Major Update: Google Ads to Stop Accepting Credit and Debit Cards

Attention all advertisers, agencies, and business owners! Google Ads is implementing a significant change that will impact how you manage your ad spends. Effective soon, Google Ads will no longer accept credit or debit cards as valid forms of payment. This shift is set to affect numerous businesses, particularly those leveraging their ad spend to accumulate credit card rewards like airline miles.

What’s Changing?

Google Ads is transitioning to bank-based payment methods exclusively. Accepted forms of payment will now include:

• ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers
• Wire transfers
• Monthly Invoicing

For those who prefer to use credit cards, the only remaining option will be Google’s Monthly Invoicing system, which you must apply for and qualify to use. This method will allow you to continue enjoying the benefits of your credit card, but only through a structured invoicing process.

Key Dates

You need to complete this billing change by July 31, 2024. If you fail to update your payment method by this deadline, your Google Ads account will be subject to suspension. Google has emphasized that there are no exceptions to this requirement.

Impact on Agencies and Business Owners

This change is significant, especially for agencies and business owners who have relied on credit card spends for various perks. Here are some of the key impacts:

1. Loss of Credit Card Rewards: Many businesses use their Google Ads spend to earn airline miles and other credit card rewards. This change means those benefits could be harder to come by unless you qualify for and use the Monthly Invoicing system.

2. Adjustment in Budgeting: Switching to ACH or wire transfers could require changes in how you manage your advertising budget. Bank-based payments often require more stringent cash flow management compared to the flexibility of credit cards.

3. Qualification for Monthly Invoicing: Not all businesses may qualify for Google’s Monthly Invoicing system. This could limit the ability to use credit cards for those who don’t meet Google’s criteria.

Next Steps

To ensure your advertising efforts continue uninterrupted, take the following steps:

1. Review Your Current Payment Method: Check if your current payment method is among those being phased out.
2. Explore New Payment Options: Consider setting up ACH or wire transfers, or apply for the Monthly Invoicing system if you want to continue using a credit card.
3. Apply for Monthly Invoicing: If you decide to go this route, start the application process early to ensure you meet the deadline.
4. Adjust Your Budgeting Strategy: Plan for any changes in cash flow management that this transition might necessitate.

Conclusion

This move by Google Ads is set to shake up the advertising industry, impacting how businesses manage their ad budgets and rewards. It’s crucial to stay informed and take proactive steps to adapt to this change. While the shift might be challenging, it also offers an opportunity to reassess and optimize your payment and budgeting strategies.

What are your thoughts on this change? How will it affect your advertising strategy? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below.