In 2019, Google Started charging for the use of Google Maps on their website, but they do give the first 28,000 Map views free each month. For the average single website, that is more than enough views and one would never hit a point where Google would start charging. If they did they charge $7/1000 additional views.
So in order for the Google API key to function, you do need to set up a billing account with them (in case your usage is high). It is important that this billing account is updated for example if your credit card gets changed or a new Expiry date as the Google API key will become inactive as soon as the Billing Account is set up with a valid card.
Here are the instructions to set it up from scratch:
Log into https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/ with your Google Account. (If you don’t have one, create one but make sure you set up that email address on your phone so that you receive any updates to this account).
Click on CONSOLE
Click on MAPS JAVASCRIPT API
Click on ENABLE
Click on MENU and BILLING and click on LINK A BILLING ACCOUNT
Then Click CREATE NEW BILLING ACCOUNT
For ACCOUNT TYPE, select Individual and then enter address and cc info and click START MY FREE TRIAL.
Then Click on MENU, API and CREDENTIALS
You will then see your API key there, you can click on the COPY button to get the API Key that you need and paste it where you need it.
If you don’t see the API key there, click on CREATE CREDENTIAL
Click on API KEY
Then Copy and Paste the Key from there:
I hope this helps!
