Important changes to Google Maps Platform: what you need to know
Google Maps Platform is introducing changes that make it easier to choose the right capabilities and manage services. They include pricing discounts, a monthly credit and moving certain services to “Legacy” status.
Google will also update its Terms of Service, Service Level Agreement (SLA) and Acceptable Use Policy. All changes take effect on 1 March 2025.
Google Maps and API calls until 1 March
What is Google Maps?
Google Maps is one of the most popular mapping services, offering maps, navigation, location search and other geolocation features. It’s available in web browsers and mobile apps.
What is the Google Maps API?
The Google Maps API lets developers integrate Google Maps features into their own apps and websites. Some key APIs include:
- Maps JavaScript API – for flexible map embedding,
- Geolocation API – for determining users’ location,
- Places API – for searching points of interest (POI),
- Routes API – an upgraded route planning solution.
Google Maps API pricing
Google Maps Platform works on a pay-as-you-go basis. Base prices are:
- Maps API: USD 7 per 1,000 loads,
- Geocoding API: USD 5 per 1,000 requests,
- Places API: USD 17 per 1,000 requests.
Every account gets a USD 200 monthly credit, which allows free use for smaller projects.
Key changes
1. New service categories
Google Maps Platform will split services into three main categories: Essentials, Pro and Enterprise, making it easier to choose services that fit your needs.
2. Changes to the monthly credit
Instead of a fixed USD 200 monthly credit, there will be a free monthly usage threshold for each core service (Core Services SKU), based on its category (Essentials, Pro, Enterprise). Free usage covers a set number of billable events you can use at no cost.
Free usage covers a set number of billable events you can use at no cost.
Google Maps Platform allows free use of a certain number of events per month through the USD 200 monthly credit. Here are some examples of how many free events are included before billing starts:
- Maps JavaScript API: about 28,500 free loads per month.
- Geocoding API: about 40,000 free requests per month.
- Directions API: about 20,000 free requests per month.
- Places API (Place Details): about 11,700 free requests per month.
Once you go over this free threshold, further use is billed at standard prices.
3. Wider automatic volume discounts
Google will extend automatic discounts for accounts without an individually negotiated agreement with Google. This allows more monthly billable events for most core services.
4. Certain services move to “Legacy” status
The Places API, Directions API and Distance Matrix API will move to “Legacy” status. This means you can keep using them without interruption, but without new benefits such as wider volume discounts. There’s no set end date yet, and in line with its policy, Google will notify users in good time (at least 12 months in advance) of any deactivation of these services.
Google recommends moving to the Places API (New) instead of the Places API, and the Routes API instead of the Directions API and Distance Matrix API. These new services offer improved functionality, higher quality and wider volume discounts.
5. Updated terms
The Terms of Service, SLA and Acceptable Use Policy will be updated. The new versions will be on the official pages, and previous versions will be available at the bottom of each terms page.
Google is also introducing a new help centre with clear explanations of the Acceptable Use Policy and concrete use cases.
What do you need to do?
No action is needed for the changes to apply. All changes take effect on 1 March 2025.
How to stay informed
For optimisation tips and product updates, follow these steps:
- Sign up for Google Maps Platform email notifications.
- Go to the Updates & Offers tab.
- Turn on Performance Suggestions and Updates.
For more information, see the official Google Maps Platform documentation or contact user support.