The Google Ads client center, also known as MCC from the English acronym My Client Center, is the tool that allows a professional or an agency to manage multiple Google Ads accounts from a single interface. Within this environment, the manager account owner can create users for collaborators, departments, or clients and assign different permissions to each. These permissions are called access levels and determine precisely what each user can see, edit, or manage.
Understanding access levels is essential for anyone working in a structured way with paid advertising. A correct permission setup reduces the risk of accidental changes, protects billing data, and facilitates collaboration between internal and external teams. The following paragraphs describe the available roles, their operational differences, and the situations in which each is best used.
How permissions work in the client center
Access levels are sets of permissions that establish the actions allowed for a user within an account. In the Google Ads client center, permissions apply on two distinct dimensions: access to the manager account and access to linked advertising accounts. A collaborator can receive a limited role on the manager account and a broader role on individual managed accounts, or vice versa.
Permissions are managed from the access section of the manager account. From here you invite new users by entering their email address and choosing the desired level. Changes take effect immediately and can be revoked at any time by the owner, who always retains final control over the structure.
Manager account access levels
At the manager account level, there are several access levels, including admin, standard, read-only, and email-only. Each has a different degree of autonomy. The choice depends on the type of relationship with the collaborator and the trust placed in their skills.
Admin
The admin has the broadest permissions. They can link and unlink accounts, invite and remove users, change others’ access levels, and modify shared billing settings. This is the right role for agency partners or internal managers who need to govern the entire structure.
Standard user
The standard user can operate on linked advertising accounts and create new ones, but cannot manage access or change the manager account configuration. This is the most common level for team members who work on campaigns daily.
Read-only user
The read-only user can view data, reports, and settings without making changes. This role is useful for auditors, external consultants, or executives who need to monitor results without intervening in campaigns.
What changes on individual linked accounts
In addition to roles on the manager account, each linked advertising account has its own permissions. A user can be an admin of the manager account but have limited access to a single client account, and vice versa. This separation allows you to give each collaborator only what they need.
The most common roles on linked accounts are admin, standard user, and read-only, plus email-only access. It is not possible to limit access to individual campaigns or specific report types: access applies to the entire account. The granularity of permissions allows you to build custom configurations, preventing a collaborator from modifying billing or deleting campaigns without authorization.
Roles compared between manager and linked accounts
| Level | Access management | Campaign editing | Billing | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admin | Yes | Yes | Yes | Owner or manager |
| Standard user | No | Yes | No | Campaign specialist |
| Read-only | No | No | No | Auditor or executive |
| Limited access | No | Partial | No | Collaborator on individual accounts |
Assigning and revoking permissions in practice
Assigning permissions follows a linear flow and requires few steps. It is good practice to document assigned roles, so you keep track of responsibilities in case of staff turnover.
- Sign in to the client center with an account that has admin permissions.
- Open the access management section from the manager account.
- Select the option to invite a new user and enter the email address.
- Choose the desired access level from those available.
- Confirm the invitation: the collaborator will receive a message with instructions to accept.
- Verify that the user appears in the list with the correct role.
- To change a role, open the user’s entry and select the new level.
- To revoke access, remove the user from the list: loss of permissions is immediate.
Frequently asked questions about MCC access levels
How many accounts can I manage with one client center?
The client center is designed to manage many advertising accounts from a single interface, without a stated hard limit for most professionals. The actual number depends on the account type and operational needs.
Can I assign different roles to the same user?
Yes. A user can have one role on the manager account and different roles on individual linked accounts. This flexibility allows you to calibrate permissions based on actual responsibilities.
What is the difference between a standard user and an admin?
The standard user works on campaigns but does not manage access or billing. The admin, on the other hand, controls the entire structure, including invitations, removals, and payment settings.
Can a read-only user download reports?
Yes. The read-only role allows viewing data and reports without the ability to modify them. It is designed specifically for analysis and monitoring.
What happens if I revoke a collaborator’s access?
Revocation is immediate: the user loses access to the accounts and can no longer view data or make changes. Campaigns already active remain unchanged.
Can I limit access to a single campaign?
No. It is not possible to limit access to individual campaigns or individual reports: access applies to the entire account.
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