Google regularly offers promotional credits for Google Ads. Most people associate them with new accounts — but existing advertisers can get offers, too.

These often arrive via email or sit quietly in the Promotions section, which makes them easy to miss. I nearly overlooked one recently. Here’s what Google Ads credits are, how to redeem them, and where to check whether you’re eligible.

In this article, I’ll show you how Google Ads promotional offers work, how to redeem them and where you can check whether you’re eligible.

By the way, if you want, you can also check out my video on this:

What are Google Ads promotional offers and how do they work?

Essentially, it is an ad cost credit added to your account if you meet certain criteria.

You can find Google’s explanation here.

Typical logic:

• You activate an offer or enter a code
• You reach a minimum spend in the defined period
• After that, the credit is automatically credited and offset against future costs

Important, because it is often misunderstood:

• Credit is not money that you can withdraw
• Support cannot add promotions on request
• The conditions of the respective offer are always decisive

Instructions: How to redeem your credit

1) Signup offer for new accounts

For new accounts, Google often shows an offer such as “Spend X in the first 60 days to unlock Y credit” directly at the start You choose an option that matches your planned budget. After that, it usually works like this:

1. Select offer
2. Set up account and start campaign
3. Reach the minimum spend in the period
4. The credit will be credited later

Current offers:

If you’re just setting up a new account, here’s my guide to setting it up:

Google Ads account setup

2) Enter promo code in existing account

If you receive a code by email or via a partner, you can enter it in Google Ads:

1. In Google Ads at the top on Tools & Settings
2. Open billing
3. Select Promotions
4. Click on the plus sign
5. Enter the code and apply it

Then apply again: fulfill the conditions, then the credit will be credited automatically.

Check eligibility: Where you need to look

A) In the account under Billing → Promotions

This is the quickest check. If an offer is active or a code can be stored, you will see it there.

My tip: Don’t just check it once, but make a little routine out of it. Especially if several people have access to the account or the account is not opened daily.

B) In your emails

Many promotions come as marketing emails from Google. These tend to end up in tabs such as “Advertising” or get lost in your inbox.

Search terms for the inbox:

• “advertising credit”
• “Google Ads credit”
• “Promotion”
• “Google Ads code”

C) Advantage if you work with a Google Partner

If you work with a Google Partner, this can be a real advantage.

I am a Google Partner myself. In Manager accounts, there is a separate overview for Promotional offers, and depending on the country and account, offers appear there that I can use for my customers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Google Ads promotional offers

Are the Google Ads promotional offers only available for new customers?
No. There are classic signup offers for new advertisers. But there are also promotions for existing advertisers.

Can I have the credit paid out?
No. It is only offset against advertising costs.

Why don’t I see an offer even though others are receiving one?
Promotions are selective. Not every account automatically receives an offer.

Where can I see the expiration date and status?
Usually under Billing → Promotions.

Conclusion

Google Ads credit is quickly “earned” budget if you fulfill the conditions.

The most important point: Not only new accounts benefit. Existing accounts also sometimes receive codes by email, and it is precisely these that are often overlooked.

If you don’t want to miss out on this topic, do the 2-minute check today:

1. Open Google Ads: Billing → Promotions
2. Search your mailbox: “promotion” or “advertising credit”

This will save you several hundred euros in case of doubt.

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