ReferenceGoogle Ads disapproval
Debt services
Google allows debt settlement and debt management ads only in approved locations, and only after the advertiser completes an application for each location. Ads aimed at places off the approved list cannot run for these services. Apply through the link for each location, or edit the ad and remove the locations that are not on the list.
At a glance
- Where it shows
- The Status column on the Ads & assets page, as Disapproved under this policy.
- What stops
- The ad stops serving in any location that is not approved for the service.
- How serious
- Low on its own. Google issues a warning at least 7 days before any account suspension.
What it means
The policy allows certain debt services only in approved locations, and only where the service complies with local law and industry standards, the location is eligible, and the advertiser has applied and been approved.
Debt settlement negotiates a reduced lump-sum payment accepted as payment in full. Debt management negotiates reduced periodic payments, interest rates or fees. Both need the application, and each location has its own rule on who may provide the service, such as a registered insolvency administrator in Spain or a licensed attorney in Japan.
What actually triggers it
A location not on the approved list
Ads that target a place off the approved list cannot run for these services. The list is named on the page.
A settlement or management service without an application
Both services need the application, even in an approved location. Advertising before the application is approved does not meet the policy.
A location with its own rule on who may provide the service
Spain and Japan show the pattern: the provider must hold a status such as a registered insolvency administrator or a licensed attorney. An account that cannot show who provides the service in a location has not met that location's rule.
A location that uses verification instead of the application
Australia, Brazil, Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom use the Financial Services Verification process instead of the standard application.
Fix it in this order
- In Google Ads, go to Ads under the Campaigns menu, and note each disapproved ad.
- Remove every location that is not on the approved list from the campaign targeting.
- If the service and the business qualify, apply to advertise debt services from the application link, with a separate application for each location. In Australia, Brazil, Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom, use the Financial Services Verification process instead.
- Hover over the ad, select Edit, make the change and select Save. Re-review typically takes 24 to 48 hours.
When to appeal
Appeal from the account when the ad is in an approved location and you believe the decision is wrong.
An appeal does not add a location to the approved list. Only the application does that.
Often confused with
Prohibited, with no certification route. Debt services is permitted in approved locations after an application, so the two rules need different answers.
Covers mortgage and foreclosure help, under a rule with its own practice list and no application route on that page.