'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Investigate the Microsoft 14-Day Trial $19.99 Charge
Question details
The user needs to identify and resolve an unexpected $19.99 charge and an additional pending transaction labeled 'Microsoft 14 Day Trial', which appeared on a credit card not linked to their primary known subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft Account / Office 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing financial statements and noticing unrecognized software subscription charges linked to a Microsoft trial.
- Observed behavior
- An unexpected recurring charge of $19.99 or a pending authorization fee appears on a credit card, completely distinct from the user's primary Microsoft account.
Gather your recent credit card statements showing the exact date and amount of the charge, and ensure you have the login credentials for all potential Microsoft accounts used by your family members.
Review Microsoft Account Services and Subscriptions
Use this method to identify if the charge is linked to an active subscription under your known or secondary Microsoft accounts.
Often, a secondary email address or a family member's account is used to sign up for a trial that automatically converts into a paid subscription if not canceled.
Go to the official Microsoft account website and log in using your primary email address.
Click on the 'Services & subscriptions' tab located in the top navigation menu to view all active and expired plans.
Click on the 'Payment & billing' section and select 'Order history' to match the $19.99 charge date with your bank statement.
Sign out and repeat this process for any other email addresses, Skype IDs, or Xbox accounts associated with your household.
Contact Microsoft Billing Support and Your Card Issuer
If the charge cannot be found on any of your known accounts, it may be linked to an unauthorized transaction requiring intervention.
Avoid Unexpected Subscription Charges with WPS Office
Tired of confusing trial periods and unexpected recurring charges? Switch to WPS Office. It is a powerful, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that offers a robust free version. Handle all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs without worrying about hidden fees or complicated billing cycles.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files with perfect formatting compatibility.
- 3. Work Without Subscriptions: Start editing, saving, and sharing your documents immediately without entering credit card information for a trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was I charged after a free Microsoft trial?
If a subscription is not explicitly canceled before the 14-day or 30-day trial period ends, Microsoft's system automatically transitions it to a paid recurring subscription and charges the default payment method on file.
How can I cancel my Microsoft subscription to stop future charges?
Log into your Microsoft account, navigate to 'Services & subscriptions', locate the active subscription, click 'Manage', and select 'Cancel subscription'. Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation.
Can I get a refund for an unrecognized Microsoft charge?
You may be eligible for a refund if you cancel the subscription within 30 days of the initial purchase or before your first recurring billing date, depending on the specific product's refund policy.
What if the charge is on a card not linked to my Microsoft account?
This often occurs if a family member used the card for their own account or if your credit card details were compromised. You should check all household accounts and contact your card issuer immediately to report unauthorized transactions.
