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Google Ads Payment Verification: What It Is and How to Complete It

Last checked against Google's documentation. By Muhammed Abdul Kalam. Account at risk

Quick fix

Google ads payment verification means Google wants to confirm your identity or payment method. Select Fix it in the account alert, or Verify now in the email, or go to Admin, Policy, Account. You may need a 6 digit code from a temporary charge, a payment, or documents. Document checks can take up to 5 business days.

  • Open the alert or email and start verification.
  • Find the temporary charge and enter the 6 digit code.
  • If asked, make the payment or upload documents.
  • Check the account again after the review time.

Can't fix it yourself? Send me the details

What this error means

Google sometimes asks you to prove who you are or that you own a payment method, for example after a transaction, unusual activity or a legal requirement. The account may be paused until you do. A pause like this is a check, not a suspension.

Why it happens

1Identity or transaction check

Google may verify identity during a transaction.

How to tell if this is you: An alert says Verify your payment information.

2Unusual activity

Unusual activity or transactions can trigger a check.

How to tell if this is you: The request follows a payment method change or a large charge.

4Not an admin

Only admins can finish the verification challenge.

How to tell if this is you: The Fix it button is missing or fails for you.

How to fix it

Verify with a code

For: Identity or transaction check, Unusual activity

  1. Go to Admin, Policy, then Account.
  2. Find the temporary charge from Google and take the last 6 digits as the code.
  3. Enter the code and select Submit code.

Make the requested payment

For: Unusual activity

  1. If asked, pay with your payment method to unpause the account.
  2. Remember bank transfers take longer than cards.

Upload documents correctly

For: Legal or regulatory reasons

  1. Use the same full name on every document.
  2. Make sure documents are current and legible.
  3. Upload a colour image that shows all 4 corners, without blur or glare.

Use an admin login

For: Not an admin

  1. Ask an admin on the account to complete the verification.

How long it takes

Google says verification can take up to 5 business days after you submit documents. Verification code charges are temporary and refunded within 30 days.

How to stop it happening again

  • Keep payment and name details consistent across your Payments profile and documents.
  • Keep an admin user on the account who can answer verification requests.
  • Check alerts and the verification email address regularly.

From my desk

Details that do not match the documents are where it often goes wrong, such as name, address or tax details differing from the payment profile. I read the document requirement in the account and compare it line by line before anything is uploaded. If stuck, Google's own payments support is the route.

Muhammed Abdul Kalam

When to get help

  • You've worked through the checks and the status still isn't changing.
  • The account has many campaigns and ad groups and you cannot tell which change caused the problem.
  • Results are suffering during a launch or sale and every day costs real money.

Stuck on this? Send me the details.Tell me what the platform shows and what you've tried so far.

Send me the details

FAQs

Why is Google asking me to verify my payment information?

To check your identity for a transaction, after unusual activity, or for legal or regulatory reasons.

Is my account suspended?

A temporary pause for payment confirmation is not a suspension.

What is the verification code?

The last 6 digits of a temporary charge from Google in your transaction history.

How long does verification take?

Up to 5 business days after you submit documents.

Who can complete it?

Only account admins can complete the challenge that unpauses the account.

Related fixes

Sources

Google