Why does Google Ads flag my VCC as suspicious?

Google Ads may flag a Virtual Credit Card (VCC) as suspicious for several reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. New or Unverified VCC
If the VCC is newly created or hasn't been used widely, Google might view it as potentially risky. Google typically prefers using established, verified payment methods to ensure there's no fraudulent activity.

2. Mismatch in Billing Information
Google Ads verifies that the billing address, name, and other details on your payment method match the information on file. If there's a mismatch, even with a VCC, Google may flag it as suspicious.

3. Frequent Changes in Payment Methods
If you frequently switch between different VCCs, Google might flag this as suspicious behavior. This is especially true if you're constantly adding and removing payment methods or changing billing information in short intervals.

4. High-Spending Activity or Large Transactions
If you're using a VCC for high-spending campaigns or large transactions shortly after setting it up, this might trigger Google's fraud detection systems. They may see it as an attempt to bypass their usual payment verification processes.

5. Inconsistent Geolocation or Country
Google Ads may flag VCCs if the country of the payment method does not align with the account's registered country or if there's an inconsistency in the geolocation of the payment method's origin.

6. Suspicious Activity or Chargebacks
If your VCC has been associated with previous chargebacks, fraudulent activities, or accounts that were suspended, Google may flag it due to risk factors linked to that particular card.

7. Use of Third-Party VCC Services
Some VCC services are known to be used for fraudulent purposes or to circumvent payment systems. If Google detects that the VCC is from a service that has a reputation for fraudulent activities, it might flag it as suspicious.

8. Lack of Support for Recurring Payments
Some VCCs, especially virtual ones, might not support recurring billing or other requirements for ongoing payments. If your account requires recurring billing for ads but the VCC can't support that, it could raise a flag.

9. Regulatory or Compliance Issues
If you're operating in a country with strict financial regulations, certain VCCs may not be accepted or flagged for compliance reasons.

What Can You Do?
Verify Your Information: Double-check that the billing information linked to your VCC matches exactly what you've entered in Google Ads.

Use Trusted Payment Methods: If possible, try using a physical credit card or a more established payment method, as Google Ads tends to be more lenient with these.

Contact Google Support: If you're unsure why your VCC was flagged, contact Google Ads support for more specific details. They can sometimes lift the flag after verifying your account.

Check Your Account History: If your account has been flagged for suspicious activity in the past, resolving that history can help with future payments.