Account linking overview

We would like to introduce the beta version of the Merchant API. It is the new version of the Content API for Shopping and the future.

For information about how Merchant API can improve your integration and how you can help shape the future, see Announcing the Merchant API Beta.

Note: This API is available only to enabled Shopping partners.

The Content API’s accounts.link method allows a Google Shopping partner to programmatically flag a relationship between their own Merchant Center account and those of other merchants. This link describes the services that the partner provides to those linked merchants. The list of services can include features such as product data management for Shopping ads or order management for Buy on Google. The full list of supported services can be found on the Requesting Links page.

After a partner sends a link request via the Content API, merchants can manage their account links in the Google Merchant Center user interface.

Note: Flagging accounts via accounts.link does not automatically make a merchant's account part of a partner's multi-client account.

Request and approval workflow

Flagging a relationship between partner and another merchant with a link is a multi-step process. To initiate a link, a partner first sends a request to a merchant. After the request is received, the merchant must then approve it.

The link flagging process can be managed using the Content API and generally comprises the following steps. The subsequent sections of this guide describe each step in more detail.

1. Partner sends an account link request.
2. Both merchant and partner can view a list of existing and pending links.
3. Merchant accepts the link.
4. Either merchant or partner can remove a link at any time.

The next section describes how a partner sends a link flagging request.