Azure OpenAI usage is not being deducted from startup credits

Azure OpenAI usage can be covered by startup credits, but only when all of the following are true:

1. The Azure OpenAI resource is billed as standard Azure consumption under the same sponsored subscription that holds the startup credits.
2. The usage is for models and services that Azure sells directly (not partner/community models or other excluded items).
3. The credits are active, not expired, and the correct billing scope is being viewed.

Key points from the provided information:

1. Startup credits coverage
   • Startup credits apply to eligible Azure services used through the sponsored Azure subscription and are drawn down when the service is billed as standard Azure consumption.
   • If the service is a non-Azure product, a Microsoft Support Plan, or an Azure Marketplace purchase, it might not be covered.
   • Azure Sponsorship credits might cover models that Azure sells directly, but they do not cover models from partners and the community.
2. Azure OpenAI billing model
   • Azure OpenAI usage is charged per 1,000 tokens for chat completions and per 1,000 tokens plus hosting hours for fine-tuned models.
   • Charges accrue as standard Azure consumption on the subscription where the Azure OpenAI resource is deployed.
3. Checking whether credits are being used
   • In the Azure portal, under Cost Management + Billing → select the correct billing account (Microsoft Customer Agreement) → Billing → Payment methods → Azure credits tab, the available balance and credit transactions can be reviewed.
   • If the balance is not changing, either:
     • The Azure OpenAI usage is billed to a different billing profile/subscription than the one with startup credits, or
     • The usage is for items not covered by sponsorship credits (for example, certain partner models), or
     • The credits have expired or are not associated with the billing scope being viewed.
4. What to do next
   • Confirm that the Azure OpenAI resource is deployed in the same sponsored subscription where startup credits are active.
   • In Cost Management + Billing, ensure the correct billing scope is selected and review the Azure credits tab and View all transactions to see whether Azure OpenAI charges appear there.
   • If Azure OpenAI usage is visible on the subscription but not offset by credits, or if there is any mismatch between expected and actual credit application, a billing support request should be opened from the Azure portal so a billing engineer can review subscription-specific details. Billing support is free.

Because subscription- and account-specific data is required to determine exactly why the balance is not decreasing, this investigation must be completed by Azure Billing Support via a support request in the Azure portal.

References:

• Plan to manage costs for Azure OpenAI in Azure AI Foundry Models
• Best Ways to Use Startup Credits
• Track Your Azure credit balance for a Microsoft Customer Agreement
• Microsoft for Startups – Frequently Asked Questions
• Understanding Azure Usage and Billing
• Azure Dev/Test credits for Visual Studio subscribers