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Access to this page requires authorization. You can try changing directories.
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 startup credits, your sponsorship subscription is automatically converted to a 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, Startup credits are consumed at PayGo rates, meaning the usage data in the Azure Portal closely compares to what you will see in your first invoice.
Billing
Once you use your startup 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 Startup Credits
How long do I have to use my startup credits?
You must activate your startup credits within 90 days of accepting the program agreement. If not, your offer will expire, and you'll need to reapply to regain access.
Can I request more time to use my startup credits?
Once you activate your startup credits provided to you through Microsoft for Startups program, you'll have two years to use them. Extensions are not available.
What happens when I use all my startup credits?
Your account automatically transitions to pay-as-you-go to ensure continuity of your environment.
Applying Startup Credits
How do I transfer my startup credits to another team member?
You can request transfer credits via program support with these steps:
- Sign in to the Azure portal and go to the Program Overview Page.
- Locate the "Your Microsoft team" box on the right side.
- Click Get Program Support.
Can I apply my startup credits to my Azure Government account?
Startup credits may be applied to Government accounts. Contact support through the Azure Portal using the ? in the top navigation bar.
Can I apply my startup credits to multiple accounts?
startup 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 startup credits?
You can either move your startup credits to the account with your pay-as-you-go subscription or ask that your subscription is migrated to the account with startup 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 startup credits to a Modern Commerce Agreement (MCA) account?
Contact support through the Azure Portal using the ? in the top navigation bar. to find out more about your options and request the change.
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:
- For identity verification, to make sure that real people are using Azure.
- To cover services you use that aren't included in the sponsorship. See which Azure services are covered with your credits.
- 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?
Not all services and products can apply startup credits. See best ways to use startup credits for more information.
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 Program Support to request the change:
- Sign in to the Azure portal and go to the Program Overview Page.
- Locate the "Your Microsoft team" box on the right side.
- Click Get Program Support.