How to Set Up TikTok Ads Payment Method in 5 Easy Steps

Struggling to set up your TikTok Ads payment method? If not managed correctly, you might encounter issues with failed payments. In this blog, I’ll walk you through all types of TikTok Ads payment method currently available, and offer a step-by-step guide on how to add funds to your account.

3 options of ad payment methods on TikTok

To set up an ad campaign on TikTok Ads Manager, every advertiser must first create an ad account and then select one of three payment options:

• Manual Payment
• Automatic Payment
• Monthly Invoicing

Let’s examine the differences between these three methods!

Manual Payment

If you prefer to control your spending upfront, Manual Payment is the way to go. This option requires you to add funds before launching your ads, ensuring you never exceed your budget.

How it works:

• You must add funds upfront to your TikTok Ads account before launching your campaigns. Your ads will run as long as there is a positive balance. Once the balance is depleted, all active campaigns will pause until you manually reload your account.
• You can reload funds at any time, but ads stop immediately if your balance reaches zero.
• TikTok does not allow overdrafts—you must maintain a sufficient balance to avoid disruptions.
• Best for businesses that want full spending control and to avoid automatic withdrawals.

Payment methods accepted:

• Bank transfer (including local and international transfers in some regions)
• Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
• Digital payment methods (varies by region)

Automatic Payment

Want a hassle-free payment system? Automatic Payment allows you to focus on your campaigns while TikTok handles the billing when you hit a spending limit or a scheduled date.

How it works:

• With automatic payments, TikTok charges your linked payment method when your ad spend reaches a billing threshold (a set spending amount) or on a monthly billing date, whichever comes first.
• If a payment fails, TikTok will retry the charge several times. If still unsuccessful, all campaigns will pause.
• Ideal for ongoing campaigns where you want continuous ad delivery without manual fund top-ups.

Billing threshold specifics:

• Initial threshold: Starts at a lower amount (e.g., $20–$500) depending on your account and region.
• Increases over time: If you make successful payments and run consistent ads, TikTok will automatically raise your billing threshold.
• Multiple charges: If your spending exceeds the threshold multiple times in a cycle, TikTok may charge your card several times within a month.

Payment methods accepted:

• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB)
• Debit cards (where supported)

Invoice Payments

TikTok Advertising provides invoice payments to certain advertisers that fulfill specific conditions. Using invoice payments, marketers may get an invoice from TikTok Ads for their ad spend and then pay the invoice by wire transfer or bank transfer.

How it works:

• TikTok offers monthly invoicing to pre-approved businesses with substantial ad spend. This option allows you to run ads on credit and pay via invoice after your campaign ends or at the end of the billing period.
• Invoices reflect your total ad spend during the billing period.
• Ideal for large businesses that prefer a centralized billing process and flexible payment terms.

Eligibility criteria:

• Requires business verification and approval from TikTok.
• Minimum monthly ad spend may apply (varies by region).

Billing and payment terms:

• Invoice frequency: Issued monthly or after a specific order ends.
• Payment deadline: Usually 30 days from the invoice date unless otherwise specified.
• Credit responsibility: Advertisers are responsible for all costs, even if another entity is the designated payer.

Payment methods accepted:

• Bank transfer (wire transfer for large payments)
• Credit or debit card (if supported by the invoicing agreement)

What to prepare to pay for TikTok ads?

You need to fulfill 3 TikTok payment requirements below before being able to make a deposit on TikTok Ads Manager:

• TikTok Ads Account (TikTok Ads Self-serve or TikTok Ads Agency): To run campaigns on TikTok, you must have a TikTok ads account. Currently, there are 2 types:
  • TikTok Agency account: TikTok Ads Agency is a kind of account only available for TikTok partners. If you have difficulty registering a business account, contact Mega Digital for support.
  • TikTok Ads Self-served: Open to all, a self-serve account allows ad creation with fewer features than an Agency account. Users must handle any ad issues independently, as dedicated support is not provided.

• International payment cards: As mentioned above, you must create a MasterCard, Visa card, or JCB to pay advertising fees on TikTok.

• Top up money into advertising account: To be able to start a campaign and get ads approved by TikTok, you must make a deposit first. TikTok requires a minimum of $50 for a deposit, so be prepared to have a balance of $60.

How to add payment method on TikTok

To add one of three TikTok payment methods, you can simply follow these steps:

• Step 1: Log in to your TikTok Ads account and go to the Dashboard.
• Step 2: Click on TikTok Payment Method section, then click on Add Payment Method.
• Step 3: Choose the type of payment method you want to add. TikTok Ads currently accepts credit cards and PayPal for prepay payments, and credit cards for autopay payments.
• Step 4: Enter your payment information, such as the credit card number, expiration date, and security code, or log in to your PayPal account to link it to your TikTok Ads account. If you’re adding a credit card, you can also choose to save the card information for future use by checking the Save Payment Method box.
• Step 5: Once you’ve entered your payment information, click Save to save the payment method to your account.

