Azure for Startups Credits Not Showing After Redemption

Azure for Startups credits can take up to 24 hours to appear after activation, but if they still are not visible after two weeks, the following checks and actions apply:

1. Confirm that Azure credits were actually activated
   • In the Microsoft for Startups Portal, verify that the Activate Azure flow was fully completed:
     • "Activate Azure" was selected.
     • A Microsoft account was linked.
     • "Activate" was confirmed for the chosen account.
     • "Complete Azure sign-up" was finished, including adding a payment method.
   • If any of these steps were not completed, repeat the activation steps from the beginning.
2. Verify credits in the Azure portal
   • After successful activation, credits are applied to an Azure subscription/billing profile, not directly to each user.
   • Sign in to the Azure portal with the same Microsoft account used during activation and check:
     • The subscription created/linked during activation.
     • The billing profile associated with that subscription.
   • New credit can take up to 24 hours to appear in the Azure portal; if it has been longer, continue with the next steps.
3. Ensure access to the correct subscription
   • Azure for Startups credits are tied to a specific Azure subscription.
   • If someone else (for example, a founder or admin) activated the credits, that person must assign access to the subscription using Azure role-based access control (RBAC). Until access is granted, credits and resources will not be visible.
   • The subscription owner/admin should follow the steps in "Steps to assign an Azure role - Azure RBAC" to add the appropriate role.
4. If credits still do not appear
   • If all activation steps are complete and more than 24 hours have passed, and credits are still not visible in the Azure portal, submit a support request from the Microsoft for Startups Portal:
     • Sign in to the Microsoft for Startups Portal.
     • Select the ? icon in the top-right corner.
     • Select Submit a Support Ticket and include details (date of activation, screenshots of the activation status, and the message about credits not appearing).

These steps ensure that activation is complete, the correct account and subscription are being used, and that support can investigate any backend issues with the credit grant.

References:

• Azure Credit Offer
• Why can’t I see my startup’s Azure credits as a team member?
• Microsoft for Startups Portal
• Track Your Azure credit balance for a Microsoft Customer Agreement