The Google Ads referral program allows eligible users to earn ad credit by referring new advertisers who sign up and spend on Google Ads. While many users can share referral links, only certain accounts qualify to receive ad credit based on eligibility criteria.
How the Program Works
The program has two main phases:
- Referrer eligibility: Users must check their eligibility by signing into their Google Ads Referral account. Not all advertisers qualify to earn referral credit.
- Referee sign-up: Any user can create a unique referral link to share. When someone clicks the link, signs up for Google Ads, and starts spending, they become a "referred" advertiser.
Tracking Referrals and Ad Credit
Referrals appear in a program dashboard with a "Pending" status initially. To earn ad credit, the referred advertiser must run their first campaign and meet eligibility requirements after 30 days. If successful, the referrer receives an email confirmation of the credit. Ineligible referrals are removed without detailed explanations to protect privacy.
Eligibility Requirements and Limitations
To earn ad credit, referrers must:
- Be active Google Ads customers, sometimes meeting a minimum spend threshold.
- Have Standard or Admin access to their Google Ads account.
- Maintain an account in good standing without fraudulent flags and not linked only to a Manager account.
- Have their billing country match the country of the referee’s account creation.
Users can earn up to 10 referral ad credits yearly across all their Google Ads accounts. Credits are non-transferable and expire after 60 days. Specific terms apply upon enrollment.
Creating and Sharing Referral Links
Users log into their Google Ads account, visit the referral program page, and generate a unique referral URL linked to a selected account. This link can be shared by copying it directly, posting on social media, or sending via text or email.
