How Google Ads Billing Works
Although detailed payment instructions can be found in the Google Ads Help Center, we’ve simplified the explanation here for clarity. From the moment you create a Google Ads campaign and it starts generating clicks or video views, your campaign will begin accruing charges. You’ll be billed as long as your campaign is active and receiving interactions. If you decide to pause your campaign, you’ll only be charged for the amount spent up to that point. Should you reactivate your campaign later, your clicks and activities will resume. Google Ads offers flexibility, allowing you to plan your advertising budget based on your business needs. Learn more: Which Businesses Should Use Google Ads?
How to Customize Google Ads Billing Options Based on Your Budget
Many advertisers already know how to create a campaign in Google Ads (Learn more: How to Set Up a Google Ads Campaign). To adjust billing options, follow these simple steps via the Tools and Settings menu in your Google Ads Dashboard, then go to “Settings” under the billing section:
- Sign in to your Google Ads account and navigate to the “Billing” section. If paying by credit card, you must add your card details beforehand.
- Select your preferred Google Ads payment method.
- Click on “Payment Profile” and choose the option to add a new payment method (Admin access required).
- Select your desired payment option.
- Fill in your payment details accurately.
- Complete additional verification from your card provider or bank.
- Google Ads may take a short time to verify your bank account information.
Types of Payment for Google Ads
Your payment settings in Google Ads determine when and how you are charged for your advertising campaigns. Google Ads offers three primary billing methods:
Automatic Payments
Once your campaign is live, Google Ads automatically charges you. This is the most common setup. Charges are made when your costs reach your payment threshold.
Manual Payments
With manual payments, you must prepay for your ads before they run. Your campaign draws from this prepaid balance, and once it runs out, your ads will stop automatically until you top up again.
Available Payment Methods for Google Ads
Google Ads is a powerful digital marketing tool offering various campaign types. It provides several convenient payment methods for advertisers, including:
- Credit and debit cards (including Visa or MasterCard debit cards). These can be used for both automatic and manual payments. Linking your card is required.
- TrueMoney is available exclusively in Thailand as an e-wallet option. With TrueMoney, you must top up your balance in advance, as automatic payments are not supported.
Tips for Managing Your Google Ads Budget Effectively
Set a Daily Budget
Align your daily budget with your advertising goals to ensure your ads run consistently without overspending. In the Google Ads campaign settings, navigate to the “Budget” section to allocate your daily spending limit.
Adjust Your Budget Based on Performance
Regularly review your ad performance to ensure maximum ROI. Analyze key metrics like clicks, impressions, and conversions, and adjust your budget accordingly to optimize performance and campaign ROI.
Track Your Ad Spend
Monitor your advertising spend regularly to avoid exceeding your budget. This practice helps prevent unexpected costs and enables more informed financial decisions regarding your campaigns.