🔍 Overview
If you are on an annual (prepaid yearly) Search Atlas plan and you notice a separate charge of $199–$201 for the Google Ads add-on, this charge was applied in error. The Google Ads feature is included in qualifying annual plans (with 1 connected Google Ads account and up to 10 campaigns) and should not generate an additional recurring fee for those users. This article explains why this happens, what to expect, and how to request a refund.
⚠️ Why This Charge Happens
This erroneous charge typically occurs in one of the following situations:
- Billing migration issues: When accounts are moved to a new billing system, add-on subscriptions that were cancelled or already bundled can occasionally be reactivated and billed separately.
- Trial flag still active: In some cases, an account is incorrectly flagged as a trial during plan setup, causing the base plan and add-ons to be misconfigured.
- Annual plan misconfiguration: If your annual plan was not provisioned correctly at checkout, the system may treat the Google Ads feature as a standalone add-on rather than an included benefit.
- Upgrade processing delay: Accounts upgraded from a lower tier to an annual plan may temporarily retain the old add-on billing record until the new plan fully propagates.
✅ What You Should Do First
Before contacting support, take a moment to verify the following:
- Log in to your Search Atlas account and click the top-right avatar menu, then select Billing.
- Confirm that your current plan is listed as an annual plan and that the Google Ads feature is shown as included.
- Check your email receipts to identify the exact charge amount and the date it was processed.
- Note your account email address and the last four digits of the card that was charged — support will need these details to locate your transaction quickly.
💬 How to Request a Refund
Once you have your billing details ready, contact the support team directly through the platform. If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.
When you connect, please share the following information so your refund can be processed as quickly as possible:
- Your account email address
- The charge amount and the date it appeared
- A brief note that the Google Ads add-on charge was applied in error on your annual plan
Our billing team will verify your plan configuration, confirm the erroneous charge, correct any misconfiguration on your account, and issue a full refund. Refunds are typically processed within 5–10 business days, depending on your payment provider.
🛡️ How We Prevent This From Happening Again
After your case is resolved, our team will audit your account to ensure:
- The Google Ads add-on is correctly marked as included in your annual plan
- No residual billing records from previous plan tiers remain active
- Your account provisioning flags are set correctly so no further erroneous charges can occur
If you see another unexpected charge after your account has been corrected, please reach out immediately through the chat widget so we can investigate and resolve it right away.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be charged again before the refund is processed?
Once our billing team corrects your account configuration, the erroneous add-on subscription will be fully deactivated. No additional charges will be applied while your refund is pending.
Do I need to cancel the add-on myself?
No. Do not attempt to cancel the add-on from your billing settings, as this could affect your plan features. Let the support team handle the correction to ensure nothing is disrupted on your account.
What if the charge amount is different from $199?
Amounts may vary slightly (e.g., $201) due to currency adjustments or billing system differences. Any erroneous Google Ads add-on charge on an annual plan is eligible for a full refund regardless of the exact amount.