If your Google Ads account has been suspended repeatedly, despite having verified payment methods and no financial issues, it can be extremely frustrating, especially if you rely on advertising for your business. Here’s a breakdown of potential causes for the suspension, steps you can take to resolve the issue, and advice on how to prevent similar problems in the future.
Why Does This Happen?
Google Ads has a strict set of policies in place to ensure the platform is safe and reliable for both advertisers and users. However, sometimes even verified payment methods and correct account details can lead to suspension due to other underlying issues. Let’s look at some potential causes for this problem:
1. Suspicious Activity Detection
Google Ads may suspend accounts due to suspicious activity, even if there are no financial issues on your end. This can include things like:
- Unusual login locations or behavior: If there are any signs of someone logging into your account from a different location or IP address, Google might suspend your account as a precaution.
- Multiple accounts linked to the same payment method: If you’ve set up multiple accounts under the same payment information, Google might flag this as a potential violation of their policies.
- Payment disputes or chargebacks: Even if your card is verified, Google may suspend your account if there’s any history of payment disputes or chargebacks associated with your account or payment method.
2. Payment Method Issues
Sometimes, even with verified payments, Google Ads might suspend accounts due to issues with how payments are processed:
- Incorrect billing information: If the billing address or other details on your payment method don’t match your Google Ads account, it can trigger a suspension.
- Payment failures: If there are any issues with the payment processor (e.g., Revolut, PayPal, etc.), payments may not go through correctly, causing a suspension.
3. Policy Violations
Despite your best efforts, Google Ads may still suspend your account if there is a policy violation that’s preventing ads from running. Common issues that can lead to suspension include:
- Ad content violations: If your ads violate Google Ads’ content policies (e.g., misleading ads, restricted products, etc.), this could trigger a suspension.
- Landing page issues: Ads that link to landing pages with poor user experience or misleading content could also cause suspensions.
4. System Glitches
Sometimes, technical issues within Google Ads can cause an account to be incorrectly flagged for suspension, even if all the payment and account details are accurate. These glitches may not be immediately resolved, and repeated attempts to submit campaigns can keep triggering the suspension.
Steps to Resolve the Issue
To lift the suspension and get your Google Ads account running again, follow these steps:
1. Check for Policy Violations
Before contacting Google support, make sure that your account is compliant with all Google Ads Policies. Review the following:
- Ad Content: Make sure your ads comply with the Advertising Policies, including content restrictions, prohibited products, and services.
- Landing Page: Ensure that your landing page is clear, functional, and complies with Google’s landing page policies.
- Business Information: Double-check that your business information is accurate and matches what’s on your billing and payment method.
2. Review Your Payment Methods
Since your payment methods and cards are verified, confirm the following:
- Billing Information: Ensure the billing address and information entered in your Google Ads account match exactly what is on your payment method (i.e., the name and address associated with the credit card or bank account).
- Payment History: If there have been any past payment issues (such as missed payments or chargebacks), make sure these have been resolved with the payment provider.
3. Appeal the Suspension
If everything seems correct, you should appeal the suspension:
- Log into Google Ads: Navigate to your Google Ads account and look for the Suspension Notification.
- Submit an Appeal: There should be an option to submit an appeal directly from the suspension message. Be sure to provide all relevant details, such as:
- That you’ve verified all payment methods.
- You’ve ensured compliance with Google Ads policies.
- Explain your business’s need for the ads to be activated and that the suspension is preventing you from running your campaigns.
- If possible, include any specific error messages or screenshots that might help Google support better understand your issue.
4. Contact Google Ads Support
If you’ve already submitted an appeal and have not received a response, you may need to escalate the issue by contacting Google Ads support directly. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Google Ads Help Center: Navigate to the Help section and look for contact options.
- Use the Contact Form: Fill out the form with a detailed explanation of the issue, and ask for help in lifting the suspension.
- Call or Chat with Support: Google Ads often offers direct support via chat or phone, where you can speak to an agent and get further assistance in resolving the issue.
How to Prevent Future Suspensions
To avoid this happening again in the future, consider the following steps:
1. Stay Compliant with Policies
Always make sure that your ads comply with Google Ads’ strict policies. Regularly review the Google Ads Help Center for updates on policy changes and guidelines.
2. Double-Check Payment Information
Before submitting new ads or making any changes, ensure that your payment method is up-to-date and properly linked to your account. Avoid using multiple accounts with the same payment method if possible.
3. Monitor Your Account Regularly
Keep an eye on your Google Ads account for any unusual activity. This includes checking for any error messages or suspension notifications. Respond to any issues as soon as they arise to avoid further delays.
4. Stay Transparent with Google Ads Support
If you believe there has been a system error, reach out to Google Ads support immediately to clarify the situation. Provide as much detail as possible to help resolve the issue quickly.
Conclusion
If your Google Ads account is repeatedly suspended despite having verified payment information and complying with the policies, the problem could be related to suspicious activity, billing discrepancies, or a technical issue. Take the time to review your payment methods, policies, and account details, and appeal the suspension directly through Google Ads support.
By following the outlined steps and maintaining compliance with Google’s guidelines, you can work towards lifting the suspension and resume running your ads. Your campaigns are important, and resolving this issue as soon as possible will ensure you can continue reaching your audience.