Why You're Seeing "MICROSOFT*" on Your Bank Statement
Why You're Seeing "MICROSOFT*" on Your Bank Statement
The charge labeled "MICROSOFT*" on your bank or credit card statement comes from Microsoft and represents a billing for a Microsoft 365 subscription. Microsoft 365 is Microsoft's cloud-based suite of productivity apps â including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneDrive â available for individuals, families, and businesses. The $6.99 monthly charge is typical for a Microsoft 365 Personal plan billed on a recurring basis. If you or someone in your household signed up for Microsoft 365, this is the expected recurring charge you'll see each month.
Microsoft uses a shortened payment descriptor format â "MICROSOFT*" â on bank and credit card statements rather than spelling out the full product name "Microsoft 365." This is standard practice for large tech companies whose billing systems process charges across many different products and services under a single merchant identifier. The asterisk after "MICROSOFT" is a common delimiter used in payment processing to indicate a sub-product or service category, which is why the charge may look unfamiliar even if you knowingly subscribed.
âšī¸ Note
"MICROSOFT*" is a legitimate charge from Microsoft for a Microsoft 365 subscription. If you or a family member uses Word, Excel, Outlook, or OneDrive through a paid plan, this $6.99 monthly charge is expected and will recur automatically until the subscription is cancelled.
Is the MICROSOFT* Charge Legitimate or Fraud?
Seeing a MICROSOFT* charge on your bank or credit card statement is very common and is usually a legitimate transaction from Microsoft Corporation. This charge typically appears when you subscribe to or renew a Microsoft product or service billed directly through Microsoft's payment system.
Common reasons you may see a MICROSOFT* charge include:
- A Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) subscription renewal for personal or family plans
- An Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold, or Xbox subscription billed through your Microsoft account
- A one-time purchase from the Microsoft Store, such as software, games, or apps
- A Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage plan upgrade or renewal
- A Copilot Pro or other Microsoft AI service subscription charge
While most MICROSOFT* charges are legitimate, unauthorized charges can occur if your Microsoft account credentials have been compromised or if a family member made a purchase without your knowledge.
How to Verify the MICROSOFT* Charge
- 1
Sign in to your Microsoft account
Go to account.microsoft.com and log in. Navigate to the 'Order History' or 'Payment & billing' section to review all recent MICROSOFT* transactions and match them to your bank charge.
- 2
Search your email for Microsoft receipts
Search your inbox for emails from microsoft.com or no-reply@microsoft.com. Microsoft sends order confirmation and billing emails for every MICROSOFT* charge processed.
- 3
Check your active Microsoft subscriptions
In your Microsoft account dashboard, visit 'Services & subscriptions' to see all active plans. This will show you exactly which Microsoft service is generating the recurring MICROSOFT* charge.
- 4
Ask household members about Microsoft purchases
If your payment method is shared, check with family members. Children or partners may have made a purchase on the Microsoft Store or Xbox console that triggered the MICROSOFT* charge.
- 5
Contact Microsoft support
If you still can't identify the charge, contact Microsoft Support at support.microsoft.com. Provide the exact charge amount and date so a Microsoft agent can trace the MICROSOFT* transaction.
How to Dispute a MICROSOFT* Charge
- 1
Act within 60 days of the charge
Most banks require you to dispute an unauthorized MICROSOFT* charge within 60 days of the statement date. Act quickly to preserve your right to a chargeback or refund.
- 2
Contact Microsoft directly first
Visit support.microsoft.com and request a refund. Microsoft has a 30-day refund policy for many subscriptions, and resolving the MICROSOFT* dispute directly is often the fastest route.
- 3
File a chargeback with your bank
If Microsoft won't refund the MICROSOFT* charge, contact your bank or credit card issuer to file a formal chargeback. Provide your billing statement, the charge amount, and any communication with Microsoft.
- 4
Request a new card number
If you believe the MICROSOFT* charge is fraudulent and your card details were stolen, ask your bank to issue a new card. This prevents any further unauthorized charges to your payment method.
Tips for Managing MICROSOFT Charges
Enable billing alerts in your Microsoft account to get notified before any MICROSOFT* subscription renews.
Regularly review your 'Services & subscriptions' page at account.microsoft.com to audit all active Microsoft plans.
Secure your Microsoft account with two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized MICROSOFT* charges.
Note your Microsoft subscription renewal dates to avoid surprise MICROSOFT* charges on your statement.
Use a dedicated virtual card number for Microsoft purchases to limit exposure if your details are compromised.
Use WhatIsThisCharge.net to identify related charges that may appear alongside MICROSOFT* on your statement.
Frequently Asked Questions About MICROSOFT*
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