How to Change the Currency of an Existing Microsoft Subscription
Question details
The user needs to change their Microsoft subscription currency from a foreign currency to US dollars after moving and updating their payment card.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 / Microsoft Subscription
- Device & OS
- macOS / Windows
- Scenario
- Moving to a new country and needing to update the billing currency for an active subscription before the upcoming renewal date.
- Observed behavior
- The subscription continues to be priced and billed in the original foreign currency despite changing the computer's regional settings and using a new payment card.
Before attempting to change your billing market, verify your current subscription expiration date and ensure you have access to your Microsoft account credentials.
Cancel and Resubscribe in the New Billing Market
Because Microsoft ties the subscription currency to the original billing market, you cannot change it mid-subscription. The standard solution is to let the current subscription expire, update your region, and purchase a new one.
Microsoft subscription currencies are determined by the account's billing country, not your device's regional settings. Changing your Windows or macOS region, language, or currency settings will not alter your active billing currency.
Sign in to your Microsoft account, navigate to the Services & subscriptions page, and turn off recurring billing for your active subscription.
Wait for your current subscription term to finish so that the region lock is lifted.
Change your Microsoft account billing country and address to your new location (e.g., the United States).
Buy a new Microsoft subscription using your new local payment method. It will now be charged in the correct local currency.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Complex Subscription Hurdles
If managing Microsoft subscription regions and cross-border currencies is becoming a hassle, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a powerful, free, and lightweight alternative that is highly compatible with Microsoft formats, without the complicated region-locked billing systems.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick setup guide to install WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open your files instantly: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Office documents seamlessly to continue working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my Mac or Windows region settings update my subscription currency?
No. Operating system language, region, or currency settings do not affect the billing currency of an existing Microsoft subscription. The billing is tied to your Microsoft account market.
Can I just update my credit card to change the currency?
Updating your payment method to a card from a different country will not automatically change the currency of an active subscription. The currency remains locked to the original billing market of the account.
What happens to my files if I let my Microsoft subscription expire?
Your files will remain safely in OneDrive. However, if you exceed the free storage limit (typically 5GB), you will not be able to upload new files or edit them using the premium Office apps until you purchase a new subscription.
Can Microsoft Support change my subscription currency directly?
Generally, customer support cannot directly flip a switch to change the currency of an active subscription. They will usually advise you to cancel, let the term expire, update your account region, and resubscribe.
