashboard, navigate to the Settings/Billing page to find the "Usage" section, which displays all active Service Instances. Service Instances used in Serverless Framework Dashboard are always shown in here. But by enabling the "Serverless Framework V.4 License" switch during checkout, V.4 Service Instances will also appear in this usage data. CLI Service Instances are always monitored, but turning on this option ensures their inclusion in your monthly usage calculation, which determines the cost of your License.
Should you remove a Service Instance within 10 days of activation, the "Usage" section will immediately update to reflect this change. For billing purposes, at the end of your 30-day billing cycle, only Service Instances that were active for more than 10 days are counted towards your usage. If you terminate a Service Instance within the billing period after it has been active for over 10 days, it will be included in your usage calculations and deducted from your Credits.
Do preview/temporary Service Instances count against my Credits?
A Service Instance needs to be deployed across 10 days; i.e. time between first deployment and last removal is 10 or more days, to count against your Credits. If you deploy a Service Instance and remove it permanently within 10 days, it will not affect your Credits.
How does the "Package" command within the Serverless Framework CLI V4+ handle usage tracking?
When using the "package" command within the Serverless Framework CLI V4+, a Service Instance is not created nor counted by the CLI's usage tracking for License compliance.
Do I get double-charged for Service Instances if I use them with Serverless Framework CLI & Dashboard?
No. When a Service Instance is used with the Serverless Framework CLI and Dashboard it is only tracked as 1 Credit used. In other words, you pay once and you get both Serverless Framework V.4 and Serverless Framework Dashboard.
We have an Service Instance tracking algorithm that ensures Service Instances are not double-counted, as well as removes Service Instances from billing if they are less than 10 days old, across either Serverless Framework V.4 and Serverless Framework Dashboard.
How long do Credits last?
Credits are monthly credit limits, which means they do not last longer than the current month. In other words, they do not roll over.
What payment methods are available?
Checkout via Credit Card and AWS Marketplace are both available. The AWS Marketplace option is great if you want to add your Serverless Subscription to your AWS bill.
The Serverless Framework Dashboard Billing page is a great place to start when considering both checkout options. Additionally, you can go directly to our listing in the AWS Marketplace .
If you need to create an Annual Subscription via AWS Marketplace, you must create an AWS Marketplace Private Offer. To do this, start in the Serverless Framework Dashboard . Create an Org, go to the Settings > Billing Page , enter the Credits you need, and check the Annual Subscription toggle to see the Private Offer option appear below. Click that button and we will follow up with you shortly with the Private Offer (typically 10 minutes to a couple of hours since we must do this manually). Please note, the Private Offer will be sent to the Owner's email your Serverless Framework Dashboard Org.
How do I create an Annual Subscription via AWS Marketplace?
If you need to create an Annual Subscription via AWS Marketplace, you must create an AWS Marketplace Private Offer.
Start in the Serverless Framework Dashboard . Create an Org, go to the Settings > Billing Page , enter the Credits you need, and check the Annual Subscription toggle to see the Private Offer option appear below. Click that button and we will follow up with you shortly with the Private Offer (typically 10 minutes to a couple of hours since we must do this manually). Please note, the Private Offer will be sent to the Owner's email your Serverless Framework Dashboard Org.
Are there fees for individual Team Members?
No. There are no fees for Team Members in Serverless Framework CLI or the Dashboard. You can invite as many people as you'd like to your Serverless Framework Organization (managed in the Dashboard), for no additional cost.
What discounts are available?
We offer more discounts than most. Here's a list of them:
The 50 and 300 credit bundles include credits at a discounted rate of up to 35%. We offer a Small Business discount of up to 50% for non-profit organizations or small businesses with less than $5M in annual revenue. Annual and Multi-year agreements include discounts of up to 30% (and are always paid monthly). You can automatically sign up for all of these options in the Serverless Framework Dashboard . If you have any issues, please reach out to us at contact@serverless.com
How do I qualify for a Small Business & Non-Profit Discount?
