Microsoft launches Surface Plus program with financing and regular upgrades

By Dan Thorp-Lancaster
last updated

Microsoft is aiming to make owning and upgrading to the latest Surface devices a little easier with its latest program.

Microsoft has launched Surface Plus, a new program designed to make buying and supporting a Surface device more affordable. The program is available in two flavors, a standard option focused students and general customers, and another focused on businesses.

The standard Surface Plus program is subject to credit approval, but includes monthly payment options, device upgrades every 18 months, and dedicated support. Here's a look at the benefits, from Microsoft:

  • Low monthly payments: Customers can purchase a Surface device with an easy, 24-month payment plan at 0% APR.
  • Device upgrades: Customers can upgrade to the latest Surface after just 18 months.
  • Dedicated Service & Support: Surface Plus offers best in class service and support from Microsoft Stores. Customers also have the option to add the Microsoft Complete extended service plan.
  • Microsoft Store benefits: All customers who shop at Microsoft Store enjoy access to benefits like a 30-day hassle free return policy, a Surface training and health check as well as a year of free in-store support and technical assistance.

With Surface Plus for Business, Microsoft is going after small and medium-sized businesses that are currently enrolled in the Surface Membership program. Its benefits include the following:

  • Multiple Surface models: Customers can add as many devices as they want into a single agreement and can have a mix of models across the Surface portfolio.
  • The latest devices: Previously unavailable, customers can now finance a 55" Surface Hub in addition to the new Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, Surface Book, and Surface Studio to unlock the power of the group in their businesses.
  • Office 365 for Business: For an additional $8.25 per user per month, businesses can enjoy the ultimate productivity experience on Surface.
  • Flexible Terms: Businesses can choose flexible 18, 24, or 30 month periods, with the ability to upgrade devices after just 12 months on a 24-month term (after 18 months on the 30-month term). Businesses can also expand or reduce their device fleet mid-term.
  • Device Protection: Surface Plus for Business offers peace of mind with the Microsoft Complete for Business extended service plan with accidental damage protection.

With built-in financing and upgrade paths for individuals, Surface Plus is reminiscent of how phone carriers handle their various payment options with built-in upgrades of their own. While not for everyone, the option to finance over time may make Surface devices attractive to some who might otherwise skip them over due to cost.

Surface Plus is launching exclusively today in the U.S. at physical Microsoft Stores and online.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster
Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. 

18 Comments
  • Bring it to the UK soon and I'll probably be the first to take advantage, unless we end up leasing from elsewhere. Can't beat a bit of standardised hardrware and software in a business environment. 
  • I wish i could use this in my country. but here we can't use international accounts. :( yep, no master card. i want some surface devvices ^0^T_T
  • Sorry :( what country is that anyway?
  • This stuff always works out more expensive in the long run, but it's so much easier to pay 50 bucks a week (example) for eighteen months than it is to pay 3k all at once (I'm all for this system in other words). Places in Australia already have this through places like Radio Rentals or InRent, but I don't think they offer Surface products, I've never checked, although long interest free periods effectively do the same thing just without the upgrade.
  • "24-month payment plan at 0% APR".  It seems like this actually won't be more expensive in the long run with no interest.
  • Ha, read the full terms:  "19.99% APR after 24 months."  Make sure you pay it off within 2 years!  
  • If you're doing the 18 month upgrade, that wouldn't be an issue. Of course, you'd never get it paid off either.
  • I'm waiting to hear about the catch.  0% APR? 
  • The catch is that you will be hit with 19.99% if you don't pay it off after 2 years. So, if you are responsible and pay everything off, there is no catch.
  • This is super helpful for me.  My Surface 3 is aging ungracefully.  I'd like to replace it, but finding and justifying $1000 isn't easy when I've got 3 kids in daycare.  I'll definitely look into this option.  
  • It appears the blog jumped the gun on announcement.  All links lead to:   We are sorry, the page you requested cannot be found. The URL may be misspelled or the page you're looking for is no longer available.
  • I'm with you. I have the Surface 3, and even with it's limitations it's still my favorite device I've ever owned. But I desperately would like to upgrade to the new SURFACE PRO.  I would totally take advantage of this   Think if you spend $1,500 on the device and with 24 payments that comes to $62.50/ month. definately doable situation.  
  • Hey look US only! Surprise surprise.
    god damn it Microsoft.
  • Any word from Microsoft on expanding to other markets that have their stores? (I.e. Canada)
  • Bring it to Nigeria.
  • Just took advantage of this.  I had the money ready to buy a new Surface Pro but kept getting cold feet becasue I didn't want to deplete so much of my play money.  This is a great way to leverage credit.  I can keep my cash earning interest in my own bank, and make small payments for the device.  The risk is that if you are not responsible and dont pay the device off in 2yrs the 19.99%apr is retro, so I believe they charge you for the full amount borrowed, not what is left due.   Also another down side it that it does add another borrower on your credit, just like a credit card.  You have more available credit which can be a positive to lenders, but if you close the credit after 2yrs it can negatively affect your credit.  Im in finance and think this is a really great offer if you are fiscally responsible.  
  • Upgrade every 18 months? How much of a discount do I get? And can I still do it if it is more than 18 months?
  • For those not in the US, you can always make a saving of your own similar to the program's. The result would be the same, without the risk of over paying. However, it is true, that it makes you 100% aware of how much you are spending at once, and you have to pay extra for the Microsoft Complete extended service plan.