What happens if I accidentally overpay Google Ads?

What Happens If You Accidentally Overpay Google Ads? (2025 Guide)
If you accidentally overpay Google Ads, the extra amount will remain in your account as a credit balance and be automatically used for future ad costs. However, if you want to get a refund, the process depends on your payment method and account type.

📌 1. What Happens After an Overpayment?
The overpaid amount stays in your Google Ads account as a credit balance.
Future Google Ads charges will automatically deduct from the balance.
If you don't want to keep the balance, you may be able to request a refund (conditions apply).
📌 2. Can You Get a Refund for an Overpayment?
Refund eligibility depends on your payment method:

Payment Method   Can You Get a Refund?   Processing Time
Credit/Debit Card   ✅ Yes (Unused balance)   2–4 weeks
Bank Transfer (ACH/Wire)   ✅ Yes (Unused balance)   4–6 weeks
PayPal   ✅ Yes (Unused balance)   1–2 weeks
Google Pay   ✅ Yes (Unused balance)   2–4 weeks
Postpaid Billing (Auto-pay)   ❌ No (Charge is based on ad spend)   N/A
🚨 Refunds are only possible if the balance is UNUSED.

If your overpaid funds have been spent on ads, refunds are not available.
Google Ads promotional credits are non-refundable.
📌 3. How to Request a Refund for Overpayment
✅ Step 1: Check Your Balance
Go to Google Ads Billing
Click Billing & Payments
Look at the Transactions & Documents tab to check the available balance.
✅ Step 2: Request a Refund
In Billing & Payments, click "Request a Refund" (only visible if eligible).
Choose the payment method for the refund.
Submit the request—Google will process it within 2–6 weeks.
📌 4. What If You Can't Get a Refund?
If Google denies your refund request, your only option is to use the balance for future ad spending.

Alternatives:
✔️ Increase spending on your existing campaigns.
✔️ Launch new campaigns to utilize the balance.

🚀 Final Thoughts:
✔️ Overpaid funds stay in your account as a balance.
✔️ Refunds are possible ONLY if funds are unused.
✔️ Request refunds through Google Ads Billing settings.
✔️ If refunds aren't possible, apply the balance to future ads.