Understanding Azure Usage and Billing

Important

Due to recent program changes, your program experience will differ depending on when you joined Microsoft for Startups. The Microsoft for Startups Portal is the primary experience if you joined Microsoft for Startups prior to May 29, 2026.

Track Credit Usage

While enrolled in the Microsoft for Startups Investor Offer, two important tools help you manage your free Azure credits:

• Microsoft for Startups Portal: Provides a quick snapshot of credits remaining (for startups that joined prior to May 29, 2026).
• Azure Portal: Provides more detailed Azure credit usage data including resource name, type, region, and cost. Go to Cost Management > Billing > Usage + Charges.

If you joined Microsoft for Startups after May 29, 2026, use the Azure Portal to check Azure usage.

The Azure Portal provides key information to estimate your Azure costs once your time concludes with the Microsoft for Startups Investor Offer.

Azure Sponsorship to Azure Pay-As-You-Go

Once you use all of your free Azure credits, your Azure sponsorship subscription is automatically converted to a paid Pay-As-You-Go (PayGo) subscription. PayGo subscriptions are billed monthly. You only pay for what you use, with access to more than 50 free services and no upfront commitment.

While enrolled in the program, Azure credits are consumed at PayGo rates, meaning the usage data in the Azure Sponsorship Portal closely compares to what you will see in your first invoice.

Billing

Once you use your Azure credits, the credit card you used to activate your Azure account is automatically charged each billing period for the previous month of usage. You can change the credit card on file or request to pay by invoice through wire transfer.

To ensure a smooth transition between your sponsorship and paid subscription, verify that the credit card on your account has not expired.

• Update Payment Method: Available through the Azure portal.
• Switch to Invoice Pay: Available through the Azure portal.
• Review Your Invoice: Available through the Azure portal.

Azure Usage and Billing FAQs

Using Azure Credits

How long do I have to use my Azure credits?
You must activate your Azure credits within 90 days of accepting the program agreement. If not, your offer will expire, and you'll need to reapply to regain access to the investor offer.

Can I request more time to use my Azure credits?
Once you activate your Azure credits provided to you through Microsoft for Startups Investor Offer, you'll have 2 years to use them. Extensions are not available.

What happens when I use all my Azure credits?
Your account automatically transitions to pay-as-you-go to ensure continuity of your environment.

Applying Azure Credits

How do I apply Azure Sponsorship Credits to an existing subscription?
After logging in to the Microsoft Startups Portal, go to the Benefits tab and select Redeem in the Azure sponsorship benefits section. Use your Azure subscription email when redeeming credits.

How do I transfer my Azure sponsorship credits to another team member?
You can request transfer credits via program support. Navigate to the Microsoft for Startups Portal and follow these steps:

• Sign in to the Microsoft for Startups Portal
• Navigate to the question mark in the top right corner of your portal
• Click Submit a Support Ticket

Can I apply my sponsorship credits to my Azure Government account?
Sponsorship credits may be applied to Government accounts. Contact support through the Microsoft for Startups Portal at https://aka.ms/startuphelp-mfs-portal to get started.

Can I apply my Azure credits to multiple accounts?
Azure benefits are applied on an account level and can't be shared or merged with multiple accounts.

I have an Azure pay-as-you-go subscription under another Microsoft account. How can I cover that subscription's usage with sponsorship credits?
You can either move your sponsorship credits to the account with your pay-as-you-go subscription or ask that your subscription is migrated to the account with sponsorship credits. Open a support request via the Azure Portal to find out more about your options and request the change.

How can I apply my sponsorship credits to a Modern Commerce Agreement (MCA) account?
Sponsorship credits can't be applied to an MCA account. However, we work with you to activate your Azure sponsorship. Contact support at https://aka.ms/startuphelp-mfs-portal.

Azure Billing

Why do I need a credit card to set up my Azure sponsorship?
Your credit card information is required for a few reasons:

1. For identity verification, to make sure that real people are using Azure.
2. To cover services you use that aren't included in the sponsorship. See which Azure services are covered with your credits.
3. To create a seamless transition to pay-as-you-go status when your sponsorship expires.

How do I resolve Azure activation errors related to my credit card?
To troubleshoot credit card issues, refer to Troubleshoot a declined card at Azure sign-up.

Why am I being charged when I have free credits?
Open a support request via the Azure Portal. Select Help + Support to submit a ticket.

How can I estimate and monitor costs of Azure services?
Estimate costs using the Azure Pricing Calculator.

How can I change the country/region my account is based/billed from?
Contact support at https://aka.ms/startuphelp-mfs-portal.

Microsoft for Startups Support