How does billing work with a VCC on Twitter Ads?

Billing on Twitter Ads when using a Virtual Credit Card (VCC) works similarly to how billing works with regular credit or debit cards. The key difference is that you're using a virtual card, which is typically designed for online transactions and offers additional privacy and control. Here's a breakdown of how the billing process works:

1. Setting Up Your VCC on Twitter Ads
Adding Your VCC: To start using a Virtual Credit Card (VCC) for billing, you'll need to add the VCC as a payment method in the Billing & Payments section of your Twitter Ads account.

VCC Details: You'll need to enter details such as:

Card number

Expiration date

Billing address (this should match the address on file with the VCC provider)

2. Billing Models on Twitter Ads
Twitter Ads uses two main billing models that determine how and when your VCC will be charged:

1. Prepay Model (Prepaid):
How It Works: In the prepay model, you need to add funds to your Twitter Ads account ahead of time. The platform will then deduct from this balance as your campaigns run.

VCC Use: When you add a VCC as a payment method in the prepay model, Twitter Ads will charge your card for the balance that is required to fund your account.

Threshold: Once you reach a certain threshold of spending, Twitter Ads will charge your VCC again to top up the balance.

When It Charges: This method typically charges when your account balance reaches the set threshold. You must ensure that your VCC has enough funds to cover this prepayment.

2. Postpay Model (Invoice-Based):
How It Works: In the postpay model, Twitter Ads bills you after the ad spend is incurred. This means that Twitter Ads will charge your VCC at the end of the billing period (usually monthly) or once you hit the spending threshold.

VCC Use: If you're using a VCC in this model, it will automatically be charged when the ad spend for that billing cycle or threshold is reached.

When It Charges: Twitter Ads will charge your VCC at the end of each billing cycle (monthly) or when your ad spend crosses the set threshold. This is typically done automatically without needing manual intervention.

3. Billing Thresholds and Limits
Twitter Ads allows you to set spending thresholds in your billing settings. These thresholds control when the payment is triggered. For example:

Daily Spending Threshold: Twitter will automatically charge your VCC once you hit your daily spend limit.

Monthly Spending Threshold: Twitter will charge your VCC at the end of the month for the total spend accumulated during that month, based on the campaigns you've run.

This feature helps you to track and manage your ad spend by ensuring that you are not billed unexpectedly for excessive amounts.

4. Payment Methods and VCC Limitations
When using a Virtual Credit Card (VCC) on Twitter Ads, here are some things to consider:

Sufficient Balance: Ensure that your VCC has sufficient funds to cover your ad spend. If the VCC doesn't have enough funds, Twitter Ads may suspend your campaigns until the payment can be processed.

Payment Failures: If there is an issue with your VCC (e.g., insufficient funds, expired card), Twitter Ads will notify you via email, and you may need to update your payment method.

Single Use or Reloadable VCC: Some VCCs are single-use, meaning they can only be used for a single transaction, while others are reloadable. Make sure your VCC can handle multiple charges if you're running ongoing campaigns.

5. Tracking Charges on Your VCC
Transaction History: You can track all charges made to your VCC through your VCC provider's app or web portal. Most VCC providers offer detailed transaction history showing when and how much was charged, as well as the merchant (Twitter Ads in this case).

Alerts and Notifications: Set up spending alerts with your VCC provider to monitor when a charge occurs, ensuring you stay on top of your Twitter Ads expenses.

Invoices and Receipts: Twitter Ads provides invoices for all charges made to your account, which you can access in the Billing & Payments section of Twitter Ads. You can download these invoices for accounting or record-keeping.

6. Currency Conversion and Additional Fees
If your VCC is issued in a different currency than your Twitter Ads account:

Currency Conversion Fees: Your VCC provider may charge a fee for currency conversion if your Twitter Ads account is billed in a different currency. This can be a small percentage fee or a flat fee.

Foreign Transaction Fees: Some VCCs may apply foreign transaction fees if you're using a card issued in one country for payments in another country (e.g., using a UK-issued VCC for US-based Twitter Ads).

7. Refunds and Billing Disputes
If you cancel a campaign or have a billing dispute, Twitter Ads typically issues a refund to your payment method. The process works as follows:

Refund Process: If you receive a refund from Twitter Ads (e.g., due to a campaign cancellation), the amount will be credited back to your VCC.

Refund Timelines: The timing of refunds may vary, but generally, they'll be processed back to your VCC within a few business days.

Dispute Resolution: If you need to dispute a charge on Twitter Ads, you can contact Twitter Ads support, and they'll assist in resolving the issue. Be aware that VCC providers may charge dispute fees for processing disputes.

Summary of Billing with VCC on Twitter Ads:
Prepay Model: You load funds onto your Twitter Ads account, and the VCC is charged when the threshold is met.

Postpay Model: Twitter Ads charges your VCC after the campaign runs, either monthly or when a threshold is reached.

Thresholds: Set spending thresholds to control when payments are triggered.

Payment Failures: Ensure sufficient funds on your VCC to avoid campaign suspension.

Currency Fees: Be aware of foreign transaction and currency conversion fees if your VCC uses a different currency than your Twitter Ads account.

By managing your VCC correctly and staying on top of spending thresholds, you can ensure smooth and uninterrupted billing on Twitter Ads.