Microsoft for Startups – Frequently Asked Questions

This page answers the most common questions founders ask about Microsoft for Startups. The FAQs below are based on recurring themes from startup support tickets, emails, and existing Microsoft Learn documentation to help you resolve issues faster and avoid common pitfalls.

Program and eligibility

Who is eligible for Microsoft for Startups?

Microsoft for Startups is designed for early-stage startups building scalable products. Detailed eligibility requirements are listed in the Overview of the Microsoft for Startups application process.

How long does the application review take?

Most applications are reviewed in about three business days (longer if we must verify information). You'll be notified at the email used to apply.

Why do I need a referral code, and how do I get one?

The investor offer requires a referral code to verify affiliation with a participating investor, accelerator, incubator, angel network, university, or similar organization. Ask your affiliated organization for its code.

I'm not working with an investor. Can I still get credits?

Yes. If you're new to Azure, you can start with $200 of initial startup credits for 90 days, then an additional $4,800 for 180 days after business verification. If you later receive a referral code, you can apply to the investor offer.

Can I edit my application after submitting? Can I reapply?

You can't edit a submitted application. If still pending, follow the confirmation email to delete and reapply. If declined, you may reapply after 14 days.

What happens if my application is rejected?

If your application is not approved, you may be eligible to reapply after addressing the feedback provided during review. Program Support can help clarify reapplication criteria but cannot override eligibility decisions.

Startup credits and activation

What kind of subscription do my credits apply to?

Startup credits that Microsoft for Startups distributes apply to an Azure Sponsorship Offer, which creates a sponsorship subscription. This offer is a special Microsoft Azure offer that applies pricing for your Microsoft Azure usage at 100% off standard published pay-as-you-go rates for the term of your sponsorship registration.

You can find the details of your Azure sponsorship offer type at Azure Sponsorship Offer.

You can find the Azure Service Agreement & Terms.

How long do I have to activate my startup credits?

You must activate your startup credits within 90 days of accepting the Microsoft for Startups program agreement. If you do not activate within this timeframe, your offer expires and you must reapply to regain access.

How long can I use my startup credits?

The time available depends on how your startup enters the program and its credit milestone:

• Standard program benefits: The initial $200 credit milestone is available for up to 90 days from sign-up. After business verification, the $5,000 milestone is available for up to 180 days while your startup works toward the next milestone. If the applicable requirements aren't met within those periods, the sponsorship ends and the subscription converts to pay-as-you-go. At the $25,000 milestone, your startup receives a one-time two-year period to use its credits.

• Investor Network benefits: For an eligible startup approved through the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network, the program benefit period is two years from application approval.

You must activate credits within 90 days of accepting the program agreement. Unused credits don't carry forward beyond the applicable benefit period, and extensions aren't available.

Why don't I see my startup credits immediately after activation?

After a successful application, credits might take several hours to appear in the Azure portal. You can verify credits by going to Cost Management + Billing > Payment methods.

What does "Already redeemed" mean during Azure activation?

This error indicates that the Microsoft Account (MSA) associated with your email has already redeemed credits from another Microsoft program. You may need to finish using those credits or contact Program Support for assistance.

Do I need a credit card to join Microsoft for Startups?

Yes. You need a credit card for identity verification, usage of services not covered by startup credits, and seamless transition to pay-as-you-go once credits expire.

Why am I being charged when I still have credits?

Charges typically occur when:

• A service is not covered by startup credits
• Credits are exhausted
• Usage is happening in a different billing profile or account

Accounts, Identity & Billing

What account types are eligible for the Startups offer?

Microsoft for Startups requires a new eligible personal Microsoft account (MSA). Work or school accounts aren't supported today. If you previously used your Microsoft account with Azure Free Trial, Azure for Students, or another Azure offer, you need to create a new Microsoft account before applying.  

What type of account is supported and eligible?  Supported Microsoft accounts include: 

• Outlook.com accounts 
• Hotmail.com accounts 
• Live.com accounts 
• Gmail accounts that are registered as a Microsoft account 
• Personal email domains that are registered as a Microsoft account and aren't managed by an organization 

Do I need a new Microsoft account?  For the current Microsoft for Startups experience, use a new Microsoft account that isn't previously associated with Azure offers, subscriptions, or startup programs.  Your account is ineligible if you previously used it with: 

• Azure Free Trial 
• Azure for Students 
• Previous Microsoft for Startups offers 
• Other Azure sponsorship or promotional offers 

Can I use my work or company email account?  No. Organizational accounts (sometimes called work or school accounts, Microsoft Entra ID accounts, or company accounts) aren't currently supported for Microsoft for Startups sign-up. Customers attempting to use organizational accounts receive eligibility errors during application or credit activation.

Can I change the country or region on my Azure billing profile?

No. You can’t directly change the country or region on an existing Azure billing profile. The supported approach is to create a new Azure billing account in the desired country or region, and contact support to request help with moving or reestablishing subscriptions where possible.

Where can I view my invoices and payment methods, or confirm my sponsorship?

In the Azure portal, go to Cost Management + Billing, and then Billing profiles to view invoices and payment methods for your profile.

What happens when I use all my startup credits?

When you use all your credits, your sponsorship subscriptions automatically switch to pay-as-you-go billing so you don't lose service.

Benefit redemption

Why can’t I redeem GitHub, Microsoft 365, or other benefits?

Common reasons include:

• The account previously redeemed the same benefit.
• The account is an existing enterprise account.
• You didn't complete eligibility or verification requirements. Program Support can confirm eligibility and guide you through the next steps.
• Your startup is in the Standard Program, which doesn't include the particular Microsoft or third-party benefit you want.

Can I redeem benefits on an existing enterprise account?

No. You must redeem many startup benefits on an account that didn't previously redeem the same startup offer.