Efficient payment management is critical for keeping Facebook campaigns running smoothly. Whether you handle multiple client accounts or manage high-volume media buys, understanding how Meta’s billing system works — and how to properly add or update payment methods — can save you from costly disruptions.

This guide explains how to add, manage, and troubleshoot payment methods in Facebook Ads, with detailed insights tailored for advanced advertisers in the US, UK, and Australia. You’ll also learn how Facebook’s billing thresholds, invoices, and auto-charges operate — plus expert practices for avoiding common payment failures.

Understanding Facebook Ads Payment System

Before adding or editing payment methods, it’s essential to understand how Meta bills advertisers. The platform uses a mix of automatic and manual billing processes depending on your payment setup and spending patterns.

How Facebook Billing Works

Facebook uses a billing threshold and a monthly invoicing system to determine when and how you’re charged. When your ad spend reaches a certain amount (the threshold), Facebook automatically charges your primary payment method. If you don’t hit the threshold, you’re charged at the end of your monthly billing cycle.

According to Meta’s official Help Center:

“You’ll be charged whenever you reach your billing threshold or at the end of your monthly billing cycle, whichever comes first.”

You can also manually trigger a payment using the “Pay Now” option, beneficial when campaigns are scaling rapidly or when you want to clear outstanding balances before pausing campaigns.

Supported Payment Methods by Country

Facebook supports multiple payment options depending on your location. The most common are credit/debit cards, PayPal, and direct debit. However, availability varies by region.

For advertisers in the US:

• Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover

• PayPal

• Direct Debit (ACH for Business Manager-level billing)

For advertisers in the UK:

• Visa, MasterCard, Amex

• PayPal

• BACS Direct Debit (for eligible business accounts)

For advertisers in Australia:

• Visa, MasterCard, Amex

• PayPal

• BPAY and Direct Debit options (depending on ad account setup)

How to Add a Payment Method in Facebook Ads

This is the most critical section — understanding how to correctly add a payment method ensures your ads run without interruption.

Requirements

Before proceeding:

• You must be the admin or finance editor of the ad account or Business Manager.

• Ensure your payment method is valid and supports online advertising transactions.

• Have your billing address and tax information ready if applicable (especially for Business Manager billing setups).

Adding payment to a Single Ad Account

This method links a payment source directly to one ad account. It's suitable for individual businesses or freelancers.

1. Navigate to Ads Manager.

2. Click the Menu (All Tools) and select Billing.

3. Click on Payment Settings in the top right corner.

4. In the "Payment Methods" section, click the Add Payment Method button.

5. Select your desired payment method (Credit Card, PayPal, etc.) and enter the required details.

6. Follow the on-screen prompts to save the information. Facebook may place a small temporary authorization charge to verify the card.

Adding Payment Method in Meta Business Manager

If you manage multiple ad accounts (as an agency or brand with several subsidiaries), it’s best to handle payments through Meta Business Manager for centralized control. This setup is a best practice for any Facebook Ads Account Agency looking to streamline billing and permissions.

1. Go to Business Settings → Payments.

2. Click Add Payment Method.

3. Choose the payment method and assign it to one or more ad accounts.

4. For high-volume spenders, enable Monthly Invoicing (available by request).

5. Set up a backup method to avoid campaign pauses if the primary fails.

How to Set a Primary or Backup Payment Method

Facebook allows you to assign a primary and backup payment method. The system first attempts to charge the primary; if it fails, it automatically charges the backup.

This setup is crucial for agencies running 24/7 ads where downtime could mean losing conversions or clients.

To set a primary method:

• Go to Payment Settings → click Make Primary beside the desired method.

To set a backup method:

• Add another valid card and click Set as Backup.

How to Manage Facebook Ads Payment Methods

As campaigns evolve, you may need to update your payment information — such as replacing an expired credit card, changing billing details, or switching to another payment provider.
Meta provides several ways to manage your billing setup without pausing your active ads, but you must have the right permissions (admin or finance editor) to do so.

How to Edit an Existing Payment Method

To update card details like expiration date or billing address:

1. Go to Ads Manager → Billing → Payment Settings.
   

2. Find the payment method you want to edit and click Manage or Edit.
   

3. Update any of the following:
   

• Card number (if reissued)

• Expiration date and CVV

• Billing address and ZIP/postcode

• Name on the card
  

4. Click Save to confirm.

According to Meta’s Help Center, “You can update details of your existing card without affecting your billing threshold or campaign delivery.”

Note: Facebook may temporarily place a $1 authorization hold to verify the new or updated card — this is released automatically and not an actual charge.

How to Remove a Payment Method

If you want to remove a payment option from your account:

1. Go to Payment Settings.

2. Click Remove next to the card or PayPal account you want to delete.

3. Confirm the removal when prompted.

You can’t remove a payment method if:

• It’s your primary payment method — you must first set another method as primary.

