Google Ads Account Suspended Due to Suspicious Payments? Know How To Fix It

Did you know that web users are 4x more likely to click ads on Google than on any other advertising network? With ads at the #1 position enjoying an average CTR of 7.94%, Google Ads is undoubtedly one of the most effective digital marketing platforms for global businesses.

So, you have set up an advertiser’s account on Google Ads, allocated the budget, and run campaigns successfully. But when everything seems to be going right, suddenly you receive a message as below:

Google Ads suspended for suspicious payments on your account! For most advertisers, this can be a frustrating and unsettling experience. This is because having your account suspended would mean you are likely to lose money every day the ads are offline – impacting your sales and ROI. Fortunately, you can appeal your suspension to Google and if the latter considers your appeal valid, your account can be reactivated.

But it is easier said than done. Often, Google may reject your appeal without explaining the reasons thereof. In most cases, the support team will also not share details about why your account got suspended in the first place.  

So, what should you do if your Google Ads account gets suspended? What is the fix for google ads suspended due to suspicious payment? Read on to learn more.

Reasons Why Your Google Ads Account May Get Suspended Due To Suspicious Payment Activities

If your account has been suspended by Google stating “suspicious payments in your account,” what does it indicate? While the statement is vague, there are several reasons why Google may suspend your account for suspicious payments:

• Opening a new account with credit card details already used for another active Google Ads account
• Opening a new account with credit card details already used for an already suspended Google Ads account
• The name of the cardholder or the address linked to your credit card does not match the information mentioned in your Google Ads account
• If you tend to violate Google’s age requirements, your account may get suspended
• Google may also suspend your account temporarily if it detects unauthorized access to your account
• The account may get suspended if you do not comply with the Google Ads Grant policy
• Various payment and billing issues may also get your account suspended.
  • These include:
  • Requesting your bank or credit card company a chargeback for the amount paid towards a legitimate Google Ads balance
  • Selling promotional codes or using multiple promotional codes on your account
  • Having one or more unpaid balances on your Google Ads account
  • Google identifying fraudulent or suspicious payment activities on your account  

What Happens If Your Account is Suspended For Suspicious Payments?

If you have received a notification from Google stating your account has been suspended due to suspicious payments, then you can expect the following:

• You cannot run ads or create a new account on Google Ads. But that does not mean you cannot access your account or get associated reports
• If your account is linked to Merchant Center accounts, the same may also get suspended

All charges related to the suspended account may get suspended

How to Fix Google Ads Account Suspended For Suspicious Payments?

Here’s what you can do if your Google Ads account has been suspended:

1. Get Google Ads Suspension Help

If your account has been deactivated at no fault of yours, then you can appeal the suspension to the Google Support team. From your account dashboard, you can use the ‘Contact Us’ link, but in many cases, the support team may not be available for one-to-one conversations. You can also visit Google Ads Help and click “Get Started” under Fix your suspended account. Fill up the form as required and submit the appeal to Google.    

However, the most frustrating part of getting Google Ads Suspension help from the support team is they will typically reply with links to their ad policies and payment regulations – and they do not provide a clear answer to why your account has been suspended. So, you would need to read through these policies and ensure you are not violating anything.

To avoid this hassle, it is recommended that you follow all the policies when setting up a Google Ads account or running your ads.

2. Use the Correct Name and Address

One of the biggest mistakes that advertisers do when setting up their payment method is to use a name and address that does not match the information on your Google Ads account. Quite often, advertisers use the company name in place of the cardholder’s name when adding their credit card for payment. This is wrong and might be one reason why Google may suspend your account.

To avoid this, make sure the name of the cardholder or the address linked to your credit card matches the information in your Google Ads account. The cardholder’s name should also be correct and not in the name of the company.

3. Do Not Use Multiple Promo Codes

Google provides different promotional codes that allow advertisers to save on their advertising budget.

However, make sure you do not engage in promo code abuse, i.e., using multiple promotional codes in your account. This sends a bad signal to Google as you tend to violate their payment and billing policies.

3. Check If Your Account Has Unpaid Balance on Your Credit Card or Bank Details

Check if your account has any unpaid amount towards Google Ads. If you have, make the payment immediately to clear any dues and your account may get reactivated again.

Do Not Use Credit Cards Linked to Another Google Ads Account or Suspended Account

Check if you are using a credit card for your account that is already linked to another active Google Ads account or a suspended account. This violates Google’s ad policies and to ensure your account does not get deactivated, refrain from doing the same. When you are setting up a new account, make sure you use a new credit card or bank details. 

Adhere to Google’s Policies

One of the best ways to avoid your account from getting deactivated is to follow the policies guiding Google Ads. Adhering to these rules during setting up your account, making payments, or running ad campaigns can help prevent suspension. At the same time, it is important to understand what may cause the suspension of your account.

Conclusion

Google Ads policies are straightforward to follow. But it is also easier for advertisers not to identify the pitfalls and end up in deep water. So, if you want to fix google ads suspended suspicious payments, this guide can provide you with the right information you need.