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Why Is Microsoft 365 Charging $12.50 Per Month and How to Cancel
Question details
The user needs to identify the source of an unexpected $12.50 monthly or $150 annual charge from Microsoft 365 and wants to know how to manage or cancel it.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing financial statements and noticing a recurring, unexpected billing charge attributed to Microsoft.
- Observed behavior
- A recurring fee of $12.50 per month or $150 per year is actively being charged to the user's payment method for a Microsoft 365 subscription plan.
Gather your credit card statements and ensure you have the login credentials for any Microsoft accounts that you or your family members might have used.
Verify Billing History and Cancel the Subscription
Use this primary method to check your Microsoft account for active subscriptions, verify the origin of the $12.50 charge, and cancel any unwanted plans.
Often, these charges stem from forgotten free trials that automatically converted into paid subscriptions, or from a different account belonging to a family member.
Navigate to the official Microsoft account dashboard and sign in using the email address associated with the purchase.
Click on the 'Services & subscriptions' tab in the top navigation menu to view all active plans linked to your account.
Navigate to the 'Payment & billing' section and select 'Order history' to confirm the exact $12.50 monthly or $150 annual charge.
If you locate an incorrect or unwanted subscription, click on 'Manage' next to it, select 'Cancel subscription', and follow the on-screen prompts to disable recurring billing.
Request a Callback from Microsoft Support
If you are unable to find the subscription online or need assistance processing a refund for the unexpected charges, contact Microsoft Support directly.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Costly Monthly Subscriptions
Tired of unexpected $12.50 monthly charges from Microsoft 365? WPS Office offers a robust, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office. You can seamlessly create, edit, and share your documents without worrying about automatic renewals or hidden recurring fees.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Suite: Run the setup file and follow the quick installation instructions.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft documents directly to continue working without any subscription barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a $12.50 Microsoft 365 charge typically represent?
A $12.50 monthly charge usually corresponds to specific Microsoft 365 commercial plans, such as Microsoft 365 Business Standard, or specific premium bundled subscriptions depending on your region and applicable taxes.
Can I get a refund for an accidental Microsoft 365 subscription charge?
Yes, Microsoft often provides prorated or full refunds if you cancel the subscription within 30 days of the initial purchase or renewal. You can request this directly through the 'Services & subscriptions' dashboard.
Why am I being charged if I never signed up for a paid Microsoft 365 plan?
You may have forgotten about a 1-month free trial that automatically converted into a paid subscription because the 'Recurring billing' feature was left enabled. Alternatively, a family member might have used your payment information.
How do I stop Microsoft from automatically charging my credit card in the future?
Log into your Microsoft account, navigate to 'Services & subscriptions', click on 'Manage' next to your active plan, and select 'Turn off recurring billing'. This allows you to use the service until the current cycle ends without being charged again.
