Add a Payment Method to Google Ads
How to add or update a payment method in Google Ads — plus a backup card so your ads never pause.
Your Google Ads need a valid payment method on file to run. You'd add one to get started, to replace a card that stopped working, or to add a backup so a single declined payment never takes your ads offline. Here's how, with links to Google's official steps.
The short version: In Google Ads, go to Billing → Settings → Payment methods → Add payment method. Only a Payments admin can do it. Adding a backup card too is the best way to keep your ads from ever pausing over a billing hiccup.
Before you start: the right role
Only a Payments admin can add or change a payment method. If you open the billing settings and see "To add, edit, or remove a payment method, contact a Payments admin," your login doesn't have billing access — you'll need to sign in as a Payments admin, or ask whoever manages your account's billing. (More on that in Google Ads Not Running Due to a Payment Issue.)
Add a payment method
Log in to Google Ads
Sign in at ads.google.com.
Open your billing settings
In the left menu, click Billing, then Settings.
Add the payment method
In the Payment methods section, click Add payment method, enter your credit or debit card (or bank account, where available), and save.
Google's official walkthrough: Add a new payment method in Google Ads · About payment methods
Add a backup, too (recommended)
A backup payment method is charged automatically if your primary one fails — so your ads keep running instead of pausing. A few things to know: the backup has to be a credit or debit card (not a bank account), and you can have one backup at a time.
Google's guide: Set up a backup payment method
If your ads already stopped
If your ads paused with a "payment declined" or overdue balance message, start here instead — it walks through finding and fixing the issue:
Running Meta ads too?
Meta (Facebook and Instagram) handles payments separately, in its own account:
Still stuck?
Not sure whether you're a Payments admin, or which card to add? Reach out and we'll point you in the right direction.
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Add a Payment Method to Meta Ads
How to add or update a payment method for your Facebook and Instagram (Meta) ads, with links to Meta's official steps.