How do I schedule payments for Microsoft Ads in advance?

Microsoft Ads allows you to schedule payments in advance using prepay (manual payments) or autopay (automatic payments), depending on your billing setup. Here's how you can schedule payments:

1. Prepay (Manual Payments) – Adding Funds in Advance
If your account is set to prepay, you can manually add funds to cover future ad spending.

Steps to Add Funds in Advance:
Sign in to your Microsoft Ads account.
Go to Tools (gear icon) → Billing & Payments.
Select Add funds.
Choose a payment method (credit/debit card, PayPal, bank transfer, etc.).
Enter the amount you want to add and confirm.
💡 Tip: If you run high-budget campaigns, ensure you add enough funds to avoid interruptions.

2. Autopay (Automatic Payments) – Scheduled Billing
If your account is set to postpay (autopay), Microsoft Ads will automatically charge your payment method based on a billing threshold or monthly invoice.

Ways to Schedule Payments:
Set a Lower Billing Threshold:

Microsoft Ads charges your payment method once you reach a set threshold.
You can request Microsoft support to adjust your threshold (e.g., charge after every $500 instead of $1,000).
Switch to Monthly Invoicing (if eligible):

Businesses that meet Microsoft's credit requirements can opt for monthly invoicing.
Microsoft sends an invoice at the end of each billing cycle, and you can schedule payments based on your due date.
Use Recurring Payments on Your Payment Method:

If your bank or card provider allows, you can set up a recurring payment for Microsoft Ads.
This ensures your account is charged automatically at specific intervals.
3. Setting Up a Recurring Payment via Your Bank (For Wire Transfers)
If you pay via bank transfer, you can set up a standing order (recurring payment) through your bank to add funds automatically.

Steps:
Contact your bank and set up a scheduled transfer to Microsoft Ads' bank account.
Ensure you include your Microsoft Ads billing account ID as a reference.
Confirm with Microsoft Ads support that they recognize automatic bank transfers.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Prepay: Add funds in advance manually.
✅ Autopay: Microsoft Ads charges your payment method based on thresholds or invoices.
✅ Scheduled Bank Transfers: Set up a standing order with your bank for automatic payments.

Microsoft Ads allows you to schedule payments in advance to avoid interruptions in your campaigns. Whether you want automatic payments, prepaid billing, or scheduled manual payments, here's how to do it.

🔹 Option 1: Set Up Automatic Payments (Postpay) 🔄
Best for: Businesses that want bills to be charged automatically when the balance reaches a threshold.

Steps to Enable Automatic Payments:
1️⃣ Log in to Microsoft Ads.
2️⃣ Click the gear icon ⚙ (Settings) > Select Billing & Payments.
3️⃣ Under Billing Preferences, select Postpay (Automatic Payments).
4️⃣ Add a credit/debit card, PayPal, or bank account for automatic payments.
5️⃣ Set your billing threshold (e.g., charge every $500 or $1,000 spent).

🔥 Microsoft will charge your account automatically once you hit the set threshold or on your monthly billing date.

🚨 Note: If you hit the spending limit before the billing cycle ends, you'll be charged before the scheduled date.

🔹 Option 2: Prepay for Microsoft Ads (Manual Payments in Advance) 💰
Best for: Businesses that want full budget control and to avoid unexpected charges.

Steps to Add Funds in Advance:
1️⃣ Go to Billing & Payments > Payment Methods.
2️⃣ Select Prepay (Manual Payments).
3️⃣ Click Add Funds and enter the amount you want to prepay.
4️⃣ Choose a payment method (credit card, PayPal, wire transfer, etc.).
5️⃣ Click Submit Payment.

🔥 Your campaigns will run until the preloaded funds run out.

🚨 Tip: To keep ads running, add funds before the balance hits zero.

🔹 Option 3: Schedule a Future Manual Payment (For Postpay Accounts) 📅
Best for: Those using automatic payments but want to pay early to manage cash flow.

Steps to Schedule a Payment in Advance:
1️⃣ Go to Billing & Payments > Make a Payment.
2️⃣ Enter the amount you want to pay (can be full or partial balance).
3️⃣ Select the date you want to process the payment.
4️⃣ Choose your payment method and confirm.

🔥 Microsoft will process the payment on the selected date, ensuring your campaigns stay active.

🚨 Note: Scheduled payments do NOT override automatic billing cycles, so plan accordingly.

🔹 How to Set Up Billing Alerts & Notifications 🔔
✔ Go to Billing Settings → Enable email notifications for low balance alerts.
✔ Check your billing threshold regularly to avoid unexpected charges.
✔ Set up calendar reminders to manually add funds before balance runs out.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Best Way to Schedule Payments in Microsoft Ads
✔ Use Auto Payments (Postpay) if you want Microsoft to handle billing automatically.
✔ Use Prepay (Manual) if you want complete budget control.
✔ Manually schedule a payment in advance to stay ahead of billing cycles.
✔ Set up alerts to ensure your campaigns don't pause due to payment issues.