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. If you have issues with verification codes, follow the steps below.
Important: The code may not appear in your transactions right away. Wait a couple of days before you troubleshoot.
To resolve an issue immediately, you can:
- Submit documents to verify, if the option is available.
- The upload document method isn't available for YouTube and Google Store purchase verification.
- Use a different form of payment.
To resolve any problems with the verification code, follow the steps for your issue below.
Got an error message when requesting a code
If you get the error message, “Unable to send code,” you can try:
- Add funds to the account and try again.
- Confirm that all the info associated with your card is correct, such as name, address, and CVC. If it’s correct, try to re-add the card.
- Submit documents to verify, if it’s available.
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The upload document method isn't available for YouTube and Google Store purchase verification.
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Tip: If none of those steps work, use a different form of payment
Can’t find a code
If you can’t find the verification code:
- Go to the card statement or transaction history for the card you want to verify.
- Find a temporary hold or charge of $1.95 USD called “GOOGLE.” This amount varies by currency.
- Next to the temporary hold and identifier, there’s a 6 digit verification code. You can find the identifier when you enter the verification code on payments.google.com.
If you can’t find the code and it’s been more than 7 days since you requested it, you can:
- Verify with documents, if it’s an option.
- The upload document method isn't available for YouTube and Google Store purchase verification.
- Use a different form of payment.
The code isn't accepted
If the code isn’t accepted:
- Make sure you enter the verification code for the right card.
- Check how long it’s been since you requested the code. If it’s been more than 14 days, the code is expired and you must try verification again.
- If you deleted the card after you requested a verification code, the code won’t be valid. Re-add the card, request a new code, and try again.
- If the code is less than 6 digits, submit documents to verify, if it’s available.
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The upload document method isn't available for YouTube and Google Store purchase verification.
-
Tip: If none of these options work, use a different form of payment.
Can't enter the code
If you can’t enter the code, try these options:
- If you deleted the card after you requested the verification code, the code won’t be valid. Re-add the card, request a new code, and try again.
- Submit documents to verify, if it’s available.
- The upload document method isn't available for YouTube and Google Store purchase verification.
- If none of these options work, use a different form of payment.
Didn't get a refund for the temporary charge
If your account was charged, it may take up to 30 days for the refund to appear in your account.
If you don't use the verification code, the refund will be processed within 14 days. Once the refund is processed, it may take up to 2 more weeks for the refund to appear in your account.
If you don't get a refund after 30 days, contact Google support.