How To Get Presale Tickets With Your Credit Cards (2024)

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Not all the perks of having a premium credit card come in the form of points or cash back. Some credit card issuers and networks offer hefty benefits packages that include presale or advance tickets to entertainment, cultural and sporting events.

These tickets usually cost the same or cheaper than the public sale price—and you may get access with a credit card you already have.

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What Is a Presale for Tickets?

Presale tickets are exactly what the name implies: early access to tickets that will eventually go on sale to the broader public. If you’re interested in events that sell out quickly, presale tickets can get you in and out of the figurative ticket booth before everyone else faces the frantic, website-crashing rush of a public access sale.

Presale tickets can also be a precious advantage if your venue or ticket vendor uses dynamic pricing. In those situations, buying early means your ticket will likely cost less. Presale tickets usually offer the best selection of seats and event dates as you’re beating most of the competition to the punch.

How To Get Presale Tickets With Credit Cards

Each credit card issuer has its own entertainment or “experiences” portal for you to log in to, and that’s generally the place to start your hunt for presale tickets. Sometimes those entertainment portals also have exclusive, invite-only events for cardholders just like you.

American Express Presale Tickets

Amex presale tickets are managed through American Express Experiences. If you have an American Express card, getting your hands on exclusive tickets is as simple as clicking into the presale section of the site.

With that said, your Amex card can also give you access to presale venues through third parties or straight from other venues. For example, an American Express card gives you the option to buy presale tickets through Ticketmaster and Live Nation, or to direct-purchase early access tickets to specific big-name events like the U.S. Open.

Capital One Presale Tickets

If you hold a U.S.-issued, Capital One-branded rewards credit card, you have access to Capital One Entertainment. All you have to do is click into the presales section and shop away. You can also purchase presale tickets through Ticketmaster. For example, if you want to see “Wicked” on Broadway, your Capital One credit card can get you presale access to a reserved block of tickets.

Citi Presale Tickets

Citibank gives all holders of a Visa- or Mastercard-branded Citi credit card, and even those with a Mastercard-branded Citi debit card, access to presale tickets. Just click to the Citi Entertainment site and start browsing.

Citi Entertainment also offers presale tickets through Ticketmaster and Live Nation. In most cases, the early access passcode is the first six digits of your Citi credit or debit card, but in a few cases you might receive a pop-up box with a separate passcode to use.

Lastly, Citi Entertainment also offers perks like Citi preferred tickets (seats set aside specifically for Citi cardmembers during a portion of the public sales period), VIP