What should I do if Twitter Ads permanently bans my account due to VCC payments?

If Twitter Ads has permanently banned your account due to the use of Virtual Credit Cards (VCCs), you'll need to take several steps to resolve the situation and potentially prevent it from happening again in the future. Here's a breakdown of what you can do:

1. Understand the Ban:
Review the Ban Reason: Carefully review any communication or notifications from Twitter Ads regarding the reason for your account ban. In many cases, accounts are banned due to violations of Twitter's advertising policies, and using a VCC could be seen as a violation.

Check Terms of Service: Ensure that you understand Twitter's policies around acceptable payment methods, as using VCCs might violate these terms.

2. Contact Twitter Ads Support:
Submit a Support Request: If you haven't already, reach out to Twitter Ads Support to ask for clarification regarding the ban. Politely inquire whether it's possible to have the ban reversed and what you can do to prevent future issues. Be honest about your use of the VCC and show that you are willing to comply with Twitter's policies.

Provide Documentation (If Necessary): Be prepared to submit any requested documentation to verify your identity or the legitimacy of your payment methods. This could include proof of the VCC ownership or government-issued ID.

Appeal the Ban (If Possible): If the ban was due to a policy violation that you can rectify (e.g., using an unacceptable payment method), ask if you can appeal the decision. Twitter may lift the ban if they see that you're taking steps to comply with their guidelines.

3. Switch to a Compliant Payment Method:
Avoid Using VCCs: If your account was banned because of VCC usage, the next step is to use an accepted payment method, such as a physical credit card or PayPal (depending on your country). Virtual credit cards are often flagged by Twitter because they can be seen as a high-risk payment method.

Update Payment Information: Once your ban is addressed (or if you create a new account), make sure to update your payment method to one that complies with Twitter's requirements.

4. Consider Opening a New Account (Caution):
Creating a New Account: If your appeal is unsuccessful or Twitter confirms that your account is permanently banned, you may consider opening a new Twitter Ads account. However, be cautious:

Do Not Use the Same Payment Method: Do not use a VCC or any payment method that caused the ban on the old account.

Different Email & Personal Information: You may need to use a different email address and possibly other details, as Twitter might track banned accounts via associated information (email, name, IP address, etc.).

Risks of Repeated Violations: Creating a new account to bypass a ban can be risky if Twitter detects that the new account is associated with a banned one. This can lead to another ban, and repeated attempts to circumvent a ban can lead to permanent suspension across all accounts.

5. Review Twitter's Advertising Policies:
Ensure Compliance: Carefully review Twitter's Advertising Policies and Payment Terms to ensure you are fully compliant in the future. Adhering to these guidelines will help prevent further issues and ensure that your account stays in good standing.

Understand Payment Restrictions: Avoid using risky or non-compliant payment methods like VCCs. Stick to accepted methods such as physical credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal.

6. Consider Alternative Advertising Platforms:
If Twitter Ads has permanently banned your account and you're unable to resolve the issue, you might need to consider using alternative advertising platforms. There are several options available, depending on your business needs, including:

Facebook Ads (Meta Ads)

Google Ads

LinkedIn Ads

TikTok Ads

Snapchat Ads

7. Monitor Account Activity and Payments:
If you do open a new account, monitor it closely to ensure that all payments are processed without issue. Make sure to comply with Twitter's guidelines and keep your billing information up to date.

Use Transparent Payment Methods: Stick to using trusted and transparent payment methods that won't raise red flags with Twitter's payment system.

8. Prevent Future Issues:
Avoid Using VCCs in the Future: Since Twitter flags VCCs, it's best to avoid using them in any future advertising accounts. Instead, use physical credit cards or PayPal, which are generally accepted and less likely to cause issues.

Maintain Accurate Account Details: Ensure that your business information and payment details are accurate and match your official records to avoid potential flagging by Twitter's systems.

Conclusion:
While a permanent ban from Twitter Ads due to VCC usage can be frustrating, your best course of action is to first try to appeal the decision or resolve any misunderstandings with Twitter Ads Support. If that doesn't work, you can try creating a new account with compliant payment methods, but be aware that repeated policy violations can lead to further bans. Lastly, ensure you're always following Twitter's advertising policies to prevent similar issues in the future.