What should I do if my VCC isn't working with Pinterest Ads?

If your Virtual Credit Card (VCC) isn't working with Pinterest Ads, there are several steps you can take to diagnose and resolve the issue. Here's a guide to help you troubleshoot and fix the problem:

1. Check for Billing Information Mismatch
A common issue with VCCs is a mismatch in billing details. If the information entered for your VCC on Pinterest Ads doesn't match what's registered with the card issuer, the payment will fail.

Action Steps:

Verify your billing details on Pinterest Ads (name, address, ZIP code) match exactly with the details registered with your VCC provider.

Correct any discrepancies between what's on Pinterest Ads and what's on your VCC account.

2. Ensure Sufficient Funds on the VCC
If your VCC balance is insufficient, the payment will fail. This is especially important for prepaid VCCs, as they are often used for specific amounts and might not have enough funds to cover your Pinterest Ads spend.

Action Steps:

Check the balance on your VCC through the provider's website or mobile app.

Add more funds to the VCC if the balance is low, or try using a different payment method if necessary.

3. Confirm the VCC is Active
If your VCC is expired, blocked, or inactive, it will not work for transactions.

Action Steps:

Check the expiration date on your VCC and make sure it's still valid.

Contact your VCC provider to confirm that the card is active and hasn't been temporarily blocked due to fraud prevention or other issues.

4. Ensure VCC Supports Online Transactions
Some VCCs, particularly prepaid cards, may not be accepted for online transactions, or they might have restrictions on certain types of payments (such as recurring charges or international payments).

Action Steps:

Verify with your VCC provider that the card supports online payments and recurring billing if you're using Pinterest Ads on a continuous basis.

If your VCC is limited to one-time transactions or has other restrictions, consider using a regular credit/debit card instead.

5. Check for Security Flags or Fraud Prevention
Pinterest Ads may flag your payment as fraudulent if there's unusual activity, such as using a new VCC or if there's a sudden spike in ad spend.

Action Steps:

Review your account activity on Pinterest Ads to make sure there's nothing that might trigger security flags.

If Pinterest has flagged your payment, you may need to verify your account. This might include providing additional information or confirming your identity.

6. Ensure VCC Supports Recurring Payments
If you have set up recurring campaigns on Pinterest Ads (like a monthly subscription for ads), you need to make sure your VCC can handle recurring payments. Some VCCs are not designed to work with subscriptions and will fail for ongoing billing cycles.

Action Steps:

Confirm with your VCC provider whether the card is capable of recurring charges.

If your VCC is not suitable for recurring payments, switch to a different VCC or a regular credit/debit card that supports recurring payments.

7. Check for Transaction Authorization Holds
Pinterest may place a small authorization hold on your VCC to verify that the payment method is valid. If your VCC doesn't respond to the authorization request or if the authorization hold expires before the transaction goes through, it can result in payment failure.

Action Steps:

Wait up to 48 hours for the authorization hold to clear.

If the hold doesn't go through or the payment still fails, contact Pinterest Ads support or your VCC provider for assistance.

8. Clear Cache and Cookies or Try a Different Browser
Sometimes, your browser's cache or cookies can interfere with payment processing. This can cause issues when you're trying to update your payment details or make a payment.

Action Steps:

Clear your browser's cache and cookies and try again.

Alternatively, try using a different browser or device to log into Pinterest Ads and update your payment information.

9. Test Another VCC or Payment Method
If your current VCC continues to fail, try switching to a different VCC or a regular credit or debit card. This can help determine whether the issue is specific to the card or with your Pinterest Ads account.

Action Steps:

Add a different VCC or use a regular credit/debit card to see if the transaction is processed.

If the new card works, then the issue is likely with the original VCC you were using.

10. Contact Pinterest Ads Support
If you've tried all of the above steps and your VCC still isn't working, it's time to contact Pinterest Ads support for help. They can provide you with specific guidance and investigate the issue further.

Action Steps:

Go to the Pinterest Ads Help Center or use the "Contact Us" option within your Ads Manager.

Provide a detailed description of the issue, including any error messages you've received, steps you've already taken to troubleshoot, and the type of VCC you're using.

Wait for a response from Pinterest Ads support to assist you in resolving the issue.

Summary of Steps to Take:
Double-check billing info for accuracy (address, name, ZIP code).

Ensure your VCC has sufficient funds and is active.

Verify that your VCC supports online payments and recurring charges.

Clear cache and cookies or try a different browser.

Test a different VCC or payment method.

Contact Pinterest Ads support if the issue persists.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve most issues preventing your VCC from working with Pinterest Ads. If the issue persists, Pinterest Ads support will be your best resource for further troubleshooting.