When you sign up for Google Ads and set up billing or change the primary payment method of your account, we may need to verify your identity and ownership of the payment method that you used. We might also ask you to verify your card when you make a one-time payment.
In this article
About verification
Why we might ask you to verify
- To verify that your info is correct when you access specific content.
- To verify your identity when you complete a transaction with Google.
- If we find unusual activity or transactions.
- We need more info for legal or regulatory reasons.
What info you may be asked to provide
To complete verification, you may be asked to verify each payment method. To do so, you can request a verification code.
You may also be asked to provide the following information:
- Legal name
- The name used on your Payments profile
- Address
- Date of birth
- An image of your government ID
- An image of your payment method
How we use your info
Google uses the info you provide to:
- Verify your identity or payment method.
- Protect against fraud and abuse.
- Improve verification services for Google products.
How to complete verification
If you need to verify your payment information during sign-up, you'll get a message after you enter your billing information. We'll also send an email to the email address you provided when you signed up and relevant admins if the account is part of a Manager account. The email comes from [email protected] with 'Verify your payment method' in the subject line.
You can verify your identity and payment method using either the link in the account alerts section or in the email. Follow the instructions to upload a photo or copy of the requested documents.
- Verify via red banner alert or account notification: Click the Fix it button in the 'Verify your payment information' alert.
- Verify by email: Click Verify now in the email and sign in using the email you provided when you signed up, for example, [email protected].
If you need to verify your payment information after trying to set up a new card as your primary payment method, click Verify now in the error message on the bottom of the screen.
Verification code
- Click Get code.
- Go to your payment method issuer’s website and sign in to your account.
- In your transaction history, find a temporary charge of less than $1.95 USD called 'GOOGLE'. The verification code is the last 6 digits.
- The amount of the temporary charge varies by the type of currency.
- You should get the code right away, but it can take up to seven days.
- The charge or hold on your account is temporary. Charges are refunded within 30 days.
- Return to your Ads account.
- Enter the six-digit code.
- Click Verify.
Upload documents
To find a list of accepted documents and instructions, use the link in the verification request.
Make sure your documents:
- Use the same full name in all documents that you submit
- Are updated and not expired
- Are legible
Make sure that the image that you upload:
- Is an image of a document and nothing else
- Is in colour, not black and white
- Doesn’t have blur, glare or dim light
- Shows all four corners of the full document
After you submit your documents, verification may take a few days.
Fix issues with verification
Fix issues with verification codes
If you’re asked to verify your payment method, you may be able to complete verification with a temporary hold or charge on your card transaction history or statement. Learn more about how to Fix issues with payment method verification codes.
Fix issues with document verification
To resolve issues with document verification:
- If you receive an email or get an error message: Follow the instructions in the message.
- If you need help from our payments team to help resolve the issue: We’ll contact you after we review your info.
Failed verification
If your verification was not approved, you'll receive an email shortly after the decision. To appeal the decision, follow the instructions in the email. You can also try signing up using a different payment method.
