In-app purchases with non-Microsoft billing platforms
Some app publishers of non-game products offer alternatives to the Microsoft payment platform for in-app purchases. These publishers can either offer both the Microsoft payment platform and an alternative billing platform OR offer only the alternative (non-Microsoft) billing platform.
When making an in-app purchase using an alternative billing platform, any payment information saved in the Microsoft in-app payment platform will not be available for use. Microsoft gift cards and store credits also do not apply to in-app purchases using alternative billing platforms.
The specific billing platform you use determines who secures your purchase, processes your payment, stores any payment information, and provides customer support for the purchase inclusive of any refunds.
Effect on Family spending controls
Spending controls set by Family organizers via the Xbox Family Settings App or Microsoft Family Safety App do not apply to in-app purchases handled via any alternative (non-Microsoft) billing platforms. Most relevantly, Adding Funds or Ask to Buy will not apply to these purchases. Additionally, any purchases made using an alternative billing platform will not appear in your spending history.
Each alternative billing platform may have its own purchase controls or general family controls available for use.
Where to go for support
In the case of any payment issues or additional questions regarding an app’s alternative (non-Microsoft) billing platform(s), please contact the app publisher. Information on the publisher can be found in the ‘Additional Information’ section of the app’s product page in the Microsoft Store or via support links directly within an app, when available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Refunds are processed by the billing platform used for the purchase. If the purchase was made using an alternative billing platform, contact the publisher for support. For purchases through Microsoft’s Payment Platform, you can learn more on refunds here.
For all payment issues with an alternative billing platform, we recommend reaching out to the publisher of the app. You can find support for purchases made using the Microsoft Payment Platform at Microsoft Store & billing help.
Yes, family controls will still apply to purchases made within the Microsoft Store. To learn more about the controls and management options available, see:
However, any transactions that happen in-app where a non-Microsoft billing platform is used will not have Microsoft’s parental controls like Ask-to-Buy or Add Funds options available. The alternative platform may have their own purchase controls or general family controls available for use.
You can confirm how a transaction was made by reviewing your Microsoft Store order history. If your purchase does not show up in your order history, it was likely made using a non-Microsoft platform. To learn more on how to check your order history, see View your Microsoft Store order history - Microsoft Support.
Note: Make sure to sign in with the same Microsoft account that was used to make the purchase.
No, store balances and gift cards can only be applied to purchases conducted via Microsoft’s Payment Platform.
Existing subscriptions you have purchased will remain on the payment platform on which you initially purchased the subscription. If you purchased the subscription on the Microsoft payment platform, your subscription will continue to renew, unless you cancel or the publisher updates their app and provides an alternative billing platform. You can review how a subscription transaction was processed by reviewing your Microsoft Store order history.
If the app developer enables an alternative billing platform, you may be able to change the subscription. We recommend reaching out to the publisher of the app.
Learn more
To learn more about in-app purchases, see: Make an in-app purchase in Microsoft Store
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Contact Support
For technical support, go to Contact Microsoft Support, enter your problem and select Get Help. If you still need help, select Contact Support to be routed to the best support option.