Which role to ask for, by task
One row per job. Ask for the role in the second column and nothing broader: the smallest role that does the job is easier for the client to approve, easier to audit, and simpler to remove when the work ends.
| Task | Ask for | Access type |
|---|---|---|
| View reports | Read-only | User access |
| Manage campaigns | Standard | User access |
| Manager account | Manager account link (accepted by a client Admin) | Manager-account link |
What the client needs before starting
Only someone with these rights can add the agency. If your contact doesn't have them, ask who does first.
- Google AdsAdmin access on the Google Ads account.
- Google AdsAdmin access on the Google Ads account (only Admins can give account access).
- Google Ads manager account (MCC) linkAdmin access on the Google Ads account.
Step-by-step pages for Google Ads
View reports
- What Google Ads access do I need to view a client's reports?→ Read-only · Read-only. Email-only is lower but only receives notification emails and reports; it can't open campaigns.
Manage campaigns
- What Google Ads access do I need to manage a client's campaigns?→ Standard · Standard on the one Google Ads account. Admin only if you'll manage users, product links or advertiser verification.
Manager account
- How to link a client's Google Ads account to your MCC→ Manager account link (accepted by a client Admin) · A manager link without ownership, unless you need monthly invoicing or to manage the client's users.
What the client clicks
The top-level clicks in Google Ads. Each task page above has the exact role to pick at the last step.
- Sign in to Google Ads.
- Open Admin → Access and security → Users.
- Click +, enter the agency's email, choose Read-only.
- Send the invitation.
What breaks if the role is wrong
- Too low · View reportsEmail-only: no access to campaigns or the reporting UI.
- Too high · View reportsStandard can edit campaigns and some billing settings.
- Too low · Manage campaignsRead-only: you can view campaigns and run reports but every campaign edit fails.
- Too low · Manage campaignsEmail-only: notifications and reports only, no campaign view.
- Too high · Manage campaignsAdmin can give account access, add or remove product links and accept or unlink manager accounts.
- Too low · Manager accountA Standard or Read-only user on the client side can't accept the request; it stays pending.
- Gotcha · Manager accountWith ownership, your admins can also edit the client's users and product links.
Copy this access request
One message for every Google Ads role above. Fill in the blanks and paste it into your email to the client. Nothing you type leaves this page.
Sources
- https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/9978556 · checked Oct 14, 2026
- https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/6372672 · checked Oct 14, 2026
- https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/7459601 · checked Oct 14, 2026
Last updated
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Related
How to give agency access to Google
Every Google product, one page.
How to give agency access to Google Analytics
Ask forMarketer / Viewer
How to give agency access to Google Tag Manager
Ask forPublish (container permission) / Edit (container permission)
How to give agency access to Google Merchant Center
Ask forStandard / Admin (Merchant Center) — or have the client do the link
How to give agency access to Google Search Console
Ask forFull user / Restricted user
How to give agency access to Google Business Profile
Ask forManager
Google Ads access guide
The long-form walkthrough, beyond the role table.
Not sure? Use the access level picker
Answer two questions and get the level to request.