Billing overview for Partner Center Cloud Solution Providers (CSP) program
Appropriate roles: Admin agent | Billing admin | Helpdesk agent | Sales agent
This article provides the legacy and new commerce (NCE) billing and invoice information for Cloud Solution Provider program (CSP) partners in Partner Center.
Bill your customers
Bill your customers however you want. To confirm their charges, look at the invoice reconciliation line items and find them by their CustomerId.
Billing types
CSP Billing types in Partner Center include:
- Legacy billing (license-based and usage-based)
- New commerce billing (license-based, usage-based, software subscription, perpetual software, marketplace, Azure reservations, and Azure savings plans)
Billing currency
Legacy: The currency used for billing your CSP tenant in the specific country/region.
New commerce: The currency used for billing your CSP tenant in the specific country/region.
Invoices
Your invoice provides a comprehensive summary of all charges for your products within a billing period. To learn more, refer common billing scenarios.
Legacy
Billing period:
- Monthly cycle starting on your billing anniversary date (for example, the 12th of each month).
Invoice availability:
- Invoices and reconciliation files are ready two days after your billing anniversary date.
- Example: If your anniversary date is September 12, access your invoice by September 14.
Where to find them:
- Visit the Billing history page in the Billing workspace.
New commerce experience (NCE)
Billing period:
- Aligns with the full calendar month (for example, September 1–30).
Invoice availability:
- Documents are published by the 8th day of the following month.
- Example: September invoices appear by October 8.
Where to find them:
- Navigate to the Billing overview (NCE) page in the Billing workspace.
Key differences at a glance
| Feature | Legacy | New commerce (NCE) |
|---|---|---|
| Billing period | Monthly (anniversary date) | Calendar month (1st–30th/31st) |
| Invoice access | Two days after anniversary date | By the eighth of the next month |
| Partner Center location | Billing history | Billing overview (NCE) |
Find your most recent invoice
To find your latest invoice for a billing period, follow these steps:
Sign in to Partner Center and select the Billing workspace.
Go to the Billing overview (NCE) task menu and on the "Billing | Billing Overview (NCE)" page
Select the current year from the dropdown menu in the upper right corner.
In the billing details table, look for the invoice type, date, and ID.
Choose the invoice labeled as "Invoice" with the latest date and highest invoice number. This invoice is your most recent invoice for the billing period.
These steps ensure you have the most up-to-date billing information.
Note
If you receive more than one invoice in a specific billing period, it's likely because the previous invoice for that period is voided and rebilled.
- A void invoice has "invoice type" labeled as "VoidNote" and the "total amount" is the negative value of the original invoice amount.
- A rebilled invoice might have a different total amount or retain the same total amount but update details such as the purchase order number, billing address, or other important information.
Invoice in partner location currency
You always get invoices in your billing currency. However, Azure plan services have prices in US dollars (USD) and for these services, foreign exchange (FX) rates apply to the invoice. For a full list of country/region currencies, see new commerce offers country/region availability and partner currency matrix.
We use Thomson Reuters' exchange rate from two business days before the start of each month. For example, we use the mid-rate from November 29 for all purchases from December 1 to 31.
Price lists
Price lists are updated monthly.
Preview price lists are available one month in advance.
To see the latest Cloud Solution Provider programs and offers, follow these steps:
Sign in to Partner Center and select the Pricing workspace.
Find distinct price lists for the different types of available products.
You can find the following price lists on the Price lists page:
License-based prices are guaranteed for the subscription's billing term.
Usage-based prices can change monthly.
Prices for products, services, and software subscriptions are fixed for the subscription's billing term. However, prices might change when you renew.
Adjustments and credits in arrears show on your next invoice, after they're applied.
Important
To compare prices, use your billing currency when customers are in different countries or regions.
New commerce pricing and billing currencies for different types of products
| Product type | Pricing currency | Billing currency |
|---|---|---|
| Azure pay-as-you-go | USD | Partner location currency |
| Azure reservation | USD | Partner location currency |
| Azure savings plan | USD | Partner location currency |
| Marketplace (non-Microsoft) | USD | Partner location currency |
| License-based or Online services (Office, Dynamics, and PowerApps) | All accepted currencies | Partner location currency |
| Software subscription | All accepted currencies | Partner location currency |
| Perpetual software | All accepted currencies | Partner location currency |
Note
The foreign exchange (FX) rate might affect your subscription costs if your billing currency is different from the product's pricing currency. The FX rate fluctuates based on the charge date. To secure the best price, check the current FX rate before making a purchase.
