adCenter customers often have questions about billing processes, so we'll be blogging more on this topic to make sure you have the info you need.

Let’s start out by defining the topics being discussed today:

• Threshold – similar to a credit limit. When the account’s balance reaches the threshold limit, the credit card on the account is charged.
• Monthly Billing Date – the date that the adCenter account was created (A.K.A. anniversary date). Also sometimes called "billing cycle date". This date cannot be modified.

Microsoft adCenter will charge a credit card at least once a month when there is a balance on the account. When a credit card is charged is based on two factors: when the billing threshold is met and the monthly billing date for the account. Charges appear on a credit card that is associated with an account either once a month on the billing date or when your billing threshold is reached, whichever comes first.

Over time, as you make timely payments, your billing threshold may incrementally increase.

The billing threshold carries over from month to month. If the billing threshold is not met within a specific month, then the account is billed with all current charges on the monthly billing date.

The number of times an account is billed is not predetermined. It will be billed on the monthly billing date or each time the account incurs enough charges to reach the billing threshold. To help minimize charges on a specific credit card, adCenter will not charge a credit card on the monthly billing date if the charges are less than $1.00 or if the account reached its billing threshold within the last 10 days prior to the billing date.

To view your monthly billing date, simply log into adCenter, click the "Accounts & Billing" tab, then select "Billing". If applicable, choose an account number and an activity period, and then click "Go". The billing threshold and monthly billing date are both listed on the left hand side of the page, just above your payment history details and below the account drop down menu.

If you have questions or comments about adCenter billing, please let us know in this forum thread. You can also watch the billing Flash tutorial on the adExcellence web site.