Why is my VCC transaction pending on YouTube Ads?

If your VCC transaction is showing as "pending" on YouTube Ads (Google Ads), it usually means Google is trying to authorize the card or process a charge, but the transaction hasn't been fully approved yet. This can happen for a few different reasons depending on your card provider, Google's systems, and the setup of your account.

Let's break down what's going on and how to fix it:

🔄 What "Pending" Usually Means
Status   What It Means
🕓 Pending authorization   Google sent a small test charge (usually ~$1) to check the card
💳 Pending payment   Google attempted to charge for an ad balance, but the payment hasn't cleared yet
🔒 Held by VCC provider   The VCC provider is reviewing or blocking the transaction
🚫 Billing mismatch   The billing info doesn't match what Google expects (e.g. address or country)
✅ Common Reasons & Fixes for Pending VCC Payments
🧾 Verification Hold (Temporary Charge)

Google places a temporary authorization to verify the card.

This will show as "pending" but won't be finalized — it disappears after a few days.

✅ Fix: Wait 1–3 business days. If it doesn't clear, your VCC might be blocking the charge.

🚫 VCC Doesn't Support Recurring Payments

Some VCCs block or don't support recurring charges, which Google requires.

❌ Result: The transaction stays pending or fails.

✅ Fix: Use a VCC that supports recurring/international transactions (e.g., Wise, Revolut).

🌍 Billing Address or Country Mismatch

Google checks if the billing address + country match your Ads account region.

Mismatches cause delays or rejection.

✅ Fix: Make sure your VCC is from the same country as your Google Ads billing profile.

🔐 Fraud Protection or Spending Limits

Your VCC provider may hold or flag the transaction if:

You've hit a daily/monthly limit.

The card hasn't been verified.

The BIN (bank ID) is blacklisted by Google.

✅ Fix: Check your VCC dashboard or contact the provider to manually approve the charge.

📉 Insufficient Funds

Even for verification, some VCCs need a balance of at least $1–2.

✅ Fix: Make sure your VCC is funded before adding it.

🛠 What You Can Do Now
Check the VCC dashboard – Look for pending holds or transaction logs.

Contact your VCC provider – Ask if the transaction was blocked or flagged.

Wait 24–72 hours – Sometimes verification charges take time to clear.

Try another payment method – Add a backup traditional card to avoid delays.

Use manual payments – If allowed, switch to preloading your account instead of automatic charges.