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adCenter customers often have questions about billing processes, so we'll be blogging more on this topic to make sure you have the info you need.
Let’s start out by defining the topics being discussed today:
Microsoft adCenter will charge a credit card at least once a month when there is a balance on the account. When a credit card is charged is based on two factors: when the billing threshold is met and the monthly billing date for the account. Charges appear on a credit card that is associated with an account either once a month on the billing date or when your billing threshold is reached, whichever comes first.
Over time, as you make timely payments, your billing threshold may incrementally increase.
The billing threshold carries over from month to month. If the billing threshold is not met within a specific month, then the account is billed with all current charges on the monthly billing date.
The number of times an account is billed is not predetermined. It will be billed on the monthly billing date or each time the account incurs enough charges to reach the billing threshold. To help minimize charges on a specific credit card, adCenter will not charge a credit card on the monthly billing date if the charges are less than $1.00 or if the account reached its billing threshold within the last 10 days prior to the billing date.
To view your monthly billing date, simply log into adCenter, click the "Accounts & Billing" tab, then select "Billing". If applicable, choose an account number and an activity period, and then click "Go". The billing threshold and monthly billing date are both listed on the left hand side of the page, just above your payment history details and below the account drop down menu.
If you have questions or comments about adCenter billing, please let us know in this forum thread. You can also watch the billing Flash tutorial on the adExcellence web site.
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I just set up an ad campaign. I set the budget very low, mostly I want to see what kind of activity I can expext. I set my budget at 50.00. The first day seemed abut what I expected. However the second day it looks like there was an 80 dollar click. Any one know what that is all about?
@Tom Blair - I will be glad to look into this for you. I do have a couple of questions. When you state that you set your Budget? are you refering to Daily Budget or a Monthly Budget? To better assist of why you are spending more then your budget. My Suggestion would be to contact support so they can look into your account.
Paul K
Please explain "billing threshold" in further detail. Is the "threshold" the limit on my credit card, not the limit set by my monthly budget?
Hi Gwen,
The billing threshold on your account is the maximum amount of pending advertising charges that can accumulate on your account before your account is charged. With new accounts, the billing threshold is set at $50. Once you reach your current billing threshold three times within a once month billing cycle period you will be automatically moved up to the next billing threshold amount. I have included a link below with more information about how billing works.
adcenterhelp.microsoft.com/help.aspx
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Thank you.
Britt. H - MSFT
Hi,
Why the billing process is so complicated?? is there an option for manually add funds to my account when I need it? for example, to add $50 or $100 or $500 and then when my balance is getting lower, add more funds to it. without getting charged automatically without my approval ?!
Many networks allow this option with no problems. hope it's allowed with MSN Adcenter. I just opened an account and would like to start asap. but without this option I'm forced to try another network.
Thanks
Hello Adel,
Currently our billing system is only post pay. Our system currently does not allow for pre pay balances. What i can do is forward your feedback regarding pre pay accounts. It may be something that could be release in the future.
Another suggestion would be to contact support and see if there are any other options that may work for your advertising needs.
Thank you,
I agree with the post by Adel on February 24th. Google allows you to pay more than you owe on your account to create a credit balance. Google also starts you out on a larger limit that $50.00. I use a debit card to pay adcenter. A few time when my balance was low adcenter hit my card which was refused. I quickly transfered fund and paid my balance in full the same day. I am rewarded by a threat to not use my card and to keep my limit at $50.00. I understand why they do not want refusals. This could be avoided by either higher limits or ability to have a credit balance. Adcenter seems to be saying our way or the highway. This policy is not in line Google. Adcenter needs to be more customer friendly. I like their service just dislike this policy and their inability to address it.
I'm still in shock over the threshold issue....Microsoft automatically bumps up your threshold....I just got a $2,500 "surprise." on my bank account......I called Microsoft customer service.....They would not compromise with me even though this was the first time......Tyhey just stuck by "read the terms and conditions."......I have quite a sour taste in my mouth over Microsoft's tactics.....Never had this problem with Google...:-(