Primary Payment Method

What is a Primary Payment Method?

Your primary payment method is what Facebook ad account will automatically charge you on for your current balance, depending on your billing threshold and account spending limit that you set for your account ahead of time. Any ad created will begin to run up its bill on this option that you set for yourself, whether it is credit card, debit card, or PayPal (rules and regulations depending on your geographic location).

Any ad coupons or credits you may have are spent first before your primary payment method is charged. While you can not currently buy or request ad credits, you can receive them through periodic promotions that Facebook does or through a partnership ad campaign Facebook may be running with another company. They will be charged automatically until they run out of their balance.

Keep in mind, ad coupons or credits can not pay off the current balance that existed before they were added to your account. They only begin to cover the cost of future running ads.

Is there a Difference Between How Campaign-Credits and Ad-Credits Are Charged?

The only difference between campaign credits and ad credits is the order in which they are charged. Facebook pulls from the campaign-level first because it is a larger category. If your ads are still running after your campaign credits run out, Facebook will then pull from your smaller ad credits.

Andrew Mantarro / Unsplash

Setting Up Your Primary Payment Method

A primary payment method is a payment method that is saved on your Facebook account and used by default when you make purchases. This can save you time and hassle by eliminating the need to enter your payment information each time you want to buy something.

Setting up a primary payment method on Facebook is easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Log In and Access Ads Manager: Log in to your Facebook account and go to the Ads Manager. This is where you’ll find all your advertising activities.
2. Payment Settings: Once in the Ads Manager, head over to the “Billing” section. Click on “Payment Settings.” This is where the magic happens.
3. Choose Your Method: Here, you get to choose your preferred payment method. Whether it’s a credit card, PayPal, or another option, Facebook provides various choices to cater to your convenience.
4. Enter the Details: Input the necessary payment details. Don’t worry; Facebook takes privacy seriously and ensures your information is secure.
5. Save Changes: After entering the required information, hit the “Save Changes” button. Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up your primary payment method.

Significance of a Primary Payment Method

The significance of a primary payment method on Facebook is immense, serving as a linchpin for your online activities. This designated payment source holds pivotal importance for a multitude of reasons which are explained below.

1. Seamless Transactions

Imagine you’re an advertiser running a crucial ad campaign or a business-boosting posts to reach potential customers. The primary payment method ensures that these transactions occur smoothly, eliminating the risk of disruptions or delays that might arise from using an outdated or inactive payment source.

2. Campaign Continuity

For businesses and advertisers, maintaining the momentum of campaigns is vital. Having an active primary payment method guarantees that your campaigns stay on track, allowing you to focus on your objectives without the worry of payment issues interrupting your progress.

3. User Experience

Whether you’re a business or an individual, your online presence matters. A consistent and active primary payment method ensures that your interactions with customers, followers, or supporters remain uninterrupted. This contributes to a positive user experience, fostering trust and reliability.

4. Avoiding Missed Opportunities

In the fast-paced world of social media, opportunities arise swiftly and fade just as quickly. An inactive payment method might result in missed chances to engage with your audience, promote your products, or share important information.

5. Professionalism

Businesses, especially, need to project a professional image. An active primary payment method ensures that your ads run seamlessly, reflecting a level of professionalism that can attract potential customers and establish your credibility.

What Happens if There’s an Issue with the Primary Payment Method on My Facebook Ad Account?

If there is an issue with your primary payment method and you have a backup payment method, your backup payment method will be automatically charged. This is why we suggest adding a backup payment method to your ad account because it can avoid getting your ad account put into noncompliance.

The last thing you want is for your ad account to be marked as a red flag for a silly reason such as an expired credit card that you never updated in time. Now, your ad campaigns are frozen and you can’t run any new ones until Facebook updates and processes your new information.  

Being proactive with budget and payment methods can only do so much. Add a backup payment method if you have not already so you can focus on what matters: ads and your budget. Not payment issues that actually have nothing to do with your payment capacity.

Managing and Editing Your Primary Payment Method

Life is dynamic, and so are your payment preferences. If you need to make changes to your primary payment method, Facebook has made it hassle-free:

1. Navigate to Payment Settings: Head back to the “Billing” section in the Ads Manager.
2. Select Your Primary Payment Method: Click on “Payment Settings” and find your primary payment method.
3. Edit or Add: Need to update the details or add a new payment source? No problem. You can edit the information as needed or add a new payment source altogether.

Security and Privacy Considerations

When it comes to managing financial information, security is paramount. Facebook is well aware of this concern and provides options to keep your payment data secure:

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for an extra layer of security. It ensures that even if someone gains access to your account, they won’t be able to make changes without the secondary authentication step.
• Regular Monitoring: Make it a habit to monitor your payment activity. Regularly review the charges associated with your primary payment method to ensure they align with your actions.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

As with any digital platform, occasional glitches can arise. Here are some common problems you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

• Declined Payments: If a payment is declined, double-check the payment details you’ve entered. Ensure they match the information on your payment source.
• Expired Cards: If your primary payment method is an expired card, you’ll need to update the details with a valid card.
• Payment Errors: In case you encounter payment errors, reach out to Facebook’s support for assistance.

Best Practices for Primary Payment Method

To ensure a smooth experience with your primary payment method:

• Regularly Update: Keep your payment details up to date. An expired card or outdated information can lead to disruptions.
• Budget Planning: If you’re running ads, plan your budget accordingly. Having a sufficient balance in your primary payment source prevents your campaigns from being paused unexpectedly.

Wrapping Up

When choosing a payment method for your Facebook primary payment method, it’s important to consider factors such as security, convenience, and flexibility. You’ll also want to make sure that the payment method is accepted by the businesses that you’re most likely to make purchases from on Facebook.

FAQs

What is a primary payment method?

A primary payment method is a payment method that is saved on your Facebook account and used by default when you make purchases. This can save you time and hassle by eliminating the need to enter your payment information each time you want to buy something.

Why is it important to have a primary payment method?

There are several reasons why it is important to have a primary payment method on Facebook:

• Convenience: It saves you time and hassle by eliminating the need to enter your payment information each time you want to buy something.
• Security: Your payment information is stored securely on Facebook’s servers.
• Tracking: You can track your spending on Facebook to see where your money is going.
• Flexibility: You can use a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.

How do I set up a primary payment method on Facebook?

To set up a primary payment method on Facebook, follow these steps:

1. Go to your Facebook settings.
2. Click on “Payments.”
3. Click on “Add a payment method.”
4. Select the type of payment method you want to add.
5. Enter your payment information.
6. Click on “Save.”

What different payment methods can I use as my primary payment method?

The payment methods that you can use as your Facebook primary payment method vary depending on your location. However, some of the most common payment methods include:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay