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Clarification needed: Applying Start-up Credits to Anthropic Claude Global Standard

aditya-vishwakarma 20 Reputation points
2025-11-22T17:02:13.5933333+00:00

Hello,

I need definitive confirmation on whether Azure Start-up credits (Microsoft for Startups) can be applied to Anthropic Claude Global Standard usage.

I am seeing conflicting indicators regarding how this is billed:

  1. The Case for "Separate Billing" (Marketplace)

On the Azure platform, the model card explicitly places the Claude Sonnet model in the "Models from Partners and Community" section.

This section cites Anthropic’s family of models as the primary example.

Typically, this category indicates a Third-Party / Azure Marketplace offer. In most cases, Marketplace offers require 100% direct billing (e.g., to a credit card) and cannot be paid for using standard Azure credits.

  1. The Case for "Integrated Billing" (MACC)

However, the Anthropic website states that Claude is eligible for the Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC).

It specifically says the service works with "current Azure agreements and billing." It claims this eliminates the need for separate vendor approvals.

My Question:

Does the "Partner" categorization override the "Integrated Billing" claim for Start-up credits? Specifically, will my usage deduct from my active Start-up credit balance, or will it trigger a direct charge to my credit card as a Marketplace purchase?

Azure | Azure Startups
Azure | Azure Startups
Startups: Companies that are in their initial stages of business and typically developing a business model and seeking financing.
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  1. Adharsh Santhanam 7,870 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-11-24T06:20:02.07+00:00

    Hello aditya-vishwakarma, the short answer to your question is your usage of Anthropic models will trigger a direct billing on your credit card/invoice and cannot be paid with through your Sponsorship credits. Do not get confused with MACC which is applicable mainly to EA contracts with Azure spend commitments and these commitments can be consumed via purchased of Co-sell incentivized offers on the marketplace. So, with reference to your question, both the sections "Marketplace" and "MACC" are true and correct but for your specific purchase, only the section "Marketplace" is relevant and hence you'll be charged for the usage and this cannot be offset via the Azure credits.

    Please do not forget to "Accept the answer” and “up-vote” wherever the information provided helps you, this can be beneficial to other community members.

    2 people found this answer helpful.

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