CSP invoice payment: timely, accurate payments and uninterrupted service
Payment terms
To avoid delinquency or termination of your CSP program enrollment, pay invoice amounts within 60 days. If you lose access due to delinquency, clear the outstanding balance to regain access.
Accepted payment methods
For secure and timely payment of your Cloud Solution Provider program (CSP) invoices, use one of the following methods:
- Wire transfer
- Bank transfer
Ensure on-time payments in these steps:
- Review your invoice PDF: Carefully check the payment instructions, including account details and payment references, provided in your Partner Center CSP invoice.
- Follow the guidelines: Use the exact bank account number, bank location, routing details, and invoice-specific reference codes to ensure correct allocation of your payment.
- Submit early: To avoid delays, make your payment a few days earlier before the due date.
By following these steps, ensure that your payments are processed efficiently and without any issues.
Payment processing
To prevent any service disruptions or reminders, always pay your full balance by the due date. Before making payments, confirm that your billing and tax profile information is up to date—outdated details might delay processing.
Payment best practices
Follow these steps to ensure accuracy and timely processing of your payments:
- Single invoice payments: Match the payment amount exactly to the invoice total.
- Multiple invoices: List all invoice numbers and include remittance instructions for proper allocation.
- Partial payments: Always reference the invoice number and provide clear remittance details to avoid misapplied funds.
To ensure your payment is correctly allocated, provide these details. Without them, your payment might end up in the unallocated or unapplied payment category. Missing remittance instructions can lead to service interruptions or delays in processing future invoices.
Verify payment status
After you make a payment, your payment status might not update to "paid" immediately. It can take up to five business days for the change to reflect in Microsoft's finance system, during this time, the status remains unpaid.
To confirm payment completeness:
- Go to the Billing workspace.
- Check the invoice's Paid amount and Payment status.
Fix accidental payments with a wrong currency or bank account
If you paid an invoice in the wrong currency, follow these steps to resolve the issue swiftly and avoid payment delays:
1. Open a support ticket immediately
- To prevent the payment from being assigned to unallocated category, provide these details:
- Invoice numbers affected.
- Date, amount, currency, bank account of the incorrect payment.
2. Provide clear payment instructions
- Specify what should happen to the incorrect payment:
- Reallocation: Ask to apply the payment to another invoice (if applicable) or correct bank account.
3. Submit the correct payment
- Double-check the invoice PDF for the required currency.
- Use the correct payment method and bank account (wire/bank transfer) with accurate details.
By acting quickly, minimize disruptions and keep your account in good standing.
Unallocated payments
Sometimes, you might notice unallocated or unapplied payments in your Billing workspace. These amounts represent payments that are received but can't be matched to an invoice due to unclear remittance instructions.
To resolve this unmatched payment, ensure that your remittance instructions are clear and include all necessary details:
Step 1: Check for unallocated amounts
- Sign in to Partner Center and go to the Billing workspace.
- Select Billing history > Unallocated payment to view unmatched amounts.
Step 2: Provide clear details
To ensure payments are properly allocated or applied email bposcapp@microsoft.com with:
- The invoice number(s) the payment should apply to.
- Payment amount for each invoice.
- Any supporting information that can speed up the process.
Step 3: Confirm resolution
- Your Unallocated payment section updates within seven business days once we apply the payment.
- Verify the adjustment in your Billing history > Unallocated payment afterward.
Taking these steps helps you keep your billing records accurate and up to date.
Pay unpaid invoices with an incentive credit memo or credit note
Sometimes, Microsoft issues a credit note or credit memo as a form of payment for commerce incentives. These credit notes or credit memos can be applied directly to unpaid Cloud Solution Provider program (CSP) invoices in Partner Center, streamlining your payment process.
How it works
- Check eligibility: Ensure your credit memo or credit note is designated for your CSP invoice payment.
- Apply the credit:
- Follow our step-by-step guide to allocate the credit to your outstanding invoice.
- Confirm the credit amount covers the invoice total or a specified portion.
- Verify status: After applying the credit, check the invoice status in the Billing workspace to ensure it reflects the adjustment.
Efficient use of credit notes or credit memos helps in ensuring timely payments.
Other credit notes
You might receive a credit or rebill if you ask to:
- Update your address, purchase order, cost, and any other relevant information.
