Google Keyword Planner is free, but it lives inside Google Ads, and the sign-up flow pushes you to create a campaign and enter payment details. You don’t have to run ads to use it. Google Ads offers an official path to create an account without a campaign, after which Keyword Planner is available under Tools. This guide walks through that path, what you’ll see without ad spend, and free alternatives for keyword research.
Quick Answer
Start signing up at Google Ads. On the first goal screen, click Switch to Expert Mode, then Create an account without a campaign. Confirm your country, time zone and currency, click Submit, then Explore your account. Open Tools > Planning > Keyword Planner.
Step 1: Start a Google Ads Account
- Go to the Google Ads website and click Start now, signing in with your Google account.
- If you’re asked for your business name and website, you can fill these in or skip depending on the version of the flow.
Step 2: Switch to Expert Mode
- On the screen asking for your main advertising goal, look for a small link near the bottom: Switch to Expert Mode (sometimes shown as “Are you a professional marketer?”).
- Click it.
Step 3: Create an Account Without a Campaign
- On the next screen, click Create an account without a campaign, usually at the bottom of the page.
- Confirm your billing country, time zone and currency. These can’t be changed later, so choose carefully.
- Click Submit, then Explore your account.
Google changes this flow from time to time. If you don’t see these links, look for options to skip campaign creation, or create a campaign and leave it paused without adding payment. A paused campaign doesn’t spend money.
Step 4: Open Keyword Planner
- In Google Ads, click Tools (the wrench icon or the Tools menu in the left sidebar).
- Under Planning, choose Keyword Planner.
- Choose Discover new keywords to get ideas from words or a website, or Get search volume and forecasts for a list you already have.
What You See Without Ad Spend
- Search volume ranges: accounts without active spend often see ranges such as 1K–10K instead of exact monthly averages.
- Competition and bid estimates: still shown and useful for gauging commercial intent.
- Keyword ideas and filters: fully available, including location and language targeting.
Already Have a Smart Mode Account?
Smart Mode (the simplified experience) doesn’t include Keyword Planner. In the account, open Settings or the tools menu and choose Switch to Expert Mode.
Free Alternatives and Complements
| Tool | Best for |
|---|---|
| Google Search Console | Queries that already bring visitors to your site |
| Google Trends | Comparing interest over time and by region |
| Google autocomplete and “People also ask” | Real questions people search |
| Bing Webmaster Tools keyword research | Search volume data from Bing |
For more on research, see how to find keywords on Google.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to enter a credit card?
Not with the no-campaign path. You’ll be asked for billing details only if you create an active campaign.
Will Google charge me?
No. Charges only happen when active ads run.
Can I use Keyword Planner on a phone?
It’s designed for desktop browsers; the Google Ads app doesn’t include it.
Summary
- Start a Google Ads sign-up.
- Click Switch to Expert Mode, then Create an account without a campaign.
- Open Tools > Planning > Keyword Planner.
- Expect volume ranges without active ad spend.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.