The Ultimate Step by Step Guide to Cancelling a Microsoft Ultimate Subscription or Membership (answers.microsoft.com/en-us/xbox/forum/all/credit-card-being-charged-monthly-for-microsoft/ba44cad2-0cb0-48b7-84f7-4ee5524ab688)
By
Bella K.
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Published
July 17, 2025
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Updated
July 1, 2025
Microsoft offers several subscription services that can lead to monthly or yearly charges, like Office 365 for productivity tools and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for gaming. These subscriptions are billed automatically until you cancel them through your Microsoft account under Payment & billing settings. You can stop the subscription either right away or at the end of the current billing period, and sometimes you might get a refund depending on your plan. Basically, if you see a charge from Microsoft, it’s likely for one of these ongoing subscription services you signed up for.
The cancellation process is straightforward and can be done online through the account payment and billing settings or directly from the Xbox console, with clear steps provided. Options to cancel immediately or at the subscription expiration are available, making the process user-friendly and quick.
Estimated Time
On average, it takes 10 minutes0010 minutes to cancel a Microsoft Ultimate subscription.
How to Cancel Microsoft Ultimate: Step by Step
If you purchased through Microsoft Store:
Sign in to your Microsoft account on the official Microsoft website.
Navigate to Payment & billing under your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Select Cancel to proceed with the cancellation.
You will have the option to end your subscription on its expiration date.
If eligible, you may also choose to end it immediately and receive a refund for the time remaining.
If you purchased through the Xbox Console:
Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
Go to Profile & system and then select Settings.
Choose Account and then Subscriptions.
Select your subscription to cancel.
Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the cancellation.
How to Contact Microsoft Ultimate
If you need assistance, here's how you can get in touch with Microsoft Ultimate's support team.
Tips and Tricks for Getting a Microsoft Ultimate Refund
Access account portal early: Log into your Microsoft account/subscription portal well before renewal dates to find cancellation options.
Use desktop/web over app: Some users find browser portals on xbox.com or account.microsoft.com easier to navigate than mobile apps for cancellation.
Change account region to Illinois: Some report toggling billing address to Illinois reveals cancellation/removal buttons due to local laws.
Cancel before auto-renew triggers: Cancelling any time before renewal date preserves full remaining subscription time.
Language matters: When contacting support, remain calm, clearly state you want to cancel and stop future charges, emphasize you are not disputing past use.
Insist on escalation: If frontline support only offers scripts or claims cancellation is impossible, ask firmly to escalate to tier 3 or supervisor for resolution.
Keep a record of interactions: Document dates, agent names, and responses to build your case if disputes arise.
Beware of friction tactics: Microsoft may present confusing wording like "Are you sure you want to cancel?" or activate reminders/punitive login challenges after cancellation attempts—stay firm and persistent.
If locked out of account: Use account recovery options rigorously; if impossible, contact support explaining old/inaccessible email and verification struggles.
Call support if web options fail: Phone contact might get faster response; ask for cancellation and confirm no further charges.
Refund attempts: Some users report requesting refunds via Microsoft’s refund page after cancellation can be effective if charged after cancelling.
Why Do People Request Refunds from Microsoft Ultimate
Unexpected monthly credit card charges for Microsoft Ultimate despite having a different subscription like Office 365 yearly.
Disappointment with charges occurring without clear explanation or consent.
Desire to stop automatic renewals of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to avoid ongoing fees.
Upgraded prepaid Xbox Ultimate time not being able to revert to Xbox Live Gold or other Game Pass plans, leading to cancellation if plan no longer fits user needs.
No refund eligibility for certain subscription upgrades causing frustration and desire to cancel.
Microsoft Ultimate Refund Script
Script
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Dear Microsoft Ultimate, Support, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request a refund due to a billing issue that arose recently. I noticed an accidental charge on my account that I do not recognize, and I believe it may have been a mistake. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in processing this refund at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response. Best regards,
Microsoft Ultimate Refund Policy
Microsoft Ultimate membership subscriptions can be canceled by signing into your Microsoft account, navigating to Subscriptions, selecting Manage, and then choosing Cancel. Cancellation policies may vary by country, with some regions offering prorated refunds for certain subscription lengths. If purchased through Google Play or Apple App Store, cancellations must be handled through those platforms.
