## Summary

Here are the steps to create a new [Merchant Center](https://merchants.google.com) account and convert it
to a [multi-client account](https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/188487) (MCA), also known as an advanced
account. You can only do this through the Merchant Center UI.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> **Key Term:** Advanced account and MCA are the same.

## Manual steps

1. We recommend making a [Google account](https://accounts.google.com/SignUp) that's unique
   to your business instead of using your personal account.

   Because this account is for your business, you may want to consider its name
   carefully.
2. [Sign in](https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin) to the Google account you want
   to use for your Merchant Center account.

3. [Create your Merchant Center account](https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/188924) at the [Merchant Center signup page](https://merchants.google.com/Signup).

4. If you plan to manage multiple Merchant Center accounts (one per merchant),
   request the conversion of your new Merchant Center account to an
   advanced account (MCA). See [Convert to an advanced account](https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/188487)
   for more information.

5. If other Google accounts need access to your Merchant Center account, set up
   [user access](https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/1637190).

   Admin privileges are required for account-level changes, like modifying the
   users on an account or managing sub-accounts for MCAs.
6. [Set up Content API for Shopping access](https://developers.google.com/google-ads/shopping/full-automation/articles/t10).

## Automatic steps

Not available for this process.