Microsoft’s decision to retire AI Builder credits and move to the new “Messages” framework is a significant shift for organisations using Power Platform tools. Here’s what you need to know and how our expertise can help you turn this change into an opportunity.

What’s Changing?

If your business uses Microsoft Power Platform to automate tasks or gain insights through artificial intelligence (AI), there’s an important update you need to know about. Microsoft is phasing out “AI Builder credits” – the tokens that have powered low-code AI features in tools like Power Apps and Power Automate.

From 1st November 2025, organisations won’t be able to buy new AI Builder credits, and existing ones will be gradually replaced by a new system called “Messages”. If you don’t make the switch, your automated processes could grind to a halt.

Why Is This Happening?

AI services aren’t free to run, and Microsoft is updating how businesses pay for and use these features. The new Messages framework is designed to be simpler, more flexible, and better aligned with how modern AI services (like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot) operate. Think of it as moving from buying fuel for your car to using an electric charging subscription: it’s a new way to power your journeys, but you need to be plugged in to keep moving.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’ve built automations or apps that rely on AI Builder credits, you’ll need to migrate these to the new Messages system. Otherwise, when your credits run out or your subscription expires, your automations could stop working overnight.

For example, imagine you rely on ChatGPT to automatically answer customer emails, but suddenly your account runs out of tokens: no more replies until you top up. The same principle applies here, but with the Power Platform and your business processes.

Not sure if you’re affected? You’re not alone. Many organisations aren’t clear where AI Builder credits are in use. That’s where we can help; there’s help available to audit your usage and guide you through the switch.

Recommended Actions: What Should You Do?

1. Check Your Usage:

Review your apps and flows, or ask your IT team for a quick audit to see where AI Builder credits are in play.

2. Assess the Impact:

Identify which business processes depend on these credits—think finance automations, order processing, or customer service.

3. Plan Your Migration:

Work with your Microsoft partner or internal team to move from credits to Messages. Choose the payment model that fits—monthly bundles, pay-as-you-go, or leveraging Copilot licences.

4. Optimise and Review:

Take this opportunity to review your automations. Are they efficient? Could you benefit from more advanced AI with Azure services? Many businesses discover cost savings or new capabilities during this process.

5. Keep an Eye on Costs:

Messages make forecasting easier, but regular reviews are still important to avoid surprises.

Relatable Examples

ChatGPT for Emails: Imagine you use ChatGPT to automatically reply to customer questions. If your tokens run out, the automation stops until you buy more. The same thing can happen with Power Platform AI if you don’t migrate from credits to Messages.

Shadow IT Risk: Some teams set up their own automations without telling IT (known as shadow IT). These could be powered by AI Builder credits—if they’re not migrated, key business functions could break unexpectedly.

Invoice Processing: A finance department relies on an automated process to read invoices and enter details into systems. If those automations use AI Builder credits, they’ll need to move to Messages or risk manual work coming back with a vengeance Frequently Asked Questions – Plain English Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s actually changing?
Microsoft is stopping sales of AI Builder credits. You’ll need to use Messages to keep your low-code AI features running.

Do I need to do anything?
Yes. If you use AI Builder credits, you must migrate your automations to Messages to avoid disruption.

Will this affect my live solutions?
If you migrate in time, there should be no impact. If you don’t, automations could stop working when credits run out.

Can I keep using credits for now?
Only until your current subscription ends. After that, you’ll need to move to Messages.

How do I avoid unexpected costs?
Regular reviews and using the right payment model will help you control costs.

What happens if I do nothing?
Eventually, your AI flows and apps will stop working. It’s best to act early and avoid any business disruption.

How BCN Can Help

Adapting to Microsoft’s changes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. BCN can help. We are a leading Microsoft Parter combining our top technical expertise with a people-first approach to make your transition from AI Builder credits to Messages as smooth as possible.

We begin by listening, understanding how your business uses automation and where AI Builder credits are embedded in your processes. Our experience means we can quickly spot hidden risks and dependencies, even in complex or fast-moving environments. We’ll work closely with you to map out your current usage, assess the impact of the

With BCN, you’re not just responding to change, you’re turning it into an opportunity to strengthen your business, empower your people, and stay ahead of the curve. If you’re unsure where to start, contact us today, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.