How to Pay for Google Ads in Nigeria 2025

Back in 2022, I decided to start freelancing full-time. It was a big decision, but I was determined to make it work, and my goal was clear: I wanted to attract international clients. 

Around that time, I started seeing several LinkedIn posts where people shared how Google Ads had helped them land clients quickly. Their results looked impressive, so I decided to try it by setting up my first campaign.

When I was done setting it up, I tried to pay but my Nigerian debit card was declined. I even switched banks, but nothing worked.

Because of my current situation, I had to search online, scrolling through forums and blogs for days, only to realise that many Nigerians were facing the same issues.

After trying different suggestions and failing a few times, I finally found a simple solution that made everything easier.

So, if you are looking for a way to pay for Google Ads and you are stuck at the payment stage, this article will guide you through the process.

What You Need Before Paying for Google Ads in Nigeria

Before you can pay for Google Ads in Nigeria, you’ll need a working Google account, a Google Ads account, a clear budget for your ads, and an understanding that there may be extra charges.

1. A Working Google Account:

I knew I couldn’t even move forward without a proper Google account. At that time, I already had one, but I noticed that some people were having issues because their account details were not set up properly or they were having trouble recovering old logins.

Before you pay for Google Ads, make sure you have a working Google account to save you from any unnecessary stress, and if you have a problem with recovering old logins, you can simply create a new one.

2. A Google Ads Account:

After creating a Google account, I realised that it wasn’t enough. I also had to create a Google Ads account, and honestly, that was the beginning of my problem.

Back then, this was completely new to me, and I remember feeling a little lost the very first time I opened the dashboard. I had to take the time to set it up, which became the base for everything else.

In other words, you don’t only need a Google account, you also need a Google Ads account to get your ads live.

3. A Defined Advertising Budget:

Another thing I quickly learned is that you definitely need to know how much you’re ready to spend. When I first started, I didn’t think about the budget seriously; I just wanted my ads running. However, I soon realised that without setting a clear daily or monthly budget, you can easily run into problems.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to set your budget early; it doesn’t matter how small it is, because once you do, you have more control over it.

4. Awareness of Possible Extra Charges:

One thing I didn’t initially consider was the additional charges. Things like taxes, conversion fees, and small deductions here and there can make your spending a bit higher than the budget you specifically set for yourself.

It can feel really confusing if you’re not expecting it, but once you know, it’s easier to plan and avoid any problems.

How to Make a Google Ads Payment in Nigeria

There are two ways to pay for Google Ads in Nigeria: paying with a debit or credit card and paying with a virtual dollar card.

1. Paying with a Debit or Credit Card:

When I finally got past all the setup and understood the basics, the real question became: how do I actually pay? That was when my frustration began, but also where I learned the most.

The first thing I tried was my Nigerian debit card. Like I said earlier, it declined. I thought it was just my bank, so I tried others, but nothing worked.

Later, I realised that a lot of Nigerian cards simply don’t go through on Google Ads, especially for international payments. You can be lucky and it might work, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t, because for me this option was mostly a dead end.

2. Paying with a Virtual Dollar Card:

After my failed attempts with bank cards, I began researching virtual dollar cards. This changed everything for me because virtual dollar cards work like regular cards, but instead of being tied down by Nigerian banks, you fund them in Naira and they charge in dollars, which Google accepts.

That was when I came across Cardtonic, a trusted platform where you can easily get and fund a virtual dollar card right from Nigeria. I decided to give Cardtonic a try, and the platform completely solved my problem.

I remember being sceptical at first, but the moment I used the card from Cardtonic, my payment went through smoothly on Google Ads.

You can watch the video below for more practical steps on how to create a virtual dollar card on Cardtonic.

How to Pay for Google Ads with a Virtual Dollar Card from Cardtonic

If you don’t have a dollar card from your local bank, you can still pay for your Google Ads easily using a virtual dollar card from Cardtonic. It’s quick to set up, just create your card, fund it in naira, and link it to your Google Ads account like a regular card.

1. First, sign up on Cardtonic and get your virtual dollar card. The process is simple and fast.

2. Next, fund the card in naira, and it automatically converts to dollars.

3. Go to your Google Ads account, open the billing section, and choose to add a new payment method.

4. Enter your Cardtonic virtual dollar card details, which are the card number, expiry date, and CVV, just like you would with any regular card.

5. Once you save it, Google will charge the card successfully, and your ads will start running without issues.

Ways to Fund Your Google Account

While I was doing my research, I found out that there are a few different ways you can fund your Google Ads account, either through prepay, or postpay.

1. Prepay:

With the prepay option, you have to load money into your account first before your ads can start running. It’s like buying airtime, once the balance finishes, your ads automatically stop.

This was actually the option I went with. As someone new to running ads, I wanted to avoid overspending, and the prepay system made that easy. It allowed me to test different campaigns, monitor results closely, and top up only when I was ready.

In short, it gave me full control and peace of mind while I learned how Google Ads really worked.

2. Postpay:

Then there’s the postpay method, which I found really interesting. Here, you get to run your ads first, and Google bills you later, usually on a set date or when you reach a certain spend amount.

A lot of people seem to like this one because it’s more flexible; you don’t have to keep topping up manually every time your balance runs low.

Frequently Asked Questions About Google Ads Payments in Nigeria

1. How Much Does it Cost to Run Google Ads in Nigeria?

There’s no fixed price. You set your own budget, and it can be as low as a few dollars a day. What matters is consistency and targeting the right audience.

2. Which Nigerian Banks Support Google Ads Payments?

As of 2025, banks like UBA, GTBank, Wema (ALAT), Stanbic IBTC, First Bank, Union Bank, and Providus support Google Ads payments. Always make sure international transactions are allowed; if they fail, try a virtual dollar card.

3. How Much Do Google Ads Cost per 1,000 Views?

On average, Google Ads cost between $1–$10 per 1,000 views for display or video ads. Search ads can be higher, often $30–$80+ per 1,000 impressions, depending on your industry and audience.

4. Why is My Google Ads Payment Failing in Nigeria?

Payments sometimes fail when international transactions are disabled or bank limits are exceeded. Most Nigerian debit cards now support Google Ads if international access is turned on. If it still fails, use another bank’s card or a virtual dollar card.

5. Is Google Ads Effective for Small Businesses in Nigeria?

Yes, it is. With the right budget, even small businesses can get new customers and grow using Google Ads.

Conclusion

When I think back to 2022, I remember how close I was to giving up simply because I couldn’t make a payment. It felt unfair knowing that Google Ads could help me grow, yet I was stuck at the payment stage. But once I found the right method, everything became easier. 

If you’re in that same place right now, frustrated with failed cards or confused about where to start, just know you’re not alone and I’ve been there too.

Whether it’s using a virtual dollar card from Cardtonic or setting up your account the right way, you can get past the payment stage and finally run your ads with confidence.