What is MSFT * on my credit card statement?

This is a charge from Microsoft for a subscription or one-time purchase, commonly caused by auto-renewals for Microsoft 365, Office, OneDrive, Xbox Game Pass, or Windows Store purchases.

Full Name & What It Is

The letters MSFT stand for Microsoft. It is the official shorthand and stock ticker symbol for the technology company. The asterisk (*) works as a separator — the text after it usually represents a specific transaction ID or product. Common charges include Microsoft 365 Family ($99.99/year), Microsoft 365 Personal ($69.99/year), OneDrive storage plans ($1.99-$2.99/month), and Xbox subscriptions. Many users see this charge because they forgot about an auto-renewing subscription set up months or years ago.

Merchant Code: MSFT *

Company: Microsoft Corporation

Service: Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Xbox, or Windows Store

Common Scenarios

1. Microsoft 365 Auto-Renewal

You signed up for a yearly subscription and it auto-renewed to prevent service interruption.

2. OneDrive Free Trial Expiry

You signed up for extra cloud storage and the free trial converted to a paid monthly plan.

3. Xbox Game Pass Monthly Plan

You or a family member subscribed to play games and it bills every month until cancelled.

4. Windows Store Purchases

You bought a digital app, movie, or in-game content through the Microsoft Store.

5. New Laptop Trial

Your new computer came with a free Office trial. You entered your card to set up the device, and the trial converted to paid.

Is This a Scam?

✅ Legitimate charge from Microsoft.

In almost all cases, MSFT * is a legitimate charge. These charges are commonly disputed because people forget about auto-renewals. Check if a family member used your card, or if a trial on a new computer expired. If you've checked every account and are certain no one made the purchase, contact your bank immediately.

Customer Service

Phone:

1-877-696-7786

Microsoft Support

Website:

account.microsoft.com

Sign in → Services & Subscriptions

Reddit User Discussions

"I woke up to a $99.99 charge from MSFT on my bank statement. I do not remember buying anything. Is my card compromised?" — "Take a deep breath! That exact amount is the Microsoft 365 Family plan. Check your account page. If you cancel today, they will usually issue an automatic refund."

— r/techsupport

"I have a $14.99 charge from MSFT and I don't even use Windows. I use a Mac!" — "Do your kids have an Xbox? My son bought a Game Pass subscription with my saved credit card. Ask your family first!"

— r/CreditCards

How to Get a Refund

Step 1. Sign in at account.microsoft.com with the email linked to the billing charge.

Step 2. Go to "Services & Subscriptions" to see all active plans.

Step 3. Select the subscription, click "Manage," then "Cancel subscription." If within the grace period, you'll be offered a full refund.

Step 4. If online refund fails, call 1-877-696-7786. If still unresolved, dispute with your bank.

💡 Want complete dispute templates and bank phone scripts? Get the Pro Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Microsoft charging my credit card?

This usually happens due to an active, auto-renewing subscription like Microsoft 365 or OneDrive. It can also be a purchase made through the Windows Store by you or a family member. You can check your full purchase history by signing in to account.microsoft.com.

Can I get a refund for an accidental MSFT * charge?

Yes, Microsoft often issues automatic refunds for yearly subscriptions if you cancel them within 30 days of the renewal date. To request your money back, sign in to your Microsoft dashboard and look for the cancellation options under your subscriptions. If that fails, you can contact their support phone line at 1-877-696-7786.

Does MSFT * cover services like LinkedIn or GitHub?

No, those platforms are billed under their own separate descriptors on your credit card statement. Even though Microsoft owns LinkedIn and GitHub, their charges show up with different codes and names. This helps you easily distinguish them from standard Microsoft software and game purchases.