ColumnistsAug 06, 2024
The Smart Lab: Supercharge Your Summer Social Media StrategyColumnistsAug 20, 2024
Google Ads Payment Policy Change: What It Means For You
The change to accepted payment methods for Google Ads might seem like an irritation but actually is an opportunity, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial to your success.
Google’s latest payment policy change is a perfect example of how quickly things can change.
In June, Google notified certain advertisers that it will no longer accept debit and credit cards as payment options for Google Ads, effective July 31.
This includes PPC (pay-per-click), display/retargeting, shopping, and all other ad formats the company offers.
To comply with Google’s new policies, advertisers must switch to bank-based payment options. These include wire transfers and payment by check (through monthly invoicing), which provides you with a 30-day payment window.
You can also set up automatic payments through direct bank debit. Though available only in certain regions, this option ensures your account stays current without the need for manual intervention.
Delaying making the switch could mean disruptions in your Google Ads.
If your account isn’t updated to one of these new payment methods, you risk suspension, which will affect your ability to reach potential customers, a disruption no jewelry business can afford.
Let’s dive into what this new policy means for you and how you can make the most of it.
Google’s decision to phase out debit and credit card payments for many advertisers using Google Ads signals that things are tightening and that the digital advertising landscape is in flux.
While this change currently impacts only a select group, it’s expected to become the norm soon and will impact everyone, including you.
Don’t be caught off guard when these policies become universal. If you haven’t made the change yet, now is the time to act.
At first, the change might feel like an inconvenience, another obstacle to overcome, but it can be an opportunity in disguise.
By moving away from credit cards, you will cut down on those pesky processing fees that eat into your budget. These fees might seem minor, but for any jewelry business running a lot of campaigns, they can add up quickly.
Think about what you could do with those savings.
You could reinvest them into expanding your inventory, upgrade the customer experience at your store, or launch a new marketing initiative.
This isn’t just about switching payment methods; it’s about making every dollar work harder for your jewelry business and that starts with controlling your costs.
The change from Google should be looked at as a positive one because it makes you more disciplined about making every penny count.
There’s another big benefit here—predictability.
Monthly invoicing gives you a clear, consistent timeline and helps you to better manage your store’s finances.
Also, when you use a bank-based payment method, you gain financial stability, which allows for better planning, smoother operations, and less stress. No more worrying about juggling multiple credit cards, changing billing dates, interest payments, and/or late fees.
Don’t wait until Google forces your hand. You need to get ahead of this change now.
By making the switch today, you ensure that your ad campaigns will continue without interruption. Be proactive about it.
Related stories will be right here …
Google’s latest payment policy change is a perfect example of how quickly things can change.
In June, Google notified certain advertisers that it will no longer accept debit and credit cards as payment options for Google Ads, effective July 31.
This includes PPC (pay-per-click), display/retargeting, shopping, and all other ad formats the company offers.
To comply with Google’s new policies, advertisers must switch to bank-based payment options. These include wire transfers and payment by check (through monthly invoicing), which provides you with a 30-day payment window.
You can also set up automatic payments through direct bank debit. Though available only in certain regions, this option ensures your account stays current without the need for manual intervention.
Delaying making the switch could mean disruptions in your Google Ads.
If your account isn’t updated to one of these new payment methods, you risk suspension, which will affect your ability to reach potential customers, a disruption no jewelry business can afford.
Let’s dive into what this new policy means for you and how you can make the most of it.
Google’s decision to phase out debit and credit card payments for many advertisers using Google Ads signals that things are tightening and that the digital advertising landscape is in flux.
While this change currently impacts only a select group, it’s expected to become the norm soon and will impact everyone, including you.
Don’t be caught off guard when these policies become universal. If you haven’t made the change yet, now is the time to act.
At first, the change might feel like an inconvenience, another obstacle to overcome, but it can be an opportunity in disguise.
By moving away from credit cards, you will cut down on those pesky processing fees that eat into your budget. These fees might seem minor, but for any jewelry business running a lot of campaigns, they can add up quickly.
Think about what you could do with those savings.
You could reinvest them into expanding your inventory, upgrade the customer experience at your store, or launch a new marketing initiative.
This isn’t just about switching payment methods; it’s about making every dollar work harder for your jewelry business and that starts with controlling your costs.
The change from Google should be looked at as a positive one because it makes you more disciplined about making every penny count.
There’s another big benefit here—predictability.
Monthly invoicing gives you a clear, consistent timeline and helps you to better manage your store’s finances.
Also, when you use a bank-based payment method, you gain financial stability, which allows for better planning, smoother operations, and less stress. No more worrying about juggling multiple credit cards, changing billing dates, interest payments, and/or late fees.
Don’t wait until Google forces your hand. You need to get ahead of this change now.
By making the switch today, you ensure that your ad campaigns will continue without interruption. Be proactive about it.
As you make this transition, it’s also a good time to consult with your digital marketing team or agency.
They can help make sure that you follow Google’s policies and your switch to a new payment method is as smooth as possible, and that you’re taking full advantage of any other incentives or benefits Google has to offer.
For example, if you’re planning a major campaign for the fall season and/or Black Friday (Nov. 29), you’ll want to make sure your payment processes are set up properly and streamlined to avoid any disruptions.
In digital marketing, you always need to be looking forward. Change is inevitable; it’s how you respond to it that will set your jewelry business apart.
Remember, this isn’t just about doing what Google wants you to do.
It’s about doing what’s in the best interest of your store and keeping your digital marketing ads running while your competitors’ ads go dark. Simply put, it’s a smart move.
As a Google Premier Partner, Smart Age Solutions is equipped to help your business not only understand these changes but use them to your advantage. We have a team of experts fully focused on strategic planning, financial management advice, and giving your business the continuous support it deserves.
Reach out to us today at info@smartagesolutions.com for a consultation or more information, so that we can help your business reach its full potential.
We’re ready to help you succeed.
More on Columnists
The Latest
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
