Time to Check Out! The Best Google Ads Payment Methods

Last Updated on: 20th June 2024, 03:34 pm

What works for one company won’t work for another, and nowhere is that clear as it is with Google Ads payment methods. So, as you get to work organising your account and setting everything up, don’t forget about this last piece of (crucial) admin.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the Google Ads payment methods that have worked best for my clients.

Let’s take a look!

The Difference Between Google Ads Payment Methods

Firstly, be aware that your available Google Ads payment methods will depend on the country you’re advertising out of. For example, the United Kingdom can also use PayPal to pay for Google Ads. However, Sweden can only use credit cards.

Before I dive into the specifics, make sure you check the available Google Ads payment methods for your country on this page.

Similarly, your account may not yet be eligible to use all the proffered methods until verified. 

Finally, your currency is also a factor. Suppose you want to pay with USD while advertising out of the UK. In that case, you’ll only be able to use the credit card payment option. You can check this with the Payment Options tool:

With that said, let’s get into what I think are the best methods, with pros and cons for each!

The Main Google Ads Payment Methods

1. The Pros and Cons of the Credit Card Google AdWords Payment Method

One of the most popular payment methods for Google Ads is using a credit card. Not only is this the most widespread method, but it also provides you with instant access to Google Ads services, so you can get your campaigns up and running quickly. 

Depending on your credit card provider, you might also be able to use your reward programme for cashback or perks on your advertising spend. 

Finally, credit cards have robust protection measures if something goes bump in the advertising account.

The problem with credit cards as a Google AdWords payment method is the fact that you’ll need to budget carefully if you want to stay below your limits. It’s easy to exceed the limit if you’re not careful, and depending on your provider, this could increase your interest fees.

So, when using what’s definitely the best payment method, set clear budget limits and monitor your ad spend to avoid any surprises on your monthly statements.

2. The Pros and Cons of Paying for Google Ads with a Debit Card

If you’re worried about exceeding the limits, using a debit card (Visa or MasterCard) instead of a credit card is a good Google Ads payment method. With a debit card, you’re only using the money you have in your account, so you maintain better control over your spend and don’t run the risk of incurring interest charges. 

This is an excellent option for any bigger and small businesses that want to ensure they don’t exceed their budget limits. 

However, the problem happens if your account runs out of money at the end of the billing cycle. You may have had to pay more for suppliers, or an invoice is late. Either way, your campaign will be paused due to failed transactions.

My favourite tip to clients with a high turnover is to keep a close eye on their monthly Google Ads campaign budgets and leave the predicted sum in their accounts, so Google Ads can always charge you on time. 

3. Should You Use the Direct Debit and Bank Account Google Ads Payment Method?

Similarly to the debit card option, the direct debit Google Ads payment method allows Google Ads to transfer funds directly from your bank account to your Google Ads account (not disbursement accounts like Payoneer). 

Mind you, that doesn’t mean they’ll send you an invoice, and you have 90 days to pay for it.

Since it’s a direct debit, the money will be automatically collected from your account. You’ll be billed 30 days after your last payment or when your costs reach the billing threshold.

One of the key benefits of using bank transfers to pay for Google Ads is being able to clearly see your expenses. You can track your ad spend accurately. Plus, bank transfers usually come with lower transaction fees.

The con of using direct debit, i.e., bank account payments to Google Ads, is the processing time. Card payments happen almost instantaneously. However, bank account transfers take a while to go through, so make sure your campaigns aren’t delayed. 

Additionally, since June 2024, Google Ads has been pushing bank payments as the new preferred method.

4. PayPal Payment Option for Google AdWords

Honestly, I don’t see a reason to use PayPal payments at the current level of Google Ads security and the widespread usage of online banking. Still, Google Ads offers this method, and if you’re concerned about the security of your funds, you might want to try it.

By selecting the PayPal payment option, you can take advantage of PayPal’s buyer protection policies. It can be convenient, too. Just link your PayPal account to your Google Ads account and make payments without the need to enter your payment details for each transaction.

The problem is that PayPal charges transaction fees for receiving and sending funds. They vary depending on the country and the currency, so make sure you calculate the fees in advance so your Google Ads costs don’t exceed your planned budget.

What’s the Best Google AdWords Payment Method?

As a Google Ads consultant, I recommend using a credit card for Google Ads for protection and streamlined completion. We tend to avoid PayPal because of the additional fees. 

How to Set up Your Preferred Google Ads Payment Method

Once you’ve made a decision, it’s time to set things up!

• Sign in to your Google Ads dashboard and navigate to the “Billing” section (the same place you typically add Google Ads credits).

• Click on “Payments methods” and select the option to add a new payment method. (You’ll need to be an Administrator.)
• Choose your preferred payment option.
• Enter your payment details.
• Go through any additional verification from your card/banking provider. 

And done! In some cases, it may take a while for Google Ads to verify your bank account information, but it’s usually relatively straightforward once you set everything up.

Payment Method Settled – Next Step, Launching Your Campaign!

Once you’ve set everything up to your liking, welcome to the Google Ads world! 

Remember to set a clear budget and monitor your ad spend regularly. I’ve written multiple guides on the best bidding methods and calculating your budget before you start to help you run a profitable campaign.

After all, setting the admin up is only the first step. Next comes attracting the right customers and making your Google Ads campaign a roaring success!

If you need assistance, get your copy of my best-selling Google Ads book to launch a lucrative campaign in 7 rapid steps. Or contact me for a personalised consultation!