What is Microsoft 14 day trial charge on credit card? Many people sign up for Microsoft services, such as Office 365, to test out features with the free 14-day trial offer. It’s convenient and lets users experience the benefits before deciding whether to commit to a subscription. However, some may notice a charge on their credit card during or after the trial period, even though they thought they wouldn’t be charged. This blog will explain why this happens, how to avoid unwanted charges, and what you can do if you see a charge from Microsoft after the trial.
How Does the Microsoft 14 Day Trial Work?
Microsoft offers a 14-day free trial for services like Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), giving you full access to its apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You must sign up with your credit card or another payment method, but Microsoft promises not to charge until after the trial period ends.
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Here’s how it typically works:
- Sign-up: You provide your payment information when you sign up for the trial.
- Trial Period: You have access to all features during the 14 days without a charge.
- End of Trial: On the 14th day, if you haven’t canceled, the service automatically converts to a paid subscription, and your payment method is charged.
Why Was I Charged During or After the Trial?
There are a few common reasons why you might see a Microsoft 14 day trial charge on credit card:
1. Pre-Authorization Hold
When you sign up for the trial, Microsoft may place a small pre-authorization hold on your credit card to verify that the payment method is valid. This hold isn’t an actual charge, but it might appear on your statement. The hold typically disappears after a few days, depending on your bank’s policy.
| Pre-Authorization Hold | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Amount Held | Usually $1 or less |
| Purpose | To verify the card is active |
| Disappears After | 3-7 days (varies by bank) |
2. Automatic Subscription Activation
If you don’t cancel the trial before the 14 days end, Microsoft will charge you for the next billing cycle, which is usually monthly or annually. This is the most common reason people see a charge after the trial.
3. Forgotten Subscription
Sometimes, users forget to cancel their trial before the end of the period. If you don’t cancel on time, the system assumes you want to continue using the service and charges your payment method.
How to Avoid Unwanted Charges
Here are some steps you can take to avoid being charged at the end of the trial period:
1. Cancel Before the Trial Ends
The most straightforward way to avoid charges is to cancel the service before the trial period expires. Microsoft sends reminder emails before the end of the trial, so keep an eye on your inbox. You can cancel by following these steps:
- Log in to your Microsoft account.
- Go to Services & Subscriptions.
- Select the service you want to cancel.
- Click Cancel Subscription.
| Cancellation Process | Details |
|---|---|
| When to Cancel | Before the 14th day |
| Where to Cancel | Microsoft Account Page |
| Confirmation Needed? | Yes, you will receive a confirmation email |
2. Set a Calendar Reminder
If you want to fully enjoy the trial without worrying about forgetting to cancel, set a reminder on your phone or computer. This way, you’ll remember to cancel a day or two before the trial ends.
3. Use a Virtual Credit Card
A virtual credit card is a temporary card number you can generate for online purchases. Many people use this for trial subscriptions because it prevents charges from going through after the trial period.
What to do if You See a Microsoft 14 Day Trial Charge on Credit Card?
If you were charged unexpectedly after the trial period, don’t panic. There are several ways to resolve the issue:
1. Check for Pre-Authorization Holds
If you see a small charge (usually $1), it’s likely a pre-authorization hold. This will automatically disappear within a few days, so there’s no need to worry.
2. Request a Refund
If you forgot to cancel your trial and were charged for a subscription, you can request a refund from Microsoft. Here’s how:
- Log in to your Microsoft account.
- Go to Order History.
- Find the subscription charge and select Request a Refund.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Refunds are typically issued within 5-7 business days, but Microsoft may refuse if too much time has passed since the charge.
| Refund Process | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Limit | Depends on Microsoft policy |
| Refund Period | 5-7 business days |
| Refund Denial | If the subscription is used extensively |
3. Contact Customer Support
If you are unable to cancel or request a refund through the normal channels, contact Microsoft’s customer support. They may be able to help you cancel the service and refund your payment, especially if it’s a recent charge.
How to Check for Microsoft 14 Day Trial Charge on Credit Card
You can check if a charge from Microsoft is related to the 14-day trial by reviewing your credit card statement. Look for transaction descriptions like:
- Microsoft*Subscription
- MSFT*OFFICE 365
- MSFT*Product Name
If the charge is labeled like this, it’s likely related to your Microsoft trial or subscription. If you still aren’t sure, you can check your Microsoft account for details on any active subscriptions.
How to Manage Your Subscription
If you decide to keep the subscription after the trial period, you can manage your payment settings to ensure you’re not overcharged. Here’s how:
- Go to your Microsoft account page.
- Navigate to Services & Subscriptions.
- Click on the subscription you want to manage.
- From here, you can update your payment method, view billing history, or cancel the service.
Summary
The Microsoft 14 day trial is a great way to try out products like Office 365 without a commitment. However, if you’re not careful, you could end up with an unexpected charge on your credit card. Make sure to cancel the trial before it ends, or consider using tools like virtual credit cards to avoid being charged. If you are charged, don’t hesitate to request a refund or contact Microsoft support.
| Steps to Avoid Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Cancel before the 14th day | Avoid automatic renewal charges |
| Set a calendar reminder | Stay alert about cancellation |
| Use a virtual credit card | Block unwanted future charges |
FAQs: Microsoft 14 Day Trial Charge on Credit Card
1. Why did Microsoft charge me during the 14-day trial?
Microsoft may place a pre-authorization hold on your card to verify your payment method. This hold is not a charge and will disappear after a few days.
2. How do I cancel my Microsoft 14 day trial charge on credit card?
You can cancel by logging into your Microsoft account, going to Services & Subscriptions, and selecting Cancel Subscription before the trial ends.
3. Can I get a refund if I forgot to cancel the trial?
Yes, you can request a refund from Microsoft by visiting your Order History and following the refund process, but refunds are not guaranteed if you’ve used the service extensively.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or legal advice. Please contact your financial institution or a legal advisor for advice specific to your situation.
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