Manager Accounts (MCC) and multi-account hierarchy
Manager Accounts provide centralized command, consolidated billing, and cross-account reporting across multiple client and brand entities.
The enterprise role of Manager Accounts#
A Manager Account is the umbrella management entity designed for agencies, holding companies, and multi-location enterprises managing multiple advertising accounts.
As explained in Microsoft Manager Account Docs, 2026, a Manager Account allows single sign-on access across all subordinate client accounts.
Linking client accounts and the dual-ID security requirement#
To link a client account, send an account link request from the Manager Account dashboard. Effective August 2026, API account-linking requests must supply both the Manager Account Number and the target Account ID to satisfy dual-ID security requirements as outlined in Microsoft Customer Management Service API, 2026.
Always request administrative link permissions with standard billing separation unless consolidated billing is explicitly required.
Consolidated billing and credit line management#
Consolidated Invoicing combines spend across tens or hundreds of sub-accounts onto a single monthly VAT invoice and shared corporate credit line, dramatically simplifying enterprise accounting.
User permission roles and access governance#
Assign granular team permissions across four standard access levels: Super Admin, Standard User, Read-Only, and Advertiser Campaign Manager to protect client accounts from unauthorized changes.
Explore our Microsoft Ads Hub for agency governance templates.
Multi-account hierarchy architectural models#
The table below compares standard multi-account structures for agencies and corporate enterprises.
| Organizational Model | Hierarchy Structure | Billing Arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Agency Client Portfolio | Master Agency MCC -> Individual Client Accounts | Client-direct credit card or agency invoicing |
| Multi-Brand Enterprise | Corporate Holding MCC -> Brand Sub-Accounts | Consolidated monthly invoicing credit line |
| Global Franchise Network | Global MCC -> Regional MCCs -> Local Store Accounts | Central corporate budget allocation |
Frequently asked questions#
What is the difference between a Manager Account and a standard ad account?
A Manager Account is an umbrella administrative tool that links and manages multiple individual advertising accounts from a single dashboard.
How do I link an existing client account to my Microsoft Manager Account?
Navigate to Tools > Accounts > Link to Account, enter the client's Account Number, and send a link request for the client to accept.
What is the dual-ID requirement for Microsoft account linking?
Enforced in 2026, API account-linking calls require providing two identifiers (Manager Account Number plus Account ID) to prevent unauthorized brute-force linking.
Can I share audience lists across accounts in a Manager Account?
Yes, Microsoft supports shared UET tags and shared remarketing lists across accounts within the same Manager Account hierarchy.
How many sub-accounts can a Microsoft Manager Account hold?
A single Manager Account can manage hundreds of client accounts with consolidated reporting and multi-tier sub-manager hierarchies.
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