---
title: "Creating an AWS account"
description: "Step-by-step sign-up for an Amazon Web Services account, from contact and payment details to choosing a support plan."
type: Guide
tags:
  - AWS
  - Cloud
generated:
  by: "claude/opus-5"
  at: "2026-09-11T00:00:00Z"
sources:
  - id: cyverse-container-camp
    resource: "https://github.com/CyVerse-learning-materials/container-camp/blob/1746ee8873bcbed2bd3e62500262a9e9571cff16/docs/cloud/aws.md"
    title: "CyVerse Container Camp: docs/cloud/aws.md"
    author: "team:cyverse"
    last_modified: "2023-07-28T08:47:04-07:00"
---

# Creating an AWS account

## Creating Your First AWS Account

### Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the basics of creating your first AWS account.

### Step 1: Visit the AWS Homepage
- Navigate to the [AWS homepage](https://aws.amazon.com/){target=_blank}.
- Click on the "Create an AWS Account" button, usually located at the top right corner.

### Step 2: Sign Up
- You'll be prompted to enter your email address. If you already have an Amazon account, you can use that email. Otherwise, create a new one.
- Choose "I am a new user" and click on "Sign in using our secure server".
- Fill in the required details, including your name, email, and desired password.

### Step 3: Contact Information
- Choose "Professional" if you're setting this up for your organization or work. Otherwise, choose "Personal".
- Fill in the required contact details. Ensure the information is accurate, as AWS might use it for verification purposes.

### Step 4: Payment Information
- Enter your credit card details. AWS requires this even for the Free Tier, but you won't be charged unless you exceed the Free Tier limits.

### Step 5: Identity Verification
- AWS will call you to verify your identity. Enter the PIN you receive during the call.

### Step 6: Choose a Support Plan
- AWS offers various support plans. For starters, you can choose the "Basic Plan" which is free.

### Step 7: Confirmation
- Once all steps are completed, you'll receive a confirmation message. Congratulations, you now have an AWS account!

### Step 8: Access AWS Services
- After setting up your account, you can access the AWS Management Console to explore various AWS services.

---

**Note**: Always set a budget to monitor your usage to avoid unexpected charges. AWS Free Tier offers a generous amount of resources, but exceeding those limits can result in charges.

<p class="carc-provenance" markdown>Adapted from [CyVerse Container Camp](https://github.com/CyVerse-learning-materials/container-camp/blob/1746ee8873bcbed2bd3e62500262a9e9571cff16/docs/cloud/aws.md){target=_blank} (last source update 2023-07-28), CC BY 4.0. Spotted a problem? [Open an issue](https://github.com/UNM-CARC/container-camp/issues){target=_blank}.</p>