- Issue a tax or purchase refund for the original invoice.
You get a new invoice when the original one is voided.
License-based billing in Partner Center
Billing plan or frequency
Legacy
Billed monthly or annually.
New commerce
Billed upfront or one-time, monthly, or annually.
Billing period
Legacy
Every month, your billing period starts on the same day you choose during enrollment. This date is your billing anniversary, meaning it's the recurring date each month when your billing period begins. For example, if you chose the 15th, your billing period starts on the 15th of each month. This date becomes your billing anniversary.
New commerce
Billing period is one full calendar month.
Billing term
Legacy
The term or duration of your subscription is 12 months from the purchase date. The billing days might vary based on the billing anniversary date. For more information, see common legacy billing scenarios.
New commerce
You can buy a subscription for 1, 12, or 36 months and align the end date with another subscription (cotermination) or the calendar month. These alignments might shorten the actual subscription duration. For more information, see align subscription end dates.
Charge cycle
Legacy
The charge cycle starts on the purchase date and can be monthly, yearly, one-time, or other intervals. The charge dates of the first bill might vary, depending on when your next bill is due. Subsequent charge cycles follow the billing plan until the billing term ends.
New commerce
The charge cycle starts on the purchase date and can be monthly, yearly, one-time, or other intervals. The charge dates of the first bill might vary if you align the end date with a calendar month or another subscription. For more information on aligning subscription end dates, see align subscription end dates. Subsequent charge cycles follow the billing plan until the billing term ends.
Subscription cancellation
Before you cancel your subscription, be aware of the refund policy.
Legacy
Get a full refund if you cancel your subscription within a month of purchase or renewal. Get a prorated refund after that depending on how long you use the service. You pay only for what you use.
New commerce
Cancel the service within seven days of purchase or renewal. Get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours. If you cancel later but still within seven days, you get a prorated refund based on usage.
After seven days, no refunds are available, and you must pay for the full term, even if you don't use the product. For more information, see the new commerce cancellation policy.
Subscription renewal
Legacy
All license-based subscriptions renew automatically after 12 months. The automatic renewal ensures uninterrupted use of the products and services and simplifies subscription management.
New commerce
Your subscriptions renew automatically according to your billing term. The automatic renewal ensures uninterrupted use of the products and services and simplifies subscription management.
To stop your subscription from automatically renewing, see the new commerce autorenew policy.
Unbilled charges
Legacy
Doesn't support unbilled charges.
New commerce
You can expect to see unbilled charges within 24 hours to seven days, depending on your location and meter reading points. If you don't see them after a week, contact Partner Center support for assistance.
Usage-based billing in Partner Center
You only pay for what you use with a pay-as-you-go rate in an Azure subscription. There are no fixed plans or contracts, making it flexible and cost-effective. For some products like Azure reservations, savings plans, or marketplace (non-Microsoft) SaaS products, different pricing structures apply. For example, Azure reservations offer a discount if you commit to a one- or three-year term, while marketplace SaaS products may have their own subscription fees. This model allows you to manage expenses efficiently while maximizing the full benefits of Azure's offerings.
Billing frequency
Legacy
Billed monthly.
New commerce
Billed monthly.
Billing period
Legacy
Every month, your billing period starts on the same day you choose during enrollment. This date is your billing anniversary, meaning it's the recurring date each month when your billing period begins. For example, if you chose the 15th, your billing period starts on the 15th of each month. This date becomes your billing anniversary.
New commerce
Billing period is one full calendar month.
Billing term
Legacy
You pay only for resources when you use them.
New commerce
You pay only for resources when you use them. However, Azure reservations and savings plans have a billing term of either one year or three years.
Charge cycle
Legacy
The charge cycle is monthly starting from the billing anniversary date.
New commerce
Charge cycle is one full calendar month.
Subscription cancellation
Legacy
Cancel your Azure subscription anytime.
New commerce
Cancel your Azure subscription anytime.
Subscription renewal
Legacy
You pay for a subscription until you cancel it. Use products and services seamlessly and manage the subscription until you decide to cancel.
New commerce
You pay for a subscription until you cancel it. Use products and services seamlessly and manage the subscription until you decide to cancel.
Unbilled charges
Legacy
Doesn't support unbilled charges.
New commerce
You can expect to see unbilled charges within 24 hours to seven days, depending on your location and meter reading points. If you don't see them after a week, contact Partner Center support for assistance.