This account can't be used for Microsoft for Startups credits

Vince Scafaria 0 Reputation points
2026-06-05T11:40:59.3666667+00:00

My initial $5000 of credits for 6 months expired recently and I was reminded that Microsoft might offer additional credit packages as we grow and continue usage on Azure. However, when I look at the portal it says: "This account can't be used for Microsoft for Startups credits Sign in with an eligible Microsoft account to access this offer." When I click that link to https://portal.startups.microsoft.com/login I see a form that offers "sign in with your microsoft account" and "new to microsoft startups? apply now"; both of those take me back to that same page re "sign in with an eligible microsoft account".

I also tried https://www.microsoftazuresponsorships.com/Balance and it says "This account does not have an active Sponsorship.".

Is there no next level available in my Microsoft startups journey? Or am I doing something wrong for account signin? 

Azure | Azure Startups
Azure | Azure Startups

Startups: Companies that are in their initial stages of business and typically developing a business model and seeking financing.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-05T11:41:17.91+00:00

    The message indicates that the original Microsoft for Startups sponsorship and associated credits have ended and that the current account is no longer eligible for additional Microsoft for Startups credit offers under that same sponsorship.

    From the documented behavior of Microsoft for Startups credits and sponsorships:

    1. Startup credits are tied to a specific offer and account
      • Credits are allocated to a particular Microsoft account and sponsorship billing account.
      • When a sponsorship ends (for example, after the initial 6‑month/$5,000 period), the associated sponsorship balance page (such as the Azure sponsorship balance site) will show no active sponsorship.
    2. Additional credits are not guaranteed and depend on eligibility
      • Expanded or “next level” credits are not automatic; they depend on verified progress, sustained Azure usage, and overall program eligibility.
      • The program can unlock additional credits over time, but only for startups that continue to meet the criteria and have an active, eligible offer.
    3. When the portal says “This account can’t be used for Microsoft for Startups credits”
      • That message means the currently signed‑in Microsoft account is not associated with an active Microsoft for Startups credit offer.
      • If the original offer term has expired and no new offer has been granted, the account will behave as a normal Azure account without active startup sponsorship credits.
    4. What can be done next
      • Confirm that the correct Microsoft account is being used (the one originally associated with the Microsoft for Startups credits) when signing in to the Microsoft for Startups portal.
      • If the credits were not activated or managed within the required timelines (for example, activation windows), the offer may have expired and would require reapplication to regain access to an investor/startup offer, where applicable.
      • If there is a belief that the startup should still be eligible for additional credits or that the account state is incorrect, contact Microsoft for Startups support using the support link provided in the official documentation for Azure activation and startup offers.

    If the sponsorship has fully expired and no new offer has been applied to the startup, there is no further “automatic” level of credits; continued use of Azure would proceed on a standard billing basis unless a new startup/investor offer is approved.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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