Forum Discussion

Parth49's avatar
Parth49
Copper Contributor
Apr 22, 2026

M365 Copilot Agents – Credit Consumption Clarification

Scenario 1:

User with M365 Copilot license creates an agent inside M365 Copilot app and uses it himself. However, it still consumes Copilot credits from the Copilot capacity pack in Power Platform.

 

When does this happen?

Which actions trigger credit usage?

As per the documentation, this should not consume credits:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio/requirements-messages-management#copilot-credits-billing-rates

 

Scenario 2:

User with M365 Copilot license creates an agent inside M365 Copilot app and shares it with a user who does not have a Copilot license.

 

Will all interactions from the unlicensed user consume credits?

 

Trying to clearly understand the boundary between included usage vs metered (credit-based) usage.

microsoft 365 copilot

1 Reply

  • Rajesh_Gurusamy's avatar
    Rajesh_Gurusamy
    Copper Contributor
    Apr 24, 2026

    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.

     

    Did this help? If so, please Mark as Solution and give it a Like! This helps others in the community find the answer more easily.

    Rajesh G

    Senior Associate Analyst