What is "MSFT*" on my bank statement?
MSFT* is usually a legitimate Microsoft charge for software, subscriptions, or Xbox purchases.
Merchant: Microsoft | Category: Digital Content
What Is This Charge?
A charge from Microsoft reflects a purchase at Microsoft, the technology company founded in 1975 that sells software, cloud services, gaming products, and digital subscriptions. Microsoft operates a global digital storefront and retail presence, and its consumer products include Windows, Microsoft 365, Xbox, Surface, and the Microsoft Store. A statement line that starts with MSFT* usually points to a Microsoft consumer transaction rather than a random third-party merchant. The charge is often tied to a digital purchase, a recurring subscription, or an Xbox or Microsoft Store order.
Why Does This Charge Appear on My Statement?
This charge appears when a Microsoft account is used to buy a product, renew a subscription, or complete an in-app or console purchase. Common triggers include a Microsoft 365 renewal, an Xbox game or add-on purchase, or a Microsoft Store download made with a saved payment method. It can also appear after a free trial ends and converts to a paid plan. If someone in your household used your card on a Microsoft account, the charge can post even if you did not place the order yourself.
Typical Charge Amounts
Microsoft charges are often small recurring amounts such as $6.99, $9.99, $12.99, or $19.99 for digital subscriptions and add-ons. Microsoft 365 Personal is commonly billed at $69.99 per year or $6.99 per month, while Microsoft 365 Family is commonly billed at $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month. Xbox Game Pass plans are often billed at $9.99, $14.99, or $19.99 depending on the plan and region. Temporary card verification holds can also appear as $1.00 or $0.00 authorization tests before the final charge posts.
Common Variations
MSFT* MSFT*SUBSCRIPTION MSFT*XBOX MSFT*MICROSOFT STORE MSFT*ONLINE MSFT*STORE MSFT*MSBILL.INFO MSFT*XBOX LIVE MSFT*WINDOWS STORE MSFT*MICROSOFT*STORE MSFT*1234 patterns that include a store or order number
Is This Charge Legitimate?
A legitimate Microsoft charge usually matches a purchase history entry in your Microsoft account at https://account.microsoft.com/billing/orders. You should sign in and check the Services & subscriptions page at https://account.microsoft.com/services to see whether a renewal, trial conversion, or Xbox plan is active. Microsoft also lets you review purchases in the Xbox app, the Microsoft Store app, or on the console itself under account and billing settings. If the charge does not match any order, contact Microsoft Support through https://support.microsoft.com or the Microsoft virtual agent before assuming fraud.
How to Dispute or Cancel
1. Check your Microsoft billing history at https://account.microsoft.com/billing/orders and confirm the exact order date and amount. 2. Cancel the subscription at https://account.microsoft.com/services if the charge is a renewal, and turn off recurring billing for that product. 3. If the charge is unauthorized, contact Microsoft Support through https://support.microsoft.com and ask for billing review; Microsoft support routes vary by product and region, so the website is the safest starting point. 4. In parallel, call the number on the back of your card and open a bank dispute if you do not recognize the transaction, because your bank can block future card use while Microsoft reviews the claim. 5. Refund timing depends on the product and region, and digital purchases may have limited refund eligibility, so act quickly after the charge posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Microsoft charge show as MSFT*SUBSCRIPTION?
MSFT*SUBSCRIPTION usually means a recurring Microsoft service such as Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, or another auto-renewing plan. The descriptor often appears when a free trial converts to paid billing or when recurring billing is turned on in a Microsoft account.
How do I cancel my Microsoft subscription?
Go to https://account.microsoft.com/services, sign in, and select the subscription you want to stop. Turn off recurring billing or choose cancel, then save the confirmation page and check your email for a cancellation notice.
Why is my Microsoft charge a different amount than expected?
The amount can differ because Microsoft may bill tax, convert a trial to a paid plan, or charge a different monthly versus annual rate. Xbox and Microsoft Store purchases can also include add-ons, regional pricing, or a temporary $1.00 authorization hold before the final amount posts.
Can MSFT* charges come from Xbox purchases?
Yes, MSFT*XBOX often appears when someone buys a game, downloadable content, a subscription, or an in-game item on an Xbox account. The charge can post from the console, the Xbox app, or a Microsoft account with saved payment details.
What should I do if I do not recognize an MSFT* charge?
First check your Microsoft billing orders and services pages to see whether a subscription, trial, or store purchase matches the amount. If nothing matches, contact Microsoft Support and then call your card issuer to dispute the charge and protect the card from future use.
Similar Charges
- MSFT*
- MSFT*SUBSCRIPTION
- MSFT*XBOX
- MSFT*MICROSOFT STORE
- MSFT*ONLINE