Microsoft Pushes Back Copilot Business Usage-Based Billing to December
Microsoft has postponed the launch of usage-based billing for new Microsoft 365 Copilot Business subscriptions purchased through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. The initial rollout, set for November 2, 2026, has been pushed back to December 1. The delay is intended to give solution providers more time to prepare, with new sandbox environments expected to be available starting November 2.
The updated billing system will feature an adjustable default spending limit of 4,000 Copilot Credits per user each month. New Copilot Business licenses will automatically create an Azure subscription. This change reflects Microsoft's shift toward a license-plus-consumption pricing model for AI tools.
Microsoft is also refining its Copilot in 30 trial offer, making it exclusively available to new Microsoft 365 Copilot customers. The usage-based billing feature will initially launch in supported markets, excluding countries like Australia, Belgium, and Germany.
Partners will have the ability to manage spending limits, access controls, and billing methods. Consumption charges will be processed through CSP invoices, with no required API changes for purchases. However, new catalog APIs will help identify usage-based billing products.