This account can't be used for Microsoft for Startups credits

The message means the current Microsoft account is not recognized as eligible for Microsoft for Startups credits, even though the original Azure signup block was removed.

Based on the documented behavior, the next steps are:

1. Verify Microsoft for Startups application and eligibility
   • Go to https://startups.microsoft.com and ensure the startup application is fully submitted and approved, not just partially started.
   • After approval, credits and benefits are managed via the Azure portal as described under Azure Portal in the program overview.
2. Confirm that the correct account is being used
   • Sign in to the Azure portal with the same Microsoft account that was used when applying for Microsoft for Startups and when linking LinkedIn.
   • In Azure portal, check Cost Management → Billing → Payment methods to see whether any sponsorship or startup-related billing account appears. This confirms whether credits are actually attached to this account.
3. Check for common benefit-eligibility issues The FAQ lists typical reasons why benefits (including Azure credits) cannot be redeemed:
   • The same benefit was already redeemed on this account under another offer.
   • The account is considered an existing enterprise account.
   • Eligibility or verification requirements are incomplete.
   Even if there was no prior intentional signup, the email or account might have been used in another Microsoft program or tenant, which can cause the “not eligible” message.
4. Use Microsoft for Startups Program Support If the portal still shows “This account can't be used for Microsoft for Startups credits,” Program Support must confirm eligibility and correct the entitlement:
   • If the startup was onboarded via the Azure portal experience, open the Azure portal and use Get Program Support under the Your Microsoft Team tile.
   • If the startup experience is via the Microsoft for Startups Portal, sign in to the Microsoft for Startups Portal, select the ? icon, and choose Submit a Support Ticket.
   Program Support can:
   • Verify that the startup application is approved and linked to the correct Microsoft account.
   • Check whether this account has already redeemed a similar startup offer.
   • Correct entitlement issues or, if necessary, process an entitlement transfer so credits can be used with the intended account.
5. If the wrong account was used to activate credits If credits were accidentally tied to a different Microsoft account, follow the documented path:
   • Submit a support ticket to the Microsoft for Startups Program Support Team and request an entitlement transfer so the credits can be moved to the desired account.

If, after these steps, the message persists, continuing to work with Microsoft for Startups Program Support is required, as only they can adjust the underlying eligibility and entitlement flags for the account.

References:

• What is Microsoft for Startups?
• Microsoft for Startups – Frequently Asked Questions
• Microsoft for Startups Portal
• Activate Azure Credits
• Properly Setting Up Your Azure Account
• Troubleshoot issues when you sign up for a new account in the Azure portal