> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.doubletick.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.doubletick.io/meta-business-setup/ecosystem/how-to-create-an-ad-account.md).

# How to create an Ad account

Learn how to create a Meta Ad Account, the requirement for setting up Click-to-WhatsApp (CTWA) ad campaigns connected to your WhatsApp Business number.

Without an active Ad Account, Click-to-WhatsApp (CTWA) campaigns cannot be created or connected to WhatsApp — here's how to set one up correctly.

#### What's covered

* [Prerequisites](#prerequisites)
* [Step-by-step process to create an ad account](#step-by-step-process-to-create-an-ad-account)
* [Post-creation checklist](#post-creation-checklist)
* [Key takeaways](#key-takeaways)
* [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)

#### Prerequisites

Before creating the Ad Account, make sure:

* You have access to a [Meta Business Portfolio](/meta-business-setup/ecosystem/how-to-create-a-meta-business-portfolio.md)
* You have **Admin access** to the business
* The business is (or will be) used for **WhatsApp onboarding**
* You know the correct **time zone and currency** (these cannot be changed later)

#### Step-by-step process to create an ad account

**Step 1: Go to Meta Business Manager**\
Open your browser and visit [business.facebook.com](https://business.facebook.com/).

**Step 2: Select your business portfolio**\
If you manage multiple businesses, choose the correct Business Portfolio from the list.

<figure><img src="https://learn.doubletick.io/~gitbook/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Flh7-rt.googleusercontent.com%2Fdocsz%2FAD_4nXdKsqqE7BaunP-5ub79fDHURTRb2TBJxfVxRm9_W_BZz1YGylq7v4D0LVXsTcdizKggQpimoJwjYI_GWxeavSdKBnNA4OPIW_Ls6OMxpMkMnVtkibLA1I7Fm1kSf0U2FfTHi21y8A%3Fkey%3DpKbNms346sVHa6aFoGb1Lw&#x26;width=768&#x26;dpr=3&#x26;quality=100&#x26;sign=b5862432&#x26;sv=2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 3: Open Business Settings**\
From the left-hand menu, navigate to **Business Settings → Accounts → Ad Accounts**.

<figure><img src="https://learn.doubletick.io/~gitbook/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Flh7-rt.googleusercontent.com%2Fdocsz%2FAD_4nXeh35GJdRQK8mTSPt_fZIpGEcaC0jXBWuoobI-NCkhvPZyB4CJOUj8UXjIaS9U3Paj5aSA4QcDesYEewXii3OaCm2yTKPjD2A1cANfv-XKF9D3tjPtic19rrqhdmhKSfpbk57ztwg%3Fkey%3DpKbNms346sVHa6aFoGb1Lw&#x26;width=768&#x26;dpr=3&#x26;quality=100&#x26;sign=800dd84&#x26;sv=2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 4: Create a new ad account**\
Click **Add**, then select **Create a New Ad Account**.

<figure><img src="https://learn.doubletick.io/~gitbook/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Flh7-rt.googleusercontent.com%2Fdocsz%2FAD_4nXfuGn5LND_mTFTUz6VlfIjiCZq_GL8AMarQvB-lO75KduJDKM4U5yskJY--mnKWhvLZNgO2MBUthF8aNYTFmTYhi2DDdjkZr42DL-AMB7KAPQgJf0l_nM5XnAuKJdJ3HONF8BftLA%3Fkey%3DpKbNms346sVHa6aFoGb1Lw&#x26;width=768&#x26;dpr=3&#x26;quality=100&#x26;sign=235fab1b&#x26;sv=2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 5: Enter ad account details**\
Enter an **Ad account name** — use a clear, identifiable name — then choose your **Time zone** carefully and select the billing **Currency**.

<figure><img src="https://learn.doubletick.io/~gitbook/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Flh7-rt.googleusercontent.com%2Fdocsz%2FAD_4nXeIUIrNeA-9FUPhAGrvalDBjGEpVUYRnyQHdwPqV5k8nbyIhjUaQiuL4DZXTgGHj5h3T-aIeEC2s5xMgVrrhWroe2Xd_OlIkpurkTnVJSqs1gwYrXBedThATSjomnGgtgKHx4IZBg%3Fkey%3DpKbNms346sVHa6aFoGb1Lw&#x26;width=768&#x26;dpr=3&#x26;quality=100&#x26;sign=f6ca28ef&#x26;sv=2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Time zone and currency cannot be changed later, so double-check both before you save.
{% endhint %}

**Step 6: Assign the ad account to your business**\
Select **My Business** and complete the setup to link the ad account to your Business Portfolio.

#### Post-creation checklist

After creating the ad account:

* Add a **payment method**.
* Give **Admin access** to the required team members.
* Make sure the ad account is connected to the same **Business Portfolio** as your [WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)](/meta-business-setup/ecosystem/how-to-create-a-meta-business-portfolio.md) and Facebook Page.
* Confirm the ad account is available when creating **CTWA campaigns**.

{% hint style="info" %}
This checklist is important for CTWA — skipping any of these steps can block your Click-to-WhatsApp campaigns from connecting properly.
{% endhint %}

#### Key takeaways

* An active **ad account is required** before you can create or connect CTWA campaigns to WhatsApp.
* Choose your **time zone and currency** carefully during setup — neither can be changed later.
* You'll need **Admin access** to the Business Portfolio and a payment method added to the ad account.
* The ad account must be connected to the **same Business Portfolio** as your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) and phone number.

#### Frequently asked questions

**Can I change the time zone or currency after creating the ad account?**\
No. Both the time zone and currency are locked in at creation and cannot be changed later, so choose carefully.

**What access level do I need to create an ad account?**\
You need Admin access to the Meta Business Portfolio.

**Do I need a payment method right away?**\
Yes — add a payment method to the ad account as part of your post-creation checklist, before running CTWA campaigns.

**Why does the ad account need to be in the same Business Portfolio as my WhatsApp number?**\
CTWA (Click-to-WhatsApp) campaigns require the ad account, WhatsApp Business Account (WABA), and phone number to all sit under the same Business Portfolio to connect correctly.

#### Related topics

* [How to create a META business portfolio](/meta-business-setup/ecosystem/how-to-create-a-meta-business-portfolio.md)
* [How to create a facebook page](/meta-business-setup/ecosystem/how-to-create-a-facebook-page.md)
* [How to Run Click-to-WhatsApp (CTWA) Ads on Meta and Connect Them with DoubleTick](/click-to-whatsapp/ctwa/how-to-run-click-to-whatsapp-ctwa-ads-on-meta-and-connect-them-with-doubletick.md)


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