- Google is changing where advertisers apply for several crypto-related ads certifications.
- Starting in May 2026, affected applications must be submitted directly through Google Ads accounts instead of the Google Ads Help Center.
Google is updating the application process for several cryptocurrency-related advertising certifications.
According to a Google Ads policy update, advertisers will be able to apply for certain crypto and financial product certifications directly from their Google Ads account starting in May 2026.
Google says advertisers will no longer be able to apply for those certifications through the Google Ads Help Center. Existing certifications and pending applications are not affected by the change.
Which certifications are affected?
The update applies to certification applications for the following categories:
- cryptocurrency exchanges and software wallets
- cryptocurrency hardware wallets
- cryptocurrency coin trusts
- complex speculative financial products
For advertisers in these categories, the main change is procedural. Instead of applying through the Help Center, they will apply from inside their Google Ads account.
Existing approvals are not affected
Google says existing certifications will remain valid. Pending applications are also not affected by the change.
This means advertisers that have already been certified do not need to reapply because of the update. Advertisers with applications already in progress should also not be affected by the move to account-based applications.
Crypto ads still require certification
The update does not remove Google’s existing crypto ad restrictions.
Under Google’s cryptocurrencies and related products policy, certain crypto businesses can advertise only if they meet Google’s requirements, comply with local laws and complete the required certification process.
This applies to categories such as cryptocurrency exchanges, software wallets, hardware wallets and cryptocurrency coin trusts in the countries where Google allows those ads.
Some crypto promotions remain prohibited
Google’s policy continues to prohibit several types of crypto-related advertising.
According to Google, ads for initial coin offerings, DeFi trading protocols or promotions for the purchase, sale or trade of cryptocurrencies or related products are not allowed.
Google also prohibits ad destinations that aggregate or compare issuers of cryptocurrencies or related products. This includes examples such as cryptocurrency trading signals, investment advice, aggregators, affiliate sites and broker reviews.
What advertisers should do
Crypto advertisers affected by the update should prepare to manage certification applications directly inside Google Ads.
They should also review whether their product category is eligible, whether they meet local legal requirements and whether their landing pages comply with Google’s crypto advertising policy.
The update makes the application process more integrated into Google Ads, but it does not change the basic requirement: crypto advertisers still need to meet Google’s certification and policy rules before running restricted crypto ads.
