Forum Discussion
M365 Copilot Agents – Credit Consumption Clarification
Scenario 1: Why is a licensed user being charged?
Even if you have an M365 Copilot license, the "meter" starts running if you step outside the Microsoft 365 boundary.
Credits are consumed when:
Wrong Channel: You are using the agent on a public website or a custom app. (The "Free Ride" only works inside Teams, SharePoint, or M365 Chat).
Hidden Identity: Your agent is set to "No Authentication." If you don't sign in, the agent can't see your license badge and will charge you like a guest.
The Robot is Driving: The agent is running autonomously (background automation). If a human didn't start the chat, there is no license to cover it.
Scenario 2: Sharing with unlicensed users
The Answer is Yes: Unlicensed users always consume credits.
Licenses aren't shared: Your license covers you, not the person you send the agent to.
The Meter: Every time an unlicensed person chats with your agent, it pulls from your company's Copilot Credit Capacity Pack.
Simple rule of thumb
M365 Copilot-licensed user, authenticated, internal channel → no Copilot Studio credits (fair use applies)
Unlicensed user, external channel, or autonomous trigger → consumes Copilot Studio credits.
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Rajesh G
Senior Associate Analyst
Hi,
Very clear the information you shared.
On top of the clarification above, can you please clarify how the credits consumption occurs?
Scenario 1:
The prepaid copilot studio license was subscribed last april, 15 in a monthly subscription and only for 1 month to test it. The 25,000 credits are valid until the end of april or the reset will happen in the 14th of may?
Scenario 2:
The prepaid copilot studio license was subscribed last april, 15 in a annual subscription. Which date will be considered for the reset of credits?
Thank you
Best regards,
Célia Rodrigues
