Google requires that all Maps API Keys have a credit card on file for any charges that the API usage may incur. That is due to a change in their policy, beginning on June 11, 2018, Google requires all users to add billing information to their account in order to activate Google Maps API keys.  

However, Google gives all users enough free credits each month so that the vast majority of websites will never have to pay anything for this service (as of writing this article, we are not aware of any Brilliant Directories websites ever having to pay for this service).  


In fact, with this update Google is actually giving users even more free credit than before.  The only difference is that they now ask for billing information during the setup process rather than after a user consumes all of their free credits. 


If Google Maps locations aren't loading on the homepage or search modules even though the Initial Set Up Steps have been completed. Use the Inspect tool to check which error is being presented inside the Console, it's most likely because the site is missing the billing information:




I am using the Inspect tool to check for the error inside the Console while on the page presenting the issue using "CTRL + SHIFT + I" or right click on the mouse:



This can be easily fixed by logging into the Google API Console:


>> https://console.cloud.google.com/apis



Next Steps:


1. Once logged in, in the dashboard, click on the "Navigation Menu":




2. From there select "Billing":




3. Now either edit or add a payment method:




If there is a valid card on file, the account may need to be "Activated":




Other important things to check: 

You may have multiple projects in your Google Cloud account. Make sure that the billing is enabled for the project that has the Google Maps API key that was added on your site: https://cloud.google.com/billing/docs/how-to/modify-project.

To make sure that the billing is enabled on this project go to: https://console.cloud.google.com/billing

On teh sidebar menu, scroll down and click on Manage Account, here all the projects in this Google Cloud account appear, make sure all have the billing enabled by clicking on the 3 dots next to each project:


For additional questions or help setting this up, please submit a ticket to [email protected] or create a ticket HERE.