Many people sign up for free trials to test out services before committing. Microsoft, like many other companies, offers a 14-day trial on some of its popular products such as Microsoft 365.
However, users are often surprised when they notice a charge on their credit card, even though they believed the trial was free.
Table of Contents
If you have faced the Microsoft 14 Day Trial charge on credit card, you are not alone. This blog will walk you through why this happens, what it means, and how you can handle it easily.
Why Microsoft Offers a 14-Day Trial
Microsoft provides trial periods to let customers experience its products before paying.
For example, with Microsoft 365, you get access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneDrive for two weeks without paying anything upfront. The idea is to give users a chance to test features and decide whether they want to continue with a subscription.
During the trial, you are often asked to add a credit or debit card. This step is not to charge you immediately but to ensure a smooth transition if you decide to continue after the trial ends.
Why You See a Charge During the Trial
Even though it’s called a free trial, there are cases where you might notice a temporary charge or a deduction on your card.
Here are the main reasons:
- Authorization Hold: Microsoft may place a small temporary hold to confirm that your card is valid. This amount is usually refunded automatically within a few days.
- Automatic Renewal: If you did not cancel the trial before it ended, the subscription automatically renews, leading to a charge.
- Regional Differences: In some regions, companies require an initial payment followed by a refund to comply with banking rules.
- Multiple Subscriptions: If you have signed up for trials on more than one Microsoft account, charges may appear on your statement from each one.
So, while the trial itself is free, the billing process can sometimes make it look like you are being charged.
Common Situations Leading to the Charge
To better understand how this happens, here are a few scenarios that might sound familiar:
- You signed up for the Microsoft 365 trial, added your credit card, and forgot to cancel. After 14 days, a full subscription charge appeared.
- You noticed a small deduction (like $1 or $2) immediately after starting the trial. This was only a temporary authorization, not an actual charge.
- Someone else in your household or workplace used your card details to start a trial without informing you.
Knowing which situation applies to you helps in resolving the issue quickly.
How to Check the Microsoft Trial Charge
If you notice a charge on your credit card statement, the first step is to identify whether it really came from Microsoft.
Here’s what you can do:
- Log in to your Microsoft account and check your subscription history.
- Look for billing details and the exact product linked to the charge.
- Compare the amount on your card with Microsoft’s standard subscription rates.
- If you manage multiple Microsoft accounts, check all of them.
This will help you confirm whether the charge is legitimate or a mistake.
What to Do If You Were Charged
If you believe you were wrongly charged for a Microsoft 14-day trial, here are the steps you can follow:
1. Cancel the Subscription
Go to your Microsoft account, open the Services & Subscriptions page, and cancel the subscription. This ensures you are not billed again in the future.
2. Request a Refund
Microsoft offers a refund option in many cases. You can submit a refund request directly from your account. The approval depends on factors like whether you used the subscription after the renewal or not.
3. Contact Customer Support
If you do not see an option for a refund, reach out to Microsoft Support. Provide them with details such as your order number and billing statement.
4. Check for Unauthorized Use
If you did not sign up for the trial yourself, check who in your household has access to your card details. In rare cases, it could also be fraud, so you may need to contact your bank.
Preventing Future Trial Charges
It’s easy to avoid unwanted charges by taking a few simple precautions:
- Set a reminder before the trial ends so you can cancel on time.
- Use a virtual card with limited balance for trials.
- Read the terms carefully before starting any free trial.
- Turn off auto-renewal immediately after signing up if you don’t plan to continue.
A little preparation can save you from unexpected surprises on your credit card.
Microsoft Trial Costs After the Free Period
Here’s a quick look at what happens after the 14-day trial ends if you don’t cancel:
| Microsoft Product | Trial Period | Subscription After Trial |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Personal | 14 Days | Around $6.99/month |
| Microsoft 365 Family | 14 Days | Around $9.99/month |
| Office Apps Only | 14 Days | Varies based on plan |
Charges may differ depending on your country and currency.
How to Check If Auto-Renew Is Enabled
Many users don’t realize that auto-renew is enabled by default. To check this:
- Sign in to your Microsoft account.
- Go to Services & Subscriptions.
- Look for your trial subscription and check the status.
- If auto-renew is turned on, switch it off immediately if you do not want to continue.
This step alone can prevent most surprise charges.
When a Refund May Not Be Possible
Microsoft is usually flexible with refunds, but there are times when you may not be eligible. These include:
- If you used the subscription heavily after renewal.
- If the refund window has passed.
- If the charge was from a legitimate subscription linked to your account.
In such cases, contacting your bank may be the next option, especially if you suspect unauthorized activity.
FAQs: Microsoft 14 Day Trial Charge on Credit Card
Q. Why was I charged during my Microsoft 14-day free trial?
A. You may see a temporary authorization hold, or you may have forgotten to cancel before the trial ended, which led to an automatic renewal.
Q. Can I get a refund if I was charged after the trial?
A. Yes, in many cases Microsoft issues refunds if you request them promptly. However, if you continued using the service for a long time after renewal, the refund may be denied.
Q. How can I avoid charges after the Microsoft trial?
A. Turn off auto-renew immediately after signing up, set reminders to cancel, or use a virtual card with limited funds to prevent unexpected billing.
Conclusion
The Microsoft 14-day trial is a convenient way to test Microsoft 365 and other services without paying upfront. However, credit card charges can sometimes appear due to auto-renewal, authorization holds, or account mix-ups.
The key is to monitor your account, cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to continue, and request a refund if you are charged by mistake.
With a little awareness, you can enjoy the benefits of a free trial without worrying about unexpected costs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Subscription charges, refund policies, and terms may vary depending on your region and Microsoft’s latest updates. Always verify details directly from Microsoft before making financial decisions.
About The Author