After this part, you can easily top up your TikTok Ads account and start running campaigns by clicking Add Balance at the top-up and payment page.

Notes:

• It is advised to make a bank card at a reputable bank to avoid the case that TikTok refuses a payment card.
• Do not use virtual cards.
• Before starting the campaign, remember to deposit enough money in your payment account.
• Payment information must be kept confidential.

How to Pay for Ads on TikTok?

Paying for TikTok Ads is a straightforward process, but it depends on which billing option you choose. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on your preferred payment method:

For Manual Payment

If you prefer to add funds upfront, follow these steps:

1. Access Billing – In TikTok Ads Manager, click on the Billing tab.
2. Add Balance – Select Add Balance and choose Manual Payment.
3. Choose a Payment Method – Use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal to add funds.
4. Confirm Payment – Enter your details and confirm the transaction. Your account will update once the payment is processed.

Tip: Always monitor your balance to avoid interruptions—your ads will stop automatically if funds run out.

For Automatic Payment

If you want TikTok to charge you as you go, here’s how:

1. Set Up Automatic Payment – In the Payment Methods section, choose Automatic Payment and add a credit card.
2. Billing Threshold – TikTok sets an initial limit (e.g., $50–$500), which increases with consistent spending.
3. Automatic Charges – When you reach the threshold or at the end of the billing cycle, TikTok deducts the amount automatically.

Tip: Ensure your payment method is always valid—failed payments can pause all active campaigns.

For Monthly Invoicing

If your business qualifies for invoicing, here’s how you’ll pay:

1. Apply for Invoicing – Contact TikTok support to check if your business qualifies.
2. Receive Monthly Invoices – If approved, you’ll get a bill based on your ad spend at the end of each month.
3. Make a Payment – Pay via bank transfer or another agreed method within 30 days of receiving the invoice.

Tip: This option is best for businesses spending significant amounts on TikTok Ads who need flexible payment terms.

FAQs about TikTok Ads Payment Method

Can you change my payment method on TikTok Ads Manager?

Yes, you can change your payment method at any time by going to the “Payment Method” section and selecting a different payment method.

Can I link multiple payment methods to my account?

Yes, TikTok enables you to add multiple payment methods to your ads account. Simply click the plus icon next to your current payment method, and TikTok will prompt you to enter details for a new one. Don’t forget to designate one as your primary payment method on the Payment page.

How can I change the currency in TikTok Ads Manager?

Unfortunately, the time zone, country/region, and currency settings cannot be modified. To update this information, you’ll need to create a new account with the desired time zone, country/region, or currency.

There is a notification of ‘TikTok ads payment unsuccessful’ on TikTok Ads Manager. Why and what should I do?

There are many reasons why TikTok notifies you of your ‘ads payment unsuccessful’, including technical issues, insufficient balance, unaccepted methods, verification issues, and billing address mismatch. Based on each problem, you have different solutions to fix, check out our article on how to resolve this issue right here!

>>> Read more:  Unlock TikTok Ads Payment Unsuccessful with TikTok Agency Guide

How do I update my payment method on TikTok Ads?

You can set it up like usual by clicking on Payment on the TikTok Ads Manager’s Dashboard. However, it’s important to note that if you’re using autopay as your payment method, you’ll need to set a payment threshold to trigger the automatic payments. If you’re using prepay, you’ll need to add funds to your account before creating campaigns.

Also, make sure that the new TikTok ads payment method you’re adding is valid and has enough funds to cover your advertising spend. If the payment method fails, your campaigns may stop running, and your account could be suspended.

Can you allocate a budget from a suspended account to a fresh new one?

When there is an ad campaign that violates TikTok’s policies, your TikTok ads account will be suspended temporarily or permanently. In case of temporary suspension, users can appeal TikTok’s request to get their account back and continue running ads as before.

However, in the case of a permanent suspension, the user cannot appeal and the account cannot continue to run ads. And at this point, the entire credit balance in the ad account will not be withdrawn – which means you will lose all that money.

With Mega Digital’s TikTok agency account rental service, we will assist you in transferring the balance from your old account to your new account when your old account has been suspended. 

Final Word

In conclusion, setting up and managing your payment methods for TikTok Ads is a crucial step in running successful campaigns without interruptions. By familiarizing yourself with the available TikTok Ads payment methods and ensuring your account is properly funded, you can focus on optimizing your ad strategy and reaching your target audience effectively.

I hope that this guide has helped you understand the process better and feel confident in managing your TikTok Ads payments, so you can avoid common issues and keep your ads running smoothly.