Google Ads invalid clicks: how credits actually work

Advertisers often ask how to get a 'refund' for invalid clicks. Google Ads doesn't work that way: invalid traffic is filtered automatically, and anything caught later shows up as a credit, not a refund paid out separately.

What counts as invalid traffic?

Clicks and impressions that aren't the result of genuine user interest — including accidental clicks, manual clicks meant to inflate costs, and clicks from bots or other automated tools.

Google Ads defines invalid traffic as clicks and impressions on ads that aren't a result of genuine user interest, including intentionally fraudulent traffic and accidental or duplicate clicks, and states these are detected by Google's monitoring systems [1](https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/11182074).

Accidental clicks, such as a double-click.
Manual clicks meant to increase someone's advertising costs.
Clicks and impressions generated by bots, spiders or other automated software.

Do I get a refund?

No — you won't be charged for invalid clicks in the first place, or you'll receive a credit, but Google is explicit that this is not a refund.

Google states: 'You won't receive refunds for invalid traffic. Clicks determined to be invalid will result in adjustments or credits, not a refund' [1](https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/11182074). For invalid traffic caught before an invoice is generated, usage is adjusted automatically and you're simply not billed for it. For invalid traffic caught after an invoice, you receive a credit that appears on a later invoice.

Want Google Ads done for you?

You approve your plan. Claritad builds your account, ads and tracking, then optimizes within agreed limits. No contract, cancel anytime. You pay Google directly for clicks.

$299$49/month launch offer

Launch offer: $49/month (regularly $299/month). Locked in for as long as you stay. Ends Dec 31, 2026.

58 days :11 hours :16 minutes

Ends Dec 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern

No contract, cancel anytime. You pay Google directly for clicks.

Get my free plan

The plan preview is free, no card needed. Managed has a flat monthly fee; cancel anytime.

Where do I see these credits?

In the Billing section of your account, under Summary or the Transactions/Billing Activity page, and on your month-end invoice.

Google describes the credits adjustment process in its billing help: invalid clicks and impressions are automatically identified and filtered, and if any aren't caught in time, advertisers may receive credits for them [2](https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/1704323).

In Google Ads, select the Billing icon.
Open Summary, then select the relevant month to view billing activity.
Look for line items labelled 'Invalid activity' or 'Invalid clicks'.
If you use invoicing and run Search or Performance Max campaigns, check the Invalid Activity Credit Report for a campaign-level breakdown.

What should I do if I suspect invalid clicks?

Google's systems run continuously and automatically; there isn't a manual process to request extra credit beyond what the system already applies, but you can report suspicious activity for review.

Watch for a sudden spike in clicks or impressions with no change in conversion rate.
Watch for a low conversion rate alongside unusually high click volume from one placement or location.
Report suspected invalid traffic through Google Ads support so it can be investigated.

What this means for your reporting

Because invalid clicks are filtered or credited, the cost and click numbers you see in Google Ads already reflect adjustments — a separate 'invalid clicks' line isn't something you need to subtract yourself in most cases.

Limitations of this guide

Google doesn't publish exact detection thresholds, so you can't always confirm which specific clicks were flagged as invalid versus simply low-converting.

Frequently asked questions

Can I request a refund directly from Google for invalid clicks?

Google's own help content states advertisers don't receive refunds for invalid traffic — instead, charges are adjusted or credits are issued automatically by Google's systems.

Are credits for invalid clicks automatic?

Yes. Google's monitoring systems detect and filter invalid traffic continuously; credits appear automatically if invalid activity is found after an invoice is generated.

Does a high cost with low conversions always mean invalid clicks?

No. Low conversions can also come from tracking issues, irrelevant search terms, or landing page problems — rule those out before assuming invalid traffic.