Setting up your own AWS Account A walk through

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of registering for an AWS account. Follow these steps carefully to get started with AWS while avoiding unexpected charges. Remember to shut down or remove any unused resources to keep your costs under control.

Cost Control

Avoid leaving resources running unnecessarily. Be especially cautious with services that incur hourly charges (such as NAT gateways, virtual machines, and network firewalls). When a service is no longer needed, stop or remove it to prevent unexpected costs.

Step 1: Visit the AWS Free Tier Page

Begin by visiting the AWS website and clicking the "Sign Up for a Free AWS Account" button. This page showcases the AWS Free Tier offerings.

The image shows a webpage for AWS Free Tier, offering free access to AWS services, with a button to create a free account.

After clicking the signup button, you will be prompted to enter your email address and choose an account name. For instance, if you use Gmail, Yahoo, or Live (MSN, Office 365), add a plus sign to your email (e.g., [email protected]) to create a unique address for AWS while still delivering emails to your primary inbox.

The image shows an AWS signup page where users can enter their email address and account name to create a new AWS account. It also highlights the option to explore free tier products.

A descriptive account name like "Michael Forrester's Demo KodeKloud Account" is recommended. Complete the email verification process as prompted.

Step 3: Create a Root User Password

Once your email is verified, you must create a password for the root user. Ensure that the password is memorable, unique, and meets AWS's complexity requirements.

The image shows an AWS signup page where a user is prompted to create a password after email verification. It also mentions exploring free tier products with a new AWS account.

Next, you will be asked how you plan to use AWS. Specify whether the account is for business or personal use, and provide your personal details such as your name (e.g., Michael Forrester) and company (e.g., KodeKloud). Enter your phone number and address as necessary for billing purposes.

Step 4: Enter Billing Information

Provide your credit card details for verification. Although your credit card is required for identity verification, it will not be charged for signing up for the Free Tier.

Step 5: Complete Identity Verification

After submitting your billing information, AWS verifies your identity by sending a code to your phone. Enter the code and complete the simple challenge to proceed.

The image shows an AWS signup page prompting the user to confirm their identity by entering a verification code. There is an illustration of an ID card with a checkmark on the left.

Step 6: Choose a Support Plan

For most new AWS users, the free Basic support plan is sufficient. There is no need to upgrade to Developer or Business support plans unless you plan extensive use of AWS services.

The image shows a webpage for signing up for AWS, offering three support plans: Basic (free), Developer (from $29/month), and Business (from $100/month), each with different features and recommendations.

Step 7: Final Confirmation and Account Activation

After completing the signup process, you will receive a confirmation that your AWS account is being activated. This process can take up to 24 hours. You will receive an email once your account is ready. In the meantime, feel free to explore the AWS Management Console.

The image shows an AWS registration confirmation page with a congratulatory message and options to access the AWS Management Console or sign up for another account.

Once your account is activated, log in using your root user credentials (for example, [email protected]). Enter your password, and you will be redirected to the AWS Management Console where your demo account details are displayed (e.g., Michael Forrester's KodeKloud Demo).

The image shows the AWS sign-in page with options for root and IAM user login, alongside a security advertisement encouraging the use of security as a business enabler.

Final Recommendations

Create an IAM user for everyday activities instead of using the root user for greater security.
Configure AWS Budgets to monitor your spending. For example, setting low thresholds such as $5 or $10 can help alert you if expenses exceed your expectations.

Thank you for reading this guide. You have now successfully created your own AWS account. Enjoy exploring AWS and manage your resources deliberately to keep your costs under control.

I'll catch you in the next article.

— Michael Forrester

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