DeepSeek Launches 6-Yuan Experience Credit Campaign with Different Eligibility for New and Existing Users

Overview

DeepSeek's recently launched 6-yuan trial credit campaign has garnered widespread attention. This promotional measure aims to lower the threshold for users to try its advanced AI models, attracting developers and researchers through substantial compute subsidies. The activity rules set differentiated participation conditions based on users' registration time and channel, reflecting the platform's balanced strategy between expanding its user base and ensuring compliance.

Currently, information about the relevant promotions has spread widely within the community, with many early users having already successfully claimed their credits. However, some new users encountered restrictions such as mobile phone number verification during registration, preventing them from enjoying the same benefits. This phenomenon highlights the asymmetry in benefit acquisition among different batches of users and reflects the platform's refined operational considerations during the initial promotion phase.

Exclusive Benefits for Existing Users

For older users who completed registration before the campaign started, the participation threshold is relatively low. As long as their account status is normal, these users can directly claim the 6-yuan trial credit. This balance is primarily used to offset API call fees for DeepSeek models or compute consumption on the Harness platform, providing users with free room for trial and error.

Notably, some users may encounter system recognition delays during the process. According to community feedback, if the credit is not credited instantly, users are advised to try logging out and logging back in to their account, or refreshing the Harness desktop application. Typically, after re-logging in, the corresponding credit balance can be viewed in the account center. This mechanism design not only safeguards the rights of existing users but also avoids claim failures caused by caching issues through technical means.

New User Registration Restrictions

For new users registering after the campaign started, the platform has set stricter access conditions, focusing mainly on real-name authentication and number compliance. New users must register using a Mainland China +86 mobile phone number to activate eligibility for claiming the 6-yuan trial credit. This regulation is clearly intended to respond to domestic regulatory requirements and ensure the traceability of user identities.

Additionally, the official policy explicitly does not support virtual number segments. This means that virtual numbers generated using Google Voice or various VoIP applications will not pass verification. This move aims to combat malicious account-farming behavior and maintain fairness in platform resource allocation. For users wishing to register with an international version account or an overseas mobile number, the current credit campaign does not apply; this segment of users needs to monitor whether there will be separate promotional policies for the global market in the future.

Technical Platform Support

In addition to the web version, DeepSeek Harness Desktop is also an important channel for claiming credits. This version, promoted by community developers such as Vincent, provides a more stable local integration experience. By logging in through the desktop client, users can not only conveniently manage API keys but also intuitively check the usage of their credits.

This multi-channel distribution method ensures that users with different technical backgrounds can find their preferred entry path. Whether through simple web operations or by leveraging professional development tools, users can all enjoy the entry-level compute support provided by DeepSeek. This also demonstrates DeepSeek's determination to build a diverse and inclusive developer ecosystem during its initial promotion phase.