We offer a generous discount to both Small Businesses and Non-Profits. Please note that it is referred to as the "Small Business Discount" in our product and documentation, though it applies to Non-Profits as well. To qualify for the discount your organization must either be a Non-Profit, or a Small Business that meets all of the following criteria:
Less than $5M in annual revenue. Fewer than 30 employees. Less than $5M capital raised. You can automatically sign up for the Small Business Discount in the Serverless Framework Dashboard . It's based on the honor system and you don't need any approval from us. If you have any issues, please reach out to us at contact@serverless.com
Can you combine the 15, 50, and 300 Credit bundles?
Yes, you can combine any of the packages. For example, if you need 25 Credits, you can use two 15 Credit bundles for a total of 30 Credits. Or, if you need 64 Credits, you can combine one 50 Credit bundle with one 15 Credit bundle for a total of 65 Credits.
Please note, Credits are monthly credit limits. Credits do not roll over to subsequent months.
Do you offer annual or multi-year subscriptions?
Yes. Annual and Multi-year Subscriptions are available and include discounted pricing. Further, all Annual and Multi-Year Subscriptions are paid monthly, not up-front.
If you are interested in an Annual Subscription and paying via Credit Card, you can select an Annual Subscription within the Serverless Framework Dashboard . You will be charged monthly, not up-front for the whole year in advance.
If you are interested in an Annual Subscription and paying via AWS Marketplace, please create an AWS Marketplace Private Offer. You can do this via the Serverless Framework Dashboard's Billing Page.
If you are interested in a Multi-year Subscription, you must pay via an AWS Marketplace Private Offer. You can do this via the Serverless Framework Dashboard's Billing Page.
What are Traces & Metrics?
A Trace is a payload which includes the request/response details, detailed spans, errors and performance information for each AWS Lambda invocation. You can access and query Traces in Serverless Dashboard via the Trace Explorer.
Serverless Dashboard supports Traces & Metrics on any Lambda function, even if it was not deployed using the Serverless Framework, CloudFormation, or Serverless Dashboard.
Credits are now the sole payment method for Traces and Metrics. You can see how many Traces and Metrics a Credit is worth above.
Do I need to use Serverless Framework Dashboard to use Serverless Framework V.4?
Subscriptions for the Serverless Framework V.4 are managed in Serverless Framework Dashboard, but you are not required to use Serverless Framework Dashboard as a result. As a user of the Serverless Framework V.4 you can either authenticate with the Serverless Framework Dashboard (if you wish to use Dashboard), or you can create and distribute License Keys managed in Serverless Framework Dashboard to your team or business units. In either case, using the Serverless Framework Dashboard for deployments is optional.
What happens if I exceed my monthly Credit limit?
You can add additional Credit bundles at any time to regain access to Service Instances, Traces and Metrics, and it will immediately enable you to access these again.
When do I get charged?
If you are using the AWS Marketplace, then the charges will be processed by AWS on the monthly schedule managed by AWS.
If you are using credit-card based pricing in Serverless Dashboard, then your credit card will be charged at the end of the billing cycle, which is the end of the calendar month. You will be charged for whatever credits you have reserved on your subscription.
How do I switch my subscription from Credit Card to AWS Marketplace, or vice versa?
To switch your subscription from your credit card to AWS Marketplace, or to a credit card from AWS Marketplace, please reach out to our support within the Serverless Framework Dashboard to help you with this, or contact us at support@serverless.com
Can I cancel or downgrade?
Yes. You can cancel or downgrade at any time. The cancellation will take effect immediately. Please note that you will be auto-charged for any remaining balance immediately upon cancellation.
How do I remove Service Instances in Serverless Framework CLI or Dashboard?
In the Serverless Framework V.4 CLI, to not have Service Instances tracked, you will need to remove the project from your AWS account via the "serverless remove" command.
In the List view, you can also click the dots on the Service container (which holds its Instances) to delete the Service and all of its Instances.
Be sure to do this within 10 days of the new billing period. However, exceptions will be given at the beginning of this new pricing model. Reach out to us via support@serverless.com so we can help you.
How can I reduce my Trace and Metric Credit usage?
Serverless Framework Dashboard provides automatic smart trace sampling at high volumes to reduce Credit usage. Dashboard also provides complete control over instrumentation so you can disable Traces, Metrics, or sampling if needed, on a per-Lambda basis.
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