How do I avoid VCC payment issues on YouTube Ads?

To avoid Virtual Credit Card (VCC) payment issues on YouTube Ads (Google Ads), you'll need to make sure your VCC meets certain criteria and that your Google Ads account is set up correctly. Here are some tips to help:

✅ 1. Use a Reliable VCC Provider
Not all VCCs are accepted by Google. Use VCCs from providers that:

Are known to work with Google Ads (e.g., Privacy.com, Revolut, Wise, Payoneer, or local fintech services with international capabilities).

Allow recurring payments and online international transactions.

Provide a valid billing address and bank BIN (Bank Identification Number) that matches a supported country.

✅ 2. Match Billing Address & Location
The country on your VCC must match the country of your Google Ads account.

If your Google Ads account is set to Bangladesh, for instance, your card must support billing from that region.

Inconsistent billing info is one of the most common reasons Google flags VCCs.

✅ 3. Avoid Suspicious Activity
Google Ads is very sensitive to fraud or abuse signals. Avoid:

Frequently creating and deleting accounts.

Using VPNs while managing your Google Ads account.

Changing payment methods too often.

Using throwaway emails or unverifiable business names.

✅ 4. Set Up Google Ads Properly
When adding your VCC:

Enter the full card info, including CVV and expiry.

Use a real address that matches the card issuer's region.

Make sure the account is verified with a phone number and recovery email.

✅ 5. Use Manual Payments if Possible
In some countries, Google Ads allows manual payments (you prepay your balance). This can reduce issues with VCCs since Google won't be charging the card automatically. If it's available:

Go to Billing > Settings > Payment settings in your Ads dashboard.

Choose "Manual Payments" during account setup.

🚫 Common VCC Issues to Watch Out For
Issue   Cause
❌ "Card Declined"   VCC doesn't support international/recurring billing
❌ "Suspicious Payment Activity"   Mismatched info, VPN use, or flagged BIN
❌ "Payment Method Not Supported"   Google Ads does not accept your card issuer
❌ Account Suspension   Multiple failed payments, fraud detection
💡 Pro Tip:
If you're repeatedly facing issues, consider using a virtual debit card from a fintech bank (like Wise or Revolut) or switching to a real debit/credit card for your ads account. You can also open a new Google Ads account in a supported country using verified business info.