If your Google Ads account has been suspended because Google is trying to verify a payment card that you no longer have, this can be frustrating. Payment verification issues often occur when there is an outdated payment method associated with your Google Ads account, such as a canceled or expired credit card. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to resolve this issue and reactivate your account.
Step 1: Understand the Suspension Reason
Google Ads may suspend an account for a variety of reasons, including issues related to payment methods, such as:
- Outdated Credit Cards: The payment card associated with your account has expired or is no longer valid.
- Card Verification: Google Ads may need to verify your payment method before continuing with ads. If the card is unavailable, verification cannot be completed, leading to suspension.
- Payment Declines: If Google Ads attempted to charge the payment card and it was declined (for example, due to insufficient funds or a canceled card), it could also result in suspension.
To resolve the issue, you’ll need to update your payment information and reestablish an active, valid payment method.
Step 2: Sign In to Google Ads and Review the Suspension Notice
Start by signing into your Google Ads account to understand the specific reason for the suspension:
- Sign In to Google Ads: Go to Google Ads and log in with your credentials.
- Navigate to Account Issues: Once logged in, check for any notifications or alerts related to account suspension. Look for the specific message related to payment verification or issues with the outdated card.
- Check Payment History: Go to the “Billing & Payments” section to see if there were any failed payment attempts or billing issues.
You may also receive an email from Google explaining the suspension and requesting verification of your payment method.
Step 3: Update Your Payment Information
To resolve the suspension, you need to update your payment method in Google Ads with a valid, active card or payment option. Here’s how:
- Go to Billing Settings:
- In your Google Ads account, click on the Tools & Settings icon (wrench icon) in the upper-right corner.
- Under the Billing section, select “Billing Settings” or “Payment Methods.”
- Remove the Outdated Card:
- In the Payment Methods section, look for the old or expired card that Google Ads is trying to verify. If the card is no longer available, you can remove it from your account.
- Click on “Remove” next to the outdated payment method.
- Add a New Payment Method:
- Click on “Add Payment Method” to add a new card or other payment method.
- Enter the details for the new card or payment method (credit card, debit card, bank account, or other accepted methods in your region).
- Make sure the payment method is valid, active, and has sufficient funds or credit available.
- Set the New Card as Primary:
- After adding your new payment method, set it as your primary payment method to ensure that Google Ads uses it for future charges.
- Save Changes: After updating your payment method, save the changes in your billing settings.
Step 4: Request a Review of Your Account
Once you’ve updated your payment method, you can request a review of your suspended account. Google Ads may need to reverify your payment information before lifting the suspension. Here’s how to proceed:
- Go to Account Issues:
- In your Google Ads account, go to the Account Issues section under “Billing & Payments.”
- Request Account Review:
- There will typically be an option to request a review or reactivate your account after resolving the payment issue.
- Click on the option to request the review and follow the instructions provided by Google Ads.
- Wait for Google’s Response:
- After requesting the review, Google will process the changes and verify your new payment method. The review process can take several business days, but you should receive an email or notification confirming the suspension has been lifted.
Step 5: Ensure Future Payments Are Successful
To prevent similar issues in the future, take the following steps:
- Keep Payment Methods Updated: Regularly check your payment methods in Google Ads to ensure that they are up-to-date and have sufficient funds or credit.
- Set Up Notifications: Enable email notifications for billing issues or payment declines to ensure you’re alerted immediately if there’s an issue with your payment method.
- Monitor Account for Suspensions: Regularly check your Google Ads account for any alerts or issues to prevent unexpected suspensions.
Step 6: Contact Google Ads Support (If Needed)
If you’ve updated your payment method and requested a review, but your account is still suspended, you can contact Google Ads Support for further assistance:
- Visit the Google Ads Help Center: Go to the Google Ads Help Center to find detailed information about payment issues and suspensions.
- Contact Support: If the issue persists, use the Live Chat feature, Email, or request a phone call from a Google Ads representative to resolve the issue.
Provide all relevant details when contacting support, including the payment method you added and the steps you’ve taken to address the issue. The support team can offer more specific guidance and assist in reinstating your account if necessary.
Step 7: Prevent Future Suspensions
To avoid future suspensions related to payment issues:
- Use a Valid Payment Method: Always ensure that your payment method is active, and that there are no issues with the card or bank account associated with your Google Ads account.
- Update Billing Information Regularly: If your card expires or you switch to a new payment method, update your billing information in Google Ads immediately to prevent payment issues.
- Monitor Ads and Payments: Keep an eye on your account’s payment history and ads to catch any potential problems early.
Conclusion
A Google Ads account suspension due to a payment method verification issue can be resolved by updating your payment information with a valid, active payment method. Once you’ve updated your details, request a review of your account and monitor your payment history to avoid similar problems in the future. If necessary, contact Google Ads support for further assistance in resolving the suspension. With the right steps, your account can be reactivated, allowing you to resume your ads without further issues.