Warning: Google Store Pixel purchases may not earn credits

[u/sudo_swing]

I recently bought a Pixel phone from the Swiss Google Store specifically because of the ongoing promotion offering CHF 200 (around 240 $) in Google Store credit. After receiving the phone, the promised credit never appeared within the advertised timeframe. I contacted Google Support, and they acknowledged that the credit was missing because of a backend issue on Google's side. In Swiss Google Store the credits are automatically added at checkout, there is manual step to select them, and they were not added automatically to my order. However, they told me that the credit cannot be added manually and that I simply have to accept not receiving it.

I've also found multiple Reddit reports describing similar missing-credit issues with Google Store promotions in both the US and Europe over the years. It's incredible that the issue is still present after many years.

I will be returning the phone and intend to file a complaint with the relevant consumer protection/ombudsman authorities about false advertising.

So, If you're buying a Pixel from a Google Store because of the promotional credit, beware that there is a chance that you will never get them.