Are you floating in the sea of ad spend without any clue how Google Ads is billing you? It’s the automatic billing plan that’s putting your business budget in a tough spot.
Switching to manual billing for your Google Ads campaign can give you more control over your budget. Instead of automatic deductions, you’ll be able to prepay for ads and decide exactly when and how much to spend.
However, it’s not always easy for all businesses.
In this article, we’ll discuss the eligibility criteria for manual billing and how to change billing to manual for Google Ads campaigns. By the end of this article, you’ll be fully equipped to control budgets for your campaigns.
Who Can Change Google Ads Billing to Manual?
If you’re managing a Google Ads account with a solid billing history, you may qualify for manual billing. Typically, this option is available to businesses with larger ad budgets or those who spend heavily on ads.
You can switch to Google Ads manual payments if your account is in good standing and meets Google’s eligibility criteria. In rare cases, it’s even possible to build a manual billing system from scratch. However, it’s only limited to a few regions, businesses, and industries Google randomly selects.
So, the first step is to check if Google allows you to change the billing system.
How to Check If You Can Switch to Manual Billing
Follow these steps to see if you’re eligible for manual Google Ads billing:
- First, log into your Google Ads account. Head to the dashboard to get started.
- Then, go to the Billing section. You’ll find this under the Tools & Settings tab.
- Choose Settings on the left hand side menu.
- Look for “How you pay” or “How to pay.” This is where your current payment method is displayed.
- Check for the manual billing option. If you see it, you’re eligible!
If you click on How you pay and there’s no option for manual billing, it might be due to insufficient billing history or account standing issues.
Is it Necessary?
Now, switching to manual billing isn’t necessary for every Google Ads user, but it can be beneficial for some.
Think of it like a prepaid plan—you’re putting money in upfront and controlling exactly how much gets spent, unlike automatic payments that are deducted when needed.
Manual billing is ideal for businesses wanting tighter control over their ad budgets. It’s great if you want to decide when and how much to pay, rather than relying on automatic charges.
In case you have a smaller budget or just starting, auto-pay might be more convenient. However, if you have a larger budget and prefer more control, manual billing will be a better fit.
How to Switch to Manual Billing for Eligible Accounts
If you’re eligible for manual billing, follow these steps to make the switch:
- First, log into your Google Ads account. Start on your dashboard.
- After that, go to the Billing section under the Tools & Settings tab.
- Select “Settings” under Billing. This is where your payment methods are listed.
- Look for the “How you pay” option. If manual billing is available, you’ll see it here.
- Then, choose manual billing. Select this option to switch from automatic payments.
- Confirm the switch. Double-check your details to ensure everything is set up correctly.
Once completed, you’ll have full control over when and how much you pay. Make sure to monitor your payments to avoid running out of funds.
Requesting Manual Billing Through a Google Ads Representative
If manual billing isn’t an option in your account, reaching out to a Google Ads representative can help. This method is typically available for high-spending businesses or advertisers managing larger budgets.
To request manual billing, contact Google Ads support via chat, phone, or email. When speaking with your representative, explain your spending needs and why manual billing is a better fit for your business. Be clear about your budget and advertising goals.
Tip: Sometimes options that aren’t visible in your account can be activated by your representative. So, always ask the representative about your account’s potential. You might end up unlocking some premium features this way!
Common Problems When Switching to Manual Billing and Solutions
Switching to manual billing isn’t always smooth. Here are some common issues and how to handle them:
- Manual billing option not available: This often happens with new accounts or those without a strong billing history. In this case, contact Google Ads support. They can review your account and may activate the option if you’re eligible.
- Running out of pre-paid funds mid-campaign: Campaigns stop when funds run out. To solve this issue, you have to set up payment reminders or auto-notifications to ensure you top up before your balance is depleted.
- Payment delays affecting campaign performance: If payments aren’t processed in time, campaigns can pause. That’s why you have to always keep a buffer in your account to avoid interruptions. It will ensure your payments go through smoothly.
Being proactive about monitoring your account will help you avoid these hiccups!
Key Takeaways
- Manual billing offers greater control over ad spend but isn’t available to all accounts immediately.
- Eligibility often depends on billing history and your account’s standing with Google Ads.
- If manual billing isn’t visible, reaching out to a Google Ads rep can help explore options.
- For those who need simplicity, automatic billing remains a convenient and hassle-free option.
Conclusion
In the end, monitor your balance and set reminders to avoid running out of prepaid funds. It’s the best way to stay updated on your billing cycle even if you can’t change it to manual.
For more guidance on optimizing your Google Ads strategy, reach out to Ajala Digital. We help businesses manage Google Ad campaigns without wasting a single penny.
