Gemini CLI Provider returns "Free Tier Rate Limit Exceeded" error even with active Google AI Pro subscription

[mslvance]

Plugin Type

Kilo Code Extension in VSCODE

App Version

latest

Description

Description

When using Gemini CLI as the provider in Kilo Code, the application consistently returns "Free Tier Rate Limit Exceeded" error messages, even though I have an active Google AI Pro subscription.

Expected Behavior

The Gemini CLI provider should recognize the Google AI Pro subscription and use the appropriate API quotas instead of treating requests as free tier.

Actual Behavior

Every request to the Gemini CLI provider results in a rate limit error, preventing any usage of the provider despite having a valid paid subscription.

Authentication Details

• Gemini CLI is properly authenticated with gcloud auth
• Google AI Pro subscription is active and confirmed in Google Cloud Console
• The CLI works correctly when used standalone outside of Kilo Code
• Inside Kilo Code, selecting Gemini CLI as provider fails with free tier rate limits

Reproduction steps

1. Open Kilo Code
2. Start a new chat or prompt
3. Select "Gemini CLI" as the provider
4. Attempt to send a message or query
5. Observe the error message after fewer interactions: "Free Tier Rate Limit Exceeded"

Provider

Gemini CLI

Model

gemini-3.0-pro

System Information

OS: Windows 11 with WSL 2 (Ubuntu)
Kilo Code: Latest version
Gemini CLI: Latest (gcloud)
Google Cloud SDK: Updated
Node.js: Latest LTS