Unable to use Microsoft balance to purchase Microsoft 365 subscription

Question

Hello,

I have added $15 Microsoft balance to my account successfully. However, I am unable to use this balance to purchase a Microsoft 365 Personal monthly subscription.

When I try to complete the purchase, the system only shows payment options such as credit card or PayPal, and does not allow me to use my Microsoft balance.

I would like to use my existing balance to pay for a one-month Microsoft 365 subscription.

Could you please assist me with one of the following:

• Enable the option to pay using my Microsoft balance, or
• Provide an alternative way to activate Microsoft 365 using my balance

Additionally, I believe this issue may be related to a region mismatch on my account.

Thank you for your support.

Best regards,

Answer 1

Hi Gülsen,

I understand that you want to use your Microsoft balance to purchase the subscription, however upon checking, Microsoft balance cannot be used to purchase for a recurring subscription such as Microsoft 365.

The balance will work for things like apps, games, movies, and certain in a purchases from Microsoft store however for Microsoft 365 payment method for ongoing billings it can be charged to a credit card debit card or PayPal so even if you have enough balance to cover a month the system won’t allow it because subscription needs a renewable payment source.

Answer 2

Microsoft account balance cannot be used to pay for Microsoft 365 subscriptions or other past-due/recurring subscription charges. Only valid payment methods such as credit card, PayPal (with an accepted funding source), or other supported online payment services can be used.

To purchase or renew Microsoft 365 Personal monthly, a supported payment method must be added and selected at checkout. The existing Microsoft balance will not appear as an option for this subscription and cannot be enabled for it.

If there is concern about region mismatch or other billing issues, sign in to https://account.microsoft.com/profile/ to verify account details, and then use a supported payment option on the Services & subscriptions page at https://account.microsoft.com/services/.

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References:

• Troubleshoot payment option issues
• Pay for a past-due Microsoft subscription
• Use a screen reader to manage your account billing and subscriptions