There are a few common reasons why Facebook may not allow you to add a payment method:
Your account is restricted
If your Facebook account has been restricted for any reason, including violating Facebook’s terms of service or community standards, you will not be able to add a payment method. Facebook restricts accounts to limit activity and prevent potential policy violations. If you believe your account has been restricted in error, you can appeal the restriction.
Your location is not supported
Facebook Payments is only available in certain countries/regions at this time. If you are located in a country where Facebook Payments is not supported, you will not be able to add a payment method. Facebook is continually expanding the availability of Facebook Payments, so your location may be supported in the future.
Your payment methods were declined
If Facebook tried charging your card or payment method on file and the transaction did not go through, your payment methods may be declined on your account. This can happen if your card expires, you have insufficient funds, or there are fraud concerns. You will need to resolve the issue with your payment provider or bank and add a new valid payment method.
Your account or activity seems suspicious
For security reasons, Facebook may prevent you from adding a payment method if something about your account appears suspicious or potentially fraudulent. This could be due to suspicious login activity, spam reports, policy violations, etc. You may need to add valid identity documentation, prove account ownership, or resolve any issues to reinstate the ability to add a payment method.
Your account is new
Facebook may restrict brand new accounts from adding payment information immediately. Try using the platform for a period of time and adding information to your Facebook profile, and you should eventually gain the ability to add a payment method. This is to help prevent fraudulent accounts from being created.
Troubleshooting Steps
If you are having issues adding a payment method on Facebook, here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve it:
Check account restrictions
Log into your Facebook account and check if you have any active restrictions, blocks or bans. These could prevent adding a payment method and will need to be resolved first.
Confirm your location is supported
Check Facebook’s list of supported countries for Facebook Payments. If your country is not listed, unfortunately you will not be able to add a payment method at this time.
Try adding a new payment method
If your payment methods on file were declined, try entering a brand new payment method instead. Make sure it is valid and has available funds.
Appeal erroneous restrictions
If you believe your account was incorrectly restricted, submit an appeal to Facebook to review the restriction and explain why your account should be reinstated to full functionality.
Strengthen account security
If your account seems suspicious, strengthen security measures like enabling two-factor authentication and ensuring your contact info is up to date. This verifies account ownership.
Build up account history
For new accounts, actively use Facebook for a few weeks, adding information and friends. This establishes your account over time.
Contact Facebook support
Reach out to Facebook’s customer support team via live chat or submission form for additional troubleshooting help if you cannot resolve the issue.
Why Facebook Requires Payment Methods
Facebook requires users to register valid payment methods for a few key reasons:
Running ads
One of the main reasons Facebook requires payment information is to allow users to seamlessly run ads on Facebook and Instagram. Ad purchases are processed against the payment method on file.
Commerce
For users who operate stores or sell products through Facebook Shops and checkout, having a payment method is necessary to get paid for purchases.
Games and in-app purchases
Many games and apps on Facebook allow you to buy virtual items, boosts, customizations, etc. Facebook needs payment details to process in-app purchases.
Donations
Charitable and personal fundraisers often involve collecting donations through Facebook. Again, a payment method is required to send and receive money.
Subscription services
Some Facebook services like fan subscriptions are monthly recurring payments. Storing payment details allows continuous billing.
Identity verification
Payment information also helps Facebook confirm users’ real identities and prevent fraudulent accounts. Valid payment methods serve as a proof point.
So in summary, Facebook commerce, financial transactions, account security, and fraud prevention rely heavily on having user payment methods on file. This necessitates requiring users to register a payment method.
Common Facebook Payment Methods
Facebook allows users to register a variety of payment methods to fund Facebook activity. Here are some of the most common payment methods people connect:
Credit/debit card
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover cards are accepted. This is the most widely used payment method given how common credit/debit cards are globally.
PayPal
Adding your PayPal account is a quick, convenient way to make Facebook payments without entering card details. Money is drawn from your PayPal balance.
Facebook gift card
Redeemable Facebook gift card codes can be used as a payment method. The gift card balance is deducted with each transaction. Gift cards are purchased with other payment types first.
Prepaid card
General purpose prepaid debit cards with a Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or Discover logo can be registered. This allows people without bank accounts to pay on Facebook.
Bank account (ACH)
Linking a bank account via ACH debit allows Facebook to deduct payments directly from your connected bank account. This is processed as an e-check.
