Facebook ad payouts refer to the process of advertisers receiving payment for the ads they run on Facebook. There are a few key factors that determine when Facebook ad payouts are made:
Payout cycle
Facebook processes ad payments on a monthly billing cycle. At the end of each monthly billing period, advertisers are invoiced for their total ad spend from the previous month. Once invoiced, payments are then processed and payouts are made.
The standard Facebook payout schedule is as follows:
| Billing cycle ends | Invoice sent | Payment processed |
|---|---|---|
| End of month | 1st of next month | On or around 14th of month |
So for example, if the billing cycle ends on March 31st, the invoice will be sent on April 1st and payment will be processed around April 14th.
Payment method
The payment method advertisers have set up also impacts when funds are received. Here are the main options:
- Credit card – Payouts are credited back to the credit card on file, typically within 3-5 business days after invoices are processed.
- PayPal – Transfers to connected PayPal accounts are also initiated at payout. The timing depends on the country, but is usually within 3-7 days.
- Electronic Funds Transfer – For bank account transfers, it takes approximately 5-10 business days to receive the payout after payment processing.
- Check – Mailing paper checks can take up to 14 days in the US and longer internationally.
So payout timeframes will range from a few days up to two weeks depending on payment method. Faster options are available for those needing urgent access to funds.
Minimum payout thresholds
Facebook requires advertisers to meet certain minimum payout thresholds before releasing funds. The payout threshold depends on the payment method:
| Payment method | Payout threshold |
|---|---|
| PayPal | $25 |
| Electronic Funds Transfer | $100 |
| Check | $100 |
| Wire Transfer | $500 |
Any balance below these minimums will roll over to the next payout period. Once the threshold is reached, payment will be made.
Troubleshooting Facebook Payout Issues
While most Facebook payouts process smoothly, advertisers can occasionally run into issues that delay receipt of funds. Here are some potential problems and troubleshooting tips:
Missing or wrong invoice
If no invoice is received at the beginning of the month, or the balance appears incorrect, first check:
- Notifications settings in Ads Manager to ensure invoice notifications are enabled.
- The email address listed in billing settings is valid and able to receive invoices.
- The invoice date range covers the full previous month’s activity.
- Credits were properly applied from any ad refunds.
If the invoice still appears incorrect after checking, contact Facebook Ads Support for help identifying and fixing discrepancies.
Processing delays
It generally takes 2-3 weeks from the end of billing cycle for payouts to complete. If your payment is significantly delayed beyond this timeframe:
- Confirm your payout method is still valid and enabled to receive transfers.
- Check for any minimum payout threshold restrictions.
- Contact your payment provider in case transfers are being held on their end.
- Reach out to Facebook Ads Support for troubleshooting assistance.
They can investigate reasons for processing delays on Facebook’s side.
Rejected payments
If Facebook indicates your payout payment was rejected or unable to be processed, first double check:
- The payment information (PayPal email, bank account details, etc.) is entered correctly.
- The payment method is confirmed and valid to receive payments.
- There are no blocks on the recipient account restricting transfers.
If the information appears correct, work with your payment provider or bank to see if they can determine the reason for rejection. Also reach out to Facebook Ads Support for help troubleshooting and correcting issues.
Incorrect payout amount
If the payout funds received do not match the invoice balance, take the following steps:
- Compare the invoice total versus amount actually transferred.
- Check for any partial payments released if minimums were not met.
- Contact Facebook to confirm the correct payout amount to expect.
- Work with your bank or payment provider to trace the funds transfer flow.
Submitting these details to Facebook Ads Support can help identify where any discrepancies occurred in the payout process and get them corrected.
High failed payment fees
If Facebook is charging a high rate of failed payment fees due to payout issues, focus on:
- Confirming your payment information is accurate and valid.
- Enabling auto recharge in billing settings to avoid payment declines.
- Improving tracking to prevent billing disputes and payment rejections.
- Discussing alternate payment arrangements if needed.
Proactively communicating with Facebook around resolving payment difficulties can help reduce expensive failed payment fees.
Restricted account
In some cases, Facebook may restrict access to ad accounts and payouts due to policy violations or suspicious activity. To restore your account:
- Carefully review notifications about why your account was restricted.
- Correct any issues or provide requested documentation.
- Appeal the restriction if you believe it was in error.
- Communicate with Facebook Ads Support to demonstrate compliance.
Once any underlying issues are resolved, the account restriction can be lifted so regular payouts can resume.
Hacked or unauthorized use of account
If your Facebook ad account has been hacked or used without authorization, immediately:
- Regain access to your account through Facebook security features.
- Remove any unauthorized payment methods associated with billing.
- Check for suspicious API authorizations or asset transfers.
- Strengthen login and account security settings.
- File reports of any unauthorized ad activity.
You may need to work with Facebook to unwind any improper charges or asset transfers that occurred. Make sure your account and billing settings are secure going forward.
Best Practices for Facebook Payouts
Here are some tips to help ensure smooth Facebook ad payouts:
- Clearly track spending versus earnings and reconcile monthly invoices.
- Maintain valid payment information and confirm payment methods before each payout cycle.
- Enable auto recharge in billing settings to avoid payment declines.
- Save payment receipts and track money transfers.
- Monitor notifications around minimum thresholds or other payout blocks.
- Stay on top of account security best practices.
Proactively managing payment settings, tracking, billing, and security can prevent many common payout issues.
For any persistent problems, don’t hesitate to leverage Facebook Ads Support, account management, or your dedicated rep for troubleshooting assistance. Their expertise can help identify and resolve payout difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions around Facebook ad payouts and payments:
When will I receive my first Facebook payout?
Your first payout will occur 1-2 billing cycles after you begin spending on ads. The soonest is typically 30 days after initial spend. Ensure your payment method is enabled so funds can be released.
When do Facebook payouts arrive each month?
Most payouts are processed and arrive 14 days after the end of each billing cycle, generally between the 15th-20th of each month. Fastest delivery is via PayPal or direct deposit.
What methods can I use to receive Facebook payouts?
Options include credit card, PayPal, direct bank transfer, wire transfer, and paper check. PayPal and bank transfer are the quickest options. Each has minimum payout thresholds.
How can I change my Facebook payout method?
In Ads Manager, go to Settings > Billing > Edit Payment Methods to update or add new payment details. Allow 1-2 billing cycles for changes to take effect.
What happens if my Facebook payout fails?
Failed payments lead to restricted accounts. Fix any payment issues, update billing details, and contact Facebook support for help getting payouts reinstated.
Why was my Facebook payout postponed?
Payouts may be postponed due to invalid payment details, spending below minimums, or account restrictions. Check notifications and resolve any underlying issues delaying release of funds.
What should I do if my Facebook payout amount looks wrong?
Compare invoices closely with any payouts received. Report any discrepancies to Facebook Ads Support so they can investigate and reconcile incorrect amounts.
Who can I talk to about fixing Facebook payout issues?
Facebook Ads Support can help troubleshoot and resolve most payout difficulties. For urgent issues, reach out to your account manager or client partner for assistance.
Conclusion
In summary, Facebook ad payouts are processed on a monthly billing cycle, with funds being released around the 15th of each month depending on your payment method. By keeping your payment information current, monitoring invoices and transfers, and contacting support for any issues, you can ensure successful Facebook ad payouts. Proactive tracking and communication are key for avoiding disruptions to your advertising funds.