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Theo Smith

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Jun 10, 2025, 5:27:00 AMJun 10

to Machine Learning for Kids

I've created an unmanaged account as well as an IBM Cloud account. IBM is now asking for card details in order to use the free tier, so that if usage gets too high they can start charging me. Is there any way around this? Some of your documentation may need to be adjusted! Thanks!

(account was set up under the email theot...@protonmail.com)

Dale Lane

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Jun 10, 2025, 5:37:21 AMJun 10

to Machine Learning for Kids

> IBM is now asking for card details in order to use the

> free tier, so that if usage gets too high they can start

> charging me.

That's not entirely true - a Lite plan instance of Watson Assistant is free.

If your usage reaches the limit, it just stops you using it more (For example, if you already have your maximum number of models, it will stop you creating a new one until you delete one of your models. Or if you've used your 10,000 free API calls for the month it wont let you classify any more text until next month.) It doesn't start charging you.

It is true that they have started asking for a credit card number, but I would assume this is being used as a proof of identity to prevent abuse of free accounts.

> Is there any way around this?

Yes - the options are outlined on page 3 of the guide at https://machinelearningforkids.co.uk/#!/apikeys-guide

> Some of your documentation may need to be adjusted!

Sorry, it's difficult to keep up with IBM Cloud's signup process. I've updated the doc dozens of times, and every time I do, they seem to refresh their forms again!