It depends on the type of credit. TikTok has two main credit mechanisms — spend-match credits and coupon codes — and they work completely differently. Mixing them up leads to missed credit or failed activations, so knowing which type you have is the first step.
Spend-Match Credit: Fully Automatic
New advertiser credit earned through TikTok’s Spend X Get Y program requires no manual action from you. Once your cumulative campaign spend crosses the qualifying threshold, TikTok’s system detects the milestone and automatically deposits the matching credit into your Ads Manager balance. You do not enter a code, click an activation button, or submit a support request.
The credit typically appears in your balance within a short processing window after the threshold is crossed, often within 24 to 48 hours. You can monitor your balance in the Billing section of Ads Manager to confirm when it arrives.
This automatic mechanism means you should have your follow-up campaigns planned and ready before you hit the threshold. Once the credit lands, its expiry clock starts. If you are not ready to launch campaigns immediately, you risk the credit expiring before you use it.
Promotional Coupon Codes: Manual Entry Required
If you received a promotional code through an email from TikTok, a partner program, a marketing event, a conference, or a third-party promotions site, you must enter that code manually inside TikTok Ads Manager. The credit does not apply on its own. You have to go into Ads Manager, find the coupon or promo code field in the Billing section, enter the code, and submit it.
The credit applies to your account balance immediately after a valid code is successfully entered. If the code is expired, has already been used, or your account does not meet the eligibility conditions, TikTok will return an error message.
How to Identify Which Type You Have
If you signed up for TikTok Ads Manager and saw a promotional offer shown to you during or after account setup, that is the automatic spend-match type. Watch your account balance after your campaigns hit the stated spend threshold.
If you received an alphanumeric code in an email, at an event, or through a partner website, that is a coupon code requiring manual entry. Look for the coupon or promo code field in the Billing section of Ads Manager.
What Happens If the Credit Does Not Appear
For spend-match credit: if your spend has clearly crossed the threshold but no credit has appeared after 48 hours, check the Billing section to confirm your spend has been recorded correctly. Contact TikTok Ads Manager support if the credit does not appear within a reasonable time.
For coupon codes: if the code is rejected, verify that the code has not expired, that your account does not already have an active promotion, and that your account meets the eligibility conditions for that specific offer.
FAQ
Do I need to do anything to receive the new advertiser credit after I hit the spend threshold?
No. For spend-match credit, the process is fully automatic. TikTok monitors your account spend and deposits the credit once the threshold is crossed. You do not need to request it or take any action.
Where do I enter a TikTok promotional coupon code?
Log in to TikTok Ads Manager, go to the Billing section, and look for the field labeled Coupon, Promo Code, or a similar designation. Enter your code there and submit. The credit will apply to your balance immediately if the code is valid.
Can I use a coupon code and also earn the automatic spend-match credit?
Generally no. TikTok limits accounts to one active promotion at a time. If you already have a spend-match credit active, a coupon code will likely be rejected. Check the terms of both offers to understand whether they can coexist on your account.
What if I entered a coupon code, but the credit did not appear?
Check that the code has not expired, that it has not already been used, that your account meets the offer’s eligibility requirements, and that no other promotion is blocking it. If the code appears valid but still fails, contact TikTok Ads Manager support with the code and your account details.
Does the automatic credit apply to every campaign I run after it is issued?
Yes. Once the credit is in your Ads Manager balance, it is available for all eligible campaigns you run, not just one specific campaign. TikTok draws from the credit balance as your campaigns spend until the credit is fully consumed or expires.
