Azure free tier

First check whether the Azure Free Trial was activated despite the “We couldn't load your credit info” message: in the Azure portal, open Subscriptions and look for an Active Free Trial subscription.^1^

If the Free Trial is active

1. Open Azure portal → Subscriptions and select the Free Trial.
2. Open Cost Management + Billing and check whether the promotional credit appears.
3. If the account was created recently, allow several hours for the credit information to populate.
4. Sign out, close all browser windows, and sign back in using the same Microsoft account used during registration. An InPrivate/Incognito window can also help.^1^

Do not repeat registration or enter another card if the subscription is already active.

If no subscription appears

The registration likely did not finish. Retry after checking these requirements:

1. Allow third-party cookies. Azure requires them to complete card identity verification. Refresh the registration page afterward; if it still fails, close and restart the browser.^2^
2. Ensure the card is not virtual or prepaid; Azure does not accept those card types.
3. Enter the name, billing address, and CVV exactly as held by the card issuer.
4. Confirm that the card is active and, where applicable, enabled for international transactions.
5. Confirm that the billing-address country matches the country/region selected during Azure registration.^3^

The Azure Free Trial is limited to users new to Azure. If an Azure subscription was previously associated with your identity or account information, the Free Trial cannot be activated; use a pay-as-you-go subscription instead.^2^

If the message remains

If the credit still does not appear after 24 hours, create an Azure Billing/Subscription Management support request:

1. In the Azure portal, select the ? icon in the top header.
2. Describe the issue as “Azure Free Trial — We couldn't load your credit info.”
3. Complete the suggested diagnostics.
4. Select Create a support request.
5. Choose the billing or subscription-management issue type and include when signup was attempted, whether a subscription appears, and a screenshot with all personal/card information removed.

Azure provides unlimited support for subscription-management issues, including billing. If no subscription exists yet, the available support workflow and required permissions may differ.^4^

References

1. Azure Free Trial Credit Not Showing - Microsoft Q&A
2. Troubleshoot issues when you sign up for a new account in the Azure portal
3. Troubleshoot a declined card - Microsoft Cost Management
4. Create an Azure support request