If you’ve started earning through Google AdSense, the next important step is understanding how AdSense pays you, how to complete identity verification, and how to receive your first payment. This article provides a complete guide to every step you need to take to ensure smooth and timely payments from Google.
How Google AdSense Earnings Work
When you place Google ads on your website or YouTube channel, you begin to earn revenue whenever a user views or clicks those ads. This income is accumulated in your AdSense account and is updated daily.
However, you won’t receive any payment immediately. Google follows a structured process before releasing funds, which includes identity checks, address verification, payment method setup, and meeting a minimum threshold.
Minimum Payment Threshold
Google AdSense follows a $100 payment threshold. This means that you must earn at least $100 or more in a given month for your payment to be processed in the next cycle.
If your earnings are below $100, they are carried forward to the next month until the threshold is reached.
Identity Verification in Google AdSense
Before you can receive any payment, Google requires you to verify your identity. This is a one-time verification process and is mandatory.
When Do You Need to Verify Identity?
Google will prompt you to verify your identity once your earnings reach $10. A red notification will appear on your AdSense dashboard asking you to submit your documents.
What Documents Are Required?
To complete identity verification, you will be asked to submit a government-issued photo ID. The document must be:
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Valid and not expired
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Clearly showing your full name and date of birth
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Matching the name on your AdSense account
Accepted documents include:
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Passport
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National ID card
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Driving license
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Voter ID (in some countries)
How Long Does Verification Take?
After submitting your ID, the verification process usually takes a few hours to 2 days. If the ID is approved, you will see the notification removed from your AdSense dashboard.
If it’s rejected, you’ll be given another chance to re-upload the correct document. Be careful though—you get only three attempts.
Address Verification Through PIN
Once your earnings reach $10, Google also sends a verification PIN to your payment address. This is to confirm your physical mailing address.
How to Receive the PIN
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Google mails the PIN to your payment address entered in the AdSense account.
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Delivery can take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your location.
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You will receive an envelope with a 6-digit PIN code.
How to Enter the PIN
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Log in to your AdSense account.
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Click on the red alert asking for PIN verification.
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Enter the 6-digit code exactly as received.
You have 4 months to enter the PIN. If not completed, ad serving will be paused on your account.
If you don’t receive your PIN after 4 weeks, you can request a replacement PIN up to three times.
Setting Up Payment Method
Once your earnings are verified, the next step is to set up your bank account to receive payments.
How to Add Payment Method
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Go to AdSense dashboard
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Click on Payments > Add Payment Method
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Choose Wire Transfer as the payment option (the most common method)
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Enter your bank account details including:
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Account holder name
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Account number
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IFSC code (India) or SWIFT code (for international)
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Make sure the name on your bank account matches the name in your AdSense profile. Incorrect information can delay or reject payments.
Payment Timeline: When Does Google Pay?
Google AdSense pays publishers between the 21st and 26th of each month, but only if:
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Your previous month’s earnings exceeded $100
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You’ve completed all verifications
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You’ve added a valid payment method
Example Payment Timeline
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You earned $120 in July
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You complete all verifications by end of July
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You will receive the payout between 21st and 26th August
Payment Hold Option
If you want to delay your payments, AdSense gives you the option to hold payments until a future date. This is useful for tax planning or bank management.
To enable it:
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Go to Payments
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Choose Payment Settings
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Click on Manage Settings
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Set a preferred future payment release date
Google will hold your balance and release it only on or after that chosen date.
AdSense Payment Status Types
In your AdSense dashboard under Payments, you’ll see the current status:
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Pending: Your earnings are not yet finalized
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Processing: Payment is being processed
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Issued: Payment has been sent
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Failed: Bank details incorrect or rejected
Once marked as issued, the amount should reflect in your bank account within 2–5 business days.
Tax Information Requirement
Some publishers may also need to submit tax details, especially if you’re using AdSense for YouTube or serving ads in the United States. Google will withhold taxes as per treaty agreements between your country and the USA.
You can submit tax info from:
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Payments > Settings > Manage Tax Info
Failure to provide tax info may result in 30% or more withholding of your earnings.
Common Payment Issues and Solutions
Here are some common payment-related problems and how to solve them:
Problem: PIN Not Arrived
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Wait 4 weeks before requesting again
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Ensure your postal address is correct
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You can request a manual verification with ID if all 3 PINs fail
Problem: Payment Failed
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Check bank details and IFSC/SWIFT codes
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Contact your bank to allow international wire transfers
Problem: Payment Not Received
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Wait for 5 business days after “issued” status
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If not received, contact Google AdSense support
Conclusion
The Google AdSense payment system is designed to be transparent and secure. While the process may seem detailed in the beginning, it’s built to ensure proper identity, address, and banking validations before releasing funds.
Once you complete your identity verification, enter your PIN, and set up your bank account, payments become automatic every month you cross the threshold. By understanding this payment cycle and keeping your information accurate, you can enjoy a steady stream of online income through AdSense.