Google Cloud OR_BACR2_46 Error: Complete Fix Guide

The Google Cloud Platform error OR_BACR2_46 occurs during billing setup and payment verification, indicating that Google’s payment verification system has rejected your payment method for security or validation reasons. This error typically appears when trying to activate free trial credits or set up billing, and suggests that Google’s automated verification system detected issues with your payment method, billing information, or account setup that prevent successful processing.

Contents

• Understanding the OR_BACR2_46 Error
• Common Causes of OR_BACR2_46
• Practical Solutions to Resolve OR_BACR2_46
• Preventive Measures and Best Practices
• When to Contact Google Support

Understanding the OR_BACR2_46 Error

The OR_BACR2_46 error is part of Google Cloud’s billing verification system. As one Reddit user noted, this error is essentially Google’s way of saying “We really don’t like that card” when their payment verification system flags issues with your payment method source.

This error typically occurs during:

• Free trial activation
• Payment method setup
• Billing account creation
• Credit redemption

The error message usually appears as: “This action couldn’t be completed. Try again with a different [OR_BACR2_46]”, indicating that Google requires you to change something about your payment setup.

Common Causes of OR_BACR2_46

Based on research findings, the OR_BACR2_46 error can stem from several issues:

Payment Method Issues:

• Credit card rejection by Google’s verification system
• Insufficient funds on prepaid cards (minimum $10 balance recommended)
• Visa cards being more prone to rejection due to Visa’s “Decision Manager” algorithm source

Account Information Mismatches:

• Using contact information that differs from tax information
• Payment method from a different person’s account while using your personal information
• Inconsistent billing address information

Technical and Browser-Related Issues:

• Browser cache or cookie problems
• Ad blockers interfering with payment processing
• Browser compatibility issues

Practical Solutions to Resolve OR_BACR2_46

1. Try Different Payment Methods

• Use Mastercard instead of Visa: Multiple users have reported that Mastercard cards work better with Google Cloud billing, as Visa’s verification algorithm is more restrictive source
• Ensure sufficient funds: For prepaid cards, maintain at least $10 USD balance
• Use a different card entirely: If your current card is repeatedly rejected, try another payment method

2. Browser and Technical Fixes

• Switch browsers: Many users report success switching from Chrome to Firefox or Edge browsers source
• Disable ad blockers: Turn off all browser extensions including ad blockers before attempting payment setup
• Clear browser cache: Clear cookies and cache, then restart your browser
• Try mobile browser: Some users found success switching from desktop to mobile browser or vice versa

3. Account Information Verification

• Ensure consistent information: Make sure your contact information matches your tax information exactly
• Use your own payment method: If you’re using a payment method from someone else’s account, this may trigger verification flags
• Verify billing address: Ensure the billing address exactly matches what your bank has on file

4. Alternative Setup Approaches

• Create a new Google Account: Sometimes starting fresh with a completely new Google account resolves persistent billing issues
• Use Google Play Store method: Some users have successfully set up billing through Google Play Store first, then connecting to Cloud Platform
• Wait and retry: Sometimes temporary system issues cause the error, so waiting 24 hours and trying again may work

Preventive Measures and Best Practices

To avoid OR_BACR2_46 errors in the future:

Before Setting Up Billing:

• Verify your payment method works for other online purchases
• Ensure your billing address is current and matches your bank records
• Use a dedicated browser without extensions for payment setup

Payment Method Selection:

• Prefer Mastercard over Visa for Google Cloud billing
• Use credit cards with good standing and available credit
• Avoid prepaid cards with low balances

Account Consistency:

• Maintain consistent information across all Google services
• Use your own payment methods tied to your personal information
• Regularly update your payment information to prevent expiration issues

When to Contact Google Support

If you’ve tried all the above solutions and still encounter OR_BACR2_46 errors, it’s time to contact Google Cloud Billing Support. According to Google Cloud community experts, billing issues are handled free of charge regardless of support level or status source.

Contact Google Cloud Billing Support:

• Visit Google Cloud Billing Support
• Provide detailed information about the error, including:
  • Error message and timestamp
  • Payment method details (without sensitive information)
  • Steps you’ve already taken to resolve the issue
  • Browser and device information

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Sources

1. r/googlecloud on Reddit: Need Help with GCP Free Tier Signup - [OR_BACR2_44] Error on Payment Verification
2. Stack Overflow: google cloud This action couldn’t be completed. Try again later. [OR_BACR2_34]
3. Stack Overflow: payment - Error OR_BACR2_46, when activated credit in google cloud platform
4. r/googlecloud on Reddit: Facing the “This action couldn’t be completed. Try again later. [OR-BSBBF-103]” issue while redeeming $300 free credits

Conclusion

The OR_BACR2_46 error in Google Cloud Platform is primarily a payment verification issue that can be resolved through several approaches. Start by trying different payment methods, especially Mastercard instead of Visa, and ensure consistent contact and tax information. Browser-related solutions like switching to Firefox or Edge, disabling ad blockers, and clearing cache have proven effective for many users. If you’re using someone else’s payment method with your account information, this mismatch is likely causing the rejection. For persistent issues, Google Cloud Billing Support offers free assistance to help resolve these verification problems. The key is methodically testing different solutions while maintaining accurate and consistent account information throughout the setup process.