Home › Provider › Microsoft

💳 Microsoft AI Credits — Programs & Free Tiers

Browse Microsoft Azure and AI credit offers for startups, students, and builders. Compare free tiers, eligibility, and how much credit you can get.

Microsoft credits usually mean Azure credits you can spend on compute, databases, storage, and AI services like Azure OpenAI. On this page you’ll find six common paths: free Azure credits for individuals, student offers, Imagine Cup support, plus Microsoft for Startups tiers from early founder credits up to large YC and investor packages. If you end up with credits you can’t use, AI Credit Mart helps you buy or sell unused Microsoft credits at big discounts.

💳 About Microsoft Credits

Microsoft is a major cloud and AI provider through Azure. Key services include Azure OpenAI Service, GPU virtual machines, Kubernetes (AKS), data platforms, and security tooling. Azure credits are valuable because they apply to core infrastructure and many AI workloads, so teams can prototype, train, and ship without paying full on-demand rates upfront.

What Microsoft credit programs are available?

This Microsoft archive covers six popular credit options. For startups, there’s Microsoft Founders Hub (up to about $5,000 in Azure credits), the Investor Network offer (up to about $150,000), and the YC partnership package (about $350,000 plus extras in some cases). For individuals and students, you’ll see the $200 free Azure credit path, Azure for Students (about $100 per year), and Imagine Cup-related Azure credits for student competitors. Each program has different eligibility, timing, and verification steps.

Can I sell unused Microsoft credits?

Yes. If your Microsoft/Azure credits are unused or you won’t spend them before they expire, you can list them on AI Credit Mart and sell to buyers who need discounted Azure spend. You’ll share the key terms (type, amount, expiration) so buyers know what they’re getting.

How much discount can I get on Microsoft credits?

On AI Credit Mart, Microsoft credits commonly trade at roughly 40% to 40% off face value. The exact discount depends on how soon the credits expire, how easy they are to apply, and whether there are restrictions tied to an org, region, or program terms. Faster-expiring credits usually price lower.

How does the Microsoft for Startups YC Partnership $350K offer work?

It’s a Microsoft for Startups deal specifically for active Y Combinator batch companies. You typically get a YC referral code, apply through the Microsoft for Startups flow, and then receive a large Azure credit allocation intended for real usage like compute, data services, and AI workloads. In practice, it’s one of the biggest cloud credit packages around, but it’s not open to non-YC startups. If you’re not in YC, the Investor Network or Founders Hub routes are the realistic alternatives.