I can't choose the pay-as-you-go option in Azure.

If you are unable to create a new subscription as pay-as-you-go in Azure, it may be due to several reasons. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for creating a pay-as-you-go subscription. If you have previously had an Azure subscription, you may not be eligible for a free trial.
2. Account Information: Verify that the information you provided during the sign-up process is accurate, including your billing address and credit card details. Any discrepancies can lead to issues with your subscription.
3. Existing Subscriptions: If you have existing subscriptions, make sure they are not preventing you from creating a new pay-as-you-go account. You may need to resolve any outstanding issues with your current subscriptions.
4. Contact Support: If you continue to face issues, consider reaching out to Azure support for assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your account status and any errors you may be encountering.
5. Use a Different Browser: Sometimes, browser-related issues can affect the sign-up process. Try using a different browser or an incognito window to see if that resolves the problem.

If you need further assistance, you may want to refer to Azure's documentation or support resources.

I’ve seen this before, and when you can’t select the Pay-As-You-Go option, it usually isn’t a portal bug. It means your account isn’t eligible for PAYG based on the identity type or region Microsoft has on file.

To answer your question, check the basics first. If your account was created through an organization, Visual Studio, CSP, or a university program, you won’t be able to create a personal PAYG subscription under that identity. You need a regular personal Microsoft account with valid billing information.

If you are already using a personal Microsoft account and still can’t pick PAYG, then your account likely needs a manual eligibility check. Use the public billing support link (it’s free):

https://aka.ms/AzureBillingSupport

Tell them you cannot create a PAYG subscription and they’ll unlock or correct the account. Once they clear the flag, the PAYG option appears normally.

Hello Jangala Venkata Sai Anvesh, As you can’t choose the Pay‑As‑You‑Go option or you are unable to create a new Pay‑As‑You‑Go subscription might be due to the following reasons.

You are in an MCA/EA billing scope, not MOSP (Pay‑As‑You‑Go): In Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA) or Enterprise Agreement (EA) billing accounts, the “Pay‑As‑You‑Go (MOSP)” creation flow won’t appear. MCA subscriptions are created inside Cost Management + Billing with the right roles, MOSP (Pay‑As‑You‑Go) completes at signup.azure.com

Missing billing permissions (for MCA): To create a subscription under MCA you need Owner/Contributor on the billing account / billing profile / invoice section, or Azure subscription creator on the invoice section. Without this, the “Create subscription” option is hidden/disabled.

References: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cost-management-billing/manage/understand-mca-roles#subscription-billing-roles-and-tasks

Identity or payment verification failed (for MOSP Pay‑As‑You‑Go): The MOSP flow requires phone and card verification. VOIP numbers are not supported, the phone must receive calls/SMS from U.S. numbers. Credit/debit card details and billing address must match bank records. Use InPrivate mode or another browser if the flow loops.

Wrong directory (B2B/B2C) or account type: Subscriptions must be created in your Microsoft Entra tenant, B2B/B2C directories don’t support resource provisioning.

As a workaround, please try below suggested steps as per your situation:

1. You want to be Pay‑As‑You‑Go (MOSP) under an individual billing account:

In Azure portal → Subscriptions → + Create, start the flow, it will complete at https://signup.azure.com (MOSP).

Pass identity verification by phone (non‑VOIP, can receive U.S. SMS/voice, try Call me if SMS fails).

Pass card verification (supported card, address matches, try another browser/InPrivate if needed).

2. You are in an MCA and just need a new subscription (not MOSP): Ask your billing admin to grant you Owner/Contributor on the billing account/profile or Azure subscription creator on the invoice section.

Go to Cost Management + Billing → Billing profiles / Invoice sections → Create subscription.

3. You need to move between billing agreements (EA ↔ MCA ↔ MOSP): Use the product transfer guides (billing ownership transfers) or open a Billing support request if you need to switch offer types.

Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cost-management-billing/manage/subscription-transfer

4. Upgrading a free subscription / removing the spending limit: If resources were disabled or you hit the free credit limit, upgrade to Pay‑As‑You‑Go and/or remove the spending limit.

Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cost-management-billing/manage/upgrade-azure-subscription

So, which billing account type are you in when you try to create the subscription like MOSP (Pay‑As‑You‑Go), MCA, or EA?

You can check in Cost Management + Billing → Billing accounts and also share a screenshot of the Create subscription blade (with the visible Billing account / Billing profile / Invoice section) or the signup.azure.com error banner, so that we can help you to provide exact resolution to your issue.

Thanks,

Suchitra.