• You have an outstanding or pending balance on your account. If your goal is to close the account entirely, you must clear this balance first. Learn more about the proper steps to delete a Facebook Ads Account here.

• You’re using manual payments (prepaid balance) — you must spend the remaining balance first.

From Meta’s documentation: “You can’t remove your last payment method if there’s a balance due or if it’s set as the primary one.”

How to Replace a Payment Method

If you’re switching banks or moving to another billing platform (e.g., from card to PayPal):

1. Add the new payment method first using Add Payment Method.

2. Set it as Primary under Payment Settings.

3. Ensure all outstanding charges are cleared.

4. Remove the old payment method safely.

This approach ensures continuous ad delivery and prevents Facebook from pausing your campaigns due to billing failure.

Common Error Messages About Payment in Facebook Ads

Even experienced advertisers encounter payment-related issues when running Facebook Ads. Understanding what these errors mean and how to fix them quickly helps you avoid campaign interruptions and wasted time.

Payment Not Processed

This usually appears when Facebook cannot charge your primary payment method. The problem might come from an expired card, insufficient funds, or your bank blocking the transaction.
Fix: 

• Check your card’s validity

• Update billing information, or contact your bank to approve the payment.

• You can also switch to a backup payment method to keep ads running smoothly.

Account on Hold Due to Payment Failure

When multiple attempts to charge your card fail, Facebook may pause all active ads. This payment-related hold is one of the most common forms of Facebook Ads Account Restriction.

 Fix: 

• Add a new valid payment method

• Settle any pending balance, and then resume your campaigns

• If the issue persists, contact Facebook support to review billing limits or regional payment restrictions. Be sure to have your Facebook Ads Account ID ready when you contact them.

Payment Method Not Accepted

This error appears when your card type or payment provider isn’t supported in your region or ad account setup.
Fix:

• Review Facebook’s list of accepted payment options by country

• If you’re using a virtual or prepaid card, switch to a major credit/debit card or PayPal account that meets Facebook’s requirements.

Pending Payment

This message indicates that the transaction is still being processed by your payment provider. While common, it can delay your campaigns from resuming.

Fix:

• Wait 24 hours, then check your billing section again. 

• If the issue continues, contact your payment provider or Facebook Billing Support.

Your Ads Have Stopped Running Due to a Payment Issue

This appears when Facebook automatically pauses ads because your account balance remains unpaid.
Fix: 

• Pay the outstanding balance manually through your Billing section

• After the payment succeeds, your ads should automatically resume.

Payment Declined by Bank

If your bank flags Facebook’s charge as suspicious, the transaction will fail.

 Fix:

• Inform your bank that Facebook is a legitimate merchant and request that they whitelist the transaction. 

• It’s also a good practice to enable notifications for declined charges.

Exceeded Payment Threshold

If your spend exceeds the preset billing threshold, Facebook may temporarily pause ads until payment clears.

Fix: Either manually make the payment or increase your billing threshold if your account is eligible.

FAQs

How do I remove a payment method from Facebook Ads?

You can remove a non-primary payment method in "Payment Settings" as long as it has no outstanding balance. Add a new primary card first if necessary, clear any balance, then remove the old one.

Can I use a different currency for my Facebook ad account?

The currency is set when you create your Facebook Ads account and cannot be changed later. You must create a new ad account to use a different currency.

Can I have multiple payment methods on one Facebook Ad account?

Yes. Facebook allows you to add multiple payment methods — one primary and one or more backup options. The primary method is charged first; if it fails, Facebook automatically uses the backup to prevent your campaigns from stopping.
This setup is especially useful for agencies or businesses managing high ad volumes, ensuring no disruption in delivery during billing cycles or temporary card issues.

How do I find my Facebook Ads receipts and billing history?

In Ads Manager, go to the "Billing" section and click on the "Payment Activity" tab. You can view, Why is my personal card being charged for Business Manager ads?

This usually happens if your personal ad account was inadvertently added to the Business Manager and set as the default for a campaign. Always verify the correct ad account (and its assigned payment method) is selected during campaign setup.

Why does Facebook keep charging my card automatically?

Facebook uses an automatic billing system, meaning your ads accrue costs as they run. You’re charged either when your ad spend reaches your billing threshold or on your monthly billing date — whichever comes first.
If you prefer more control, you can switch to manual payments where you prepay funds and Facebook deducts from your balance as your ads deliver.

How long does it take for a successful payment to reflect on Facebook?

Payments typically reflect within a few minutes to a few hours, depending on your bank or payment provider. However, manual or cross-border payments might take up to 24–48 hours to appear in your billing summary.
If your payment remains pending beyond that, contact your provider first to confirm the transaction, then reach out to Meta’s Billing Support for verification.

Realated posts:

• Facebook Ads not working
• Facebook Ads Account Error
• Facebook Ads Account Disable
• Facebook ad account spending limit