How to Get a Refund From Microsoft Advertising

Quick answer

Microsoft Advertising gives credits for invalid clicks you were charged for, and refunds a positive balance when you deactivate your account. It doesn’t credit poor performance, low ROI, tool downtime, test campaigns or bank fees. To request an invalid-click credit, contact support with your evidence. Investigations can take up to a month to show on your statement.

Credits vs refunds: what’s the difference?

A credit reduces what you owe or pays for future ads. It stays in your Microsoft Advertising account. A refund sends money back to your payment method, and mostly applies when you close an account that has money left in it. Most “refunds” advertisers ask about are actually credits for invalid clicks.

When you can get money back

When you can’t

Microsoft states it doesn’t issue credits for poor ad performance or ROI, system or tool downtime, test accounts or campaigns, or bank overdraft fees. Clicks that simply didn’t convert aren’t invalid.

How Microsoft handles invalid clicks

Microsoft filters clicks automatically and classifies them by quality. Clicks it identifies as invalid, such as those from robots or automated tools, are credited automatically. Its reports include low-quality click statistics, so you can see how many clicks were filtered. When you believe some slipped through, you can ask for an investigation.

How to request an invalid-click credit

1. Run a report with low-quality click columns for the affected period.
2. Gather evidence: dates, campaigns, keywords, IP addresses, user agents and server logs showing suspicious patterns, such as bursts of clicks with zero time on site.
3. Contact support by chat or phone and ask for an invalid-click investigation. Share the evidence in a clear, structured way.
4. Save the case number.
5. Wait. Microsoft says it can take up to a month before a credit shows on your billing statement or invoice.
6. Protect the budget meanwhile with IP exclusions and placement exclusions where you see abuse.

How long refunds take

For deactivated accounts, the refund goes back to the original payment method. After processing, Microsoft estimates about 1-2 business days to a credit or debit card or PayPal, and 4-6 weeks by check.

Tips for a successful claim

• Show patterns, not single clicks.
• Quantify the cost: number of suspicious clicks times average CPC.
• Keep claims specific to a date range and campaign.
• Don’t send repeated, poorly documented claims.

Why refund cases stall

Refund and credit claims need a well-documented case. Microsoft runs one central support desk for all advertisers, and small and mid-sized businesses rarely have a dedicated rep. Microsoft relies on Partner Program partners to help SMBs build and escalate these cases.

FAQ

Can I get a refund for unused prepaid funds?

Yes, by deactivating the account with a refund-eligible balance.

Will Microsoft refund clicks that didn’t convert?

No. Only invalid clicks qualify.

Are coupon credits refundable?

No. Promotional credits can’t be redeemed for cash.

Does a credit go to my card?

A credit first pays any existing balance, then applies to future charges.

Get help with billing disputes

Adcore checks billing issues and escalates to Microsoft when the problem is on the platform side, free. Get free Microsoft Ads support.