For a new account that has a unique phone number, yes. You will have 12 months to spend this $18 credit, and you will have to pay again if you spent all of this or if 12 months are up.
Good news: I'm back. I'm now instantly catching up and fixing everything I can.
Bad news: The API key that was provided generously by a user has expired, unfortunately. I'm unable to register myself because I have a Hong Kong phone number. If you would like to help me out for a few days by providing me an API key, I'd be extremely grateful. Thank you.
Thank you [edit: name removed on request] and @AyProductions for kindly sharing with me the API keys. Couldn't do it without you two!