Does Pinterest Ads require billing address verification for VCCs?

Yes, Pinterest Ads generally requires billing address verification for all payment methods, including Virtual Credit Cards (VCCs). The billing address is part of the address verification system (AVS), which is used to confirm that the payment information you provided matches the information on file with the VCC issuer. Here's why and how this affects the verification process:

1. Why Pinterest Ads Requires Billing Address Verification
Fraud Prevention: Pinterest uses billing address verification as part of their efforts to prevent fraudulent activities. Matching the billing address helps ensure that the person making the payment is the legitimate cardholder and that the card isn't being used fraudulently.

Payment Security: The address verification is a standard part of the security process to ensure that the payment method is valid and that the transaction can be processed without issues.

Consistency with Payment Processors: Major payment networks like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express rely on AVS to verify that the billing address provided during the transaction matches the one on file with the bank or card issuer. This helps prevent declined payments and increases the chances of successful payment processing.

2. What Happens if Billing Address Mismatches
If the billing address you enter in Pinterest Ads does not match the one on file with your VCC issuer, the payment is likely to be declined.

If your VCC fails AVS verification due to a billing address mismatch, you'll see a payment failure notification on Pinterest Ads, and the system may prompt you to update the information.

3. How to Ensure the Billing Address Matches
Check the VCC details: Make sure that the billing address you've entered in Pinterest Ads exactly matches the address that is on file with your VCC provider. This typically includes the name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code.

Update VCC details if needed: If you've recently changed your address or the VCC issuer has updated their records, double-check that the information provided on Pinterest Ads is up to date. You may need to contact the VCC provider to confirm or update your billing details.

Use a valid billing address: Ensure the billing address is valid and matches the address format required by Pinterest Ads. Some VCCs, especially prepaid cards, may have specific formatting requirements for addresses.

4. International Cards and Billing Address
If your VCC is issued in another country, ensure that the billing address matches the information recorded by the issuer, even if you're located in a different region. Pinterest Ads should support international transactions, but the address format and accuracy are critical for AVS verification.

Currency and region mismatch: If your VCC is from another country, you may need to verify that your currency settings in Pinterest Ads match the VCC's supported currency. This helps prevent any errors during the verification process.

5. What to Do If Billing Address Verification Fails
Double-check the information: Review the details you entered, making sure the billing address matches exactly with the one on file with your VCC issuer.

Check with your VCC provider: Contact the provider of your VCC to confirm the billing address associated with the card. You may need to update or correct the information on their end.

Contact Pinterest Ads Support: If the billing address is correct but the verification still fails, reach out to Pinterest Ads support. They can help identify if there's an issue on their end or assist with troubleshooting.

Conclusion:
Pinterest Ads does require billing address verification for VCCs to ensure the card is valid and to prevent fraud. If your payment is failing, verify that the billing address you entered in Pinterest Ads matches the one on file with your VCC provider. If there is a mismatch or if the payment continues to fail, contact your VCC issuer or Pinterest Ads support for assistance.