Unexpected Chargers

For unexpected Azure charges after a free trial or free credit period, the supported path is:

1. In the Azure portal, open Help + Support.
2. Select Create a support request.
3. In the support pane, enter Billing and continue.
4. Select the affected subscription.
5. If suggested articles or refund options loop back and do not let the request continue, select Return to support request instead of the suggested solutions.
6. Continue through the form, provide a clear description of the unexpected charge, and submit the billing request.

To understand the charge before or while submitting the request:

1. Review the invoice that contains the charge.
2. Review invoiced charges in Cost analysis.
3. Check who created or used the resource.
4. Analyze audit logs.
5. Review user permissions on the resource’s parent scope.

Important details:

• Azure doesn’t log most user actions for billing investigation. It logs resource usage for billing.
• If logging was not enabled when the usage spike happened, the cause might not be identifiable afterward.
• If free credits were expected to cover usage, the documented guidance is to open a support request in the Azure portal and select Help + Support.
• For Azure free trial sign-up, a small temporary verification hold can appear on the card and is normally removed within three to five days.

If the portal is not showing the support option, use the same Help + Support flow and keep going with Billing for the subscription, then choose Contact support or Return to support request when the portal shows only suggested articles.

• Understand the terms in your Azure usage and charges file
• Understanding Azure Usage and Billing
• Troubleshoot issues when you sign up for a new account in the Azure portal
• Unexpected charge of $147.70. Can't submit support ticket or find direct contact. - Microsoft Q&A
• Billing issue - Microsoft Q&A
• Unexpected Azure Charges After Free Credit Expired - Microsoft Q&A