Image: Google
Google last month notified some advertisers that starting Thursday, August 1, it will stop accepting credit or debit card payments, and that they need to transition to bank-based payment options.
The big picture: Ginny Marvin, Google’s Ads Liason, said the move affects only a small segment of advertisers and aims to deliver a “more consistent billing experience.”
What's happening: In its email notification, shared online, Google outlined accepted payment options: “Monthly Invoicing” via check or wire transfer, or direct debit.
Monthly Invoicing offers customers a credit line and 30-day payment terms, but it’s unclear if everyone affected is eligible.
It’s also uncertain how Google decided who is impacted, though the email mentions “high-growth customers.”
Impacted advertisers must update their billing settings by tomorrow, July 31, to avoid suspension.
Pushback: While the decision streamlines payment collection for Google, it raises cash flow concerns for advertisers.
“[M]y clients have such good terms with Amex, they can’t switch to a 30 day monthly bank invoicing,” one person said.
Of note: Although Google’s notification suggests the change impacts larger advertisers, some advertisers spending $1,000 a month also received the email.
Looking ahead: On June 25, Marvin said the update wouldn’t affect all advertisers. We followed up this week to see if that’s changed, but haven’t received a response.
“All impacted advertisers will be similarly notified throughout the coming months,” the email states.
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