The Easiest Way to Get a Microsoft Ultimate Refund
If you’re frustrated trying to cancel your subscription, membership, or bill from Microsoft Ultimate—or if you didn’t even realize you were being charged—Chargeback can help. Chargeback is a personal subscription manager that automatically detects hidden, recurring charges like Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of others. With one click, we can cancel unwanted subscriptions, flag suspicious billing, and even initiate refund requests on your behalf. No more waiting on hold or navigating confusing help pages. Just connect your bank or email account, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Microsoft subscriptions generally allow you to cancel at any time without lock-ins, early cancellation fees, or tricky gimmicks. However, you must cancel at least 2 days before the next billing date to avoid being charged again, and any overdue amounts on your payment card must be settled before cancellation is possible. Also, if you subscribed through third-party retailers or app stores, you must manage cancellation through them, which can sometimes add complexity.
Unexpected monthly credit card charges for Microsoft Ultimate despite having a different subscription like Office 365 yearly.
Disappointment with charges occurring without clear explanation or consent.
Desire to stop automatic renewals of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to avoid ongoing fees.
Upgraded prepaid Xbox Ultimate time not being able to revert to Xbox Live Gold or other Game Pass plans, leading to cancellation if plan no longer fits user needs.
No refund eligibility for certain subscription upgrades causing frustration and desire to cancel.
Microsoft account credentials (username and password) used to purchase the subscription
Access to the subscriptions page (account.microsoft.com/services)
Payment method status (ensure the card used for subscription is not expired or has no overdue payments)
Knowledge of which service or subscription (e.g., Microsoft Ultimate, Game Pass Ultimate) you are canceling
Associated email address used for the subscription purchase (especially if unsure which account is being billed)
Subscription and billing information (transaction ID, billing details, or receipts); recommended when contacting support
Ability to identify where the subscription was purchased (Microsoft, Google Play, Apple App Store, or third party retailer)
If purchased via a third party, proof of purchase or receipts may be needed when contacting their support
Contact information for relevant support teams (for help if you can't self-cancel)
Before cancelling your Microsoft Ultimate subscription, know that you will lose access to all the benefits that come with it, such as Xbox Game Pass for console and PC, Xbox Live Gold, and EA Play. This means you won't be able to play the included games through Game Pass or use online multiplayer features provided by Xbox Live Gold. Also, any prepaid time upgrades on your subscription cannot be reverted or refunded. Once cancelled, you can choose to end the subscription immediately or at the end of its current billing cycle, but understand that access to subscription content stops as soon as the subscription ends.
Microsoft Ultimate membership subscriptions can be canceled by signing into your Microsoft account, navigating to Subscriptions, selecting Manage, and then choosing Cancel. Cancellation policies may vary by country, with some regions offering prorated refunds for certain subscription lengths. If purchased through Google Play or Apple App Store, cancellations must be handled through those platforms.
Yes, you need to sign in to your Microsoft account to cancel your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This means you will need your password to access your account and manage the subscription cancellation either through the Xbox website or directly on your Xbox console. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it at this URL: https://account.live.com/password/reset. Signing in is required to ensure the security and proper management of your subscription.
We've actually written a step by step guide on how to get a refund from Microsoft Ultimate. Check it out!
The cancellation process typically takes about 3 minutes to complete. However, the actual time may vary depending on your account settings and whether you need to contact customer service. Most cancellations are processed immediately, but some may take up to 24 hours to take effect.
After canceling your Microsoft Ultimate subscription, you'll typically have access to the service until the end of your current billing period. You won't be charged for the next billing cycle, and your account will be deactivated once the current period ends. Make sure to download any important data before cancellation.
Yes, you can usually reactivate your Microsoft Ultimate account by logging back into your account and resubscribing. However, you may need to go through the sign-up process again and provide payment information. Some services may offer special reactivation deals for returning customers.
If you're unable to cancel Microsoft Ultimate online, contact their customer service directly using the phone number, email, or website provided above. You can also use our refund script to help you communicate effectively with their support team. In some cases, you may need to provide additional verification or documentation.
Microsoft Ultimate May Show Up On Your Statement As:
Microsoft*Ultimate MSFT*Xbox Game Pass Microsoft*Xbox Game Pass Ultimate MSFT*Subscription Microsoft*Game Pass MSFT*Ultimate MSFT*Xbox Microsoft*Xbox MSFT*Charge MSFT*Office 365
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savings for customers. ² Average requests times may vary depending on volume of requests
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