Local payment methods
In certain countries, local payment methods like Boleto in Brazil, UPI in India, and PayMaya in the Philippines may be available. This expands access.
Cryptocurrency (pilot)
Facebook is piloting the ability to connect a cryptocurrency wallet to make payments. Right now a limited number of users can pay with supported cryptocurrencies like Dai.
| Payment Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | Widely used, easy to set up | Less secure, has to be updated if changed |
| PayPal | Fast checkout, don’t have to re-enter details | Must have existing PayPal account |
| Facebook Gift Card | Lets you pay without using your own money | Must purchase gift card first |
| Prepaid Debit Card | Convenient for those without bank accounts | Need to maintain card balance |
| Bank Account (ACH) | Draws funds directly from bank | Can take 1-3 days to process |
| Local Payment Methods | Use familiar payment options in your country | Only works in supported countries |
| Cryptocurrency | Advanced privacy, global access | Volatile conversion rates, not widely supported yet |
How to Add a Payment Method on Facebook
If your account is in good standing, adding a payment method on Facebook is simple:
On Mobile:
1. Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the Facebook app and go to Settings & Privacy > Settings
2. Scroll down and tap “Payments”
3. Tap “Add Payment Method”
4. Choose the type of payment method you want to add
5. Enter your card number, expiration date, CVV, billing address or other details
6. Follow any additional prompts to register the payment method
7. The payment method will be saved to your Facebook account for purchases
On Desktop:
1. Click the down arrow icon in the top right and choose “Settings & Privacy”
2. Click “Settings” in the left column
3. Go to the “Payments” tab
4. Click “Add Payment Method” and select the type of payment
5. Fill in the requested payment details
6. Follow prompts to successfully register your payment information
7. Your payment method will show as connected on your account
You can repeat the steps to enter multiple valid payment methods, and select your preferred payment method at checkout. Contact Facebook support if you encounter any trouble adding payment information.
Managing Payment Methods
Once added, you can manage your connected payment methods in your Facebook Payments settings:
Edit
To update card expiration, billing address, etc, edit the details of an existing payment method
Change default
Select which payment method you want to be your primary for Facebook purchases
Remove
Delete a payment method you no longer want connected to your Facebook account
Add new
Register additional payment methods as needed for flexibility
View transaction history
See your Facebook payment history and activity on each connected payment method
Properly maintaining your payment methods ensures seamless transactions and prevents unexpected declines or failures. Remove invalid cards and keep primary payment details up to date.
Payment Issues and Errors
Some common payment issues and errors when trying to add a payment method on Facebook include:
“This card was declined.”
The card number, expiration date, or CVV entered are incorrect. Double check details and re-enter. Contact your bank if the card itself was declined.
“This payment method is invalid.”
Information like the cardholder name or billing address entered does not match the bank’s records. Correct any discrepancies.
“This card has expired.”
The expiration date entered shows the card is already expired. Update the expiration date or enter a new valid card.
“This payment method is not supported.”
The payment type selected is not accepted in your region. Choose a supported payment method.
“There was an error. Please try again later.”
A temporary technical error occurred. Wait a bit and attempt adding the payment again.
Contact Facebook support if any payment method issues persist and you cannot resolve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a payment method for Facebook?
A payment method is required to run ads, make in-app purchases, receive funds from sales, donate to causes, and prove identity. Facebook needs payment details on file to facilitate transactions.
Can I use PayPal on Facebook?
Yes, adding your PayPal account is a valid payment option for Facebook payments. Money will be debited from your PayPal balance.
Is my credit card information safe on Facebook?
Facebook employs advanced security measures to keep your payment information safe and prevent unauthorized access. Your data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
What if my payment details change or expire?
Make sure to update your payment methods if your credit card number, expiration date or other details change. You can edit or remove expired cards.
Can I remove a saved payment method?
Yes, you can delete unwanted or invalid payment methods from your Facebook payments settings at any time to manage saved payment details.
Conclusion
In summary, Facebook requires users to register valid payment methods to enable various transactions and commerce on their platform, as well as prevent fraudulent activity. Make sure your account meets Facebook’s requirements, your location has payment support, and your details are accurate when entering a new payment method. Manage your saved payment options accordingly. Contact Facebook support if any issues persist with adding or using a payment method on Facebook.