Microsoft scheduled default-on, usage-based billing for new Microsoft 365 Copilot Business purchases through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program to begin December 1, 2026. The date replaces an earlier plan for November 2. Microsoft also set a default adjustable spending limit of 4,000 Copilot Credits per user per month; charges will be based on actual usage.
Usage-based billing means charges depend on consumption rather than a fixed fee for that usage. Microsoft names Copilot Cowork, Work IQ APIs, and GitHub Copilot Harness among the experiences covered by the announced policy.
November 2 is the sandbox date, not the billing start
Microsoft has scheduled Partner Center sandbox environments to become available on November 2, 2026, so partners can prepare and test. Default-on billing for eligible new CSP purchases is scheduled for December 1.
| Date | Scheduled event | Scope |
| November 2, 2026 | Earlier planned billing start | Replaced by the revised schedule |
| November 2, 2026 | Partner Center sandbox availability | Partner preparation and testing |
| December 1, 2026 | Default-on usage billing start | New Microsoft 365 Copilot Business purchases through CSP in eligible markets |
The 4,000-credit figure is an adjustable spending limit
The default is 4,000 Copilot Credits per user per month, and administrators can adjust the limit. Microsoft says customers will be charged according to actual usage, so the limit sets a ceiling rather than a fixed monthly charge. For 100 users at the default setting, the combined limit would be 400,000 credits per month.
Countries excluded from the initial rollout
Microsoft says the initial rollout will not include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, Poland, or Spain.
Existing Copilot licenses will not convert automatically
Microsoft says existing Microsoft Copilot licenses do not automatically switch to Microsoft 365 Copilot Business at renewal. Customers must fulfill their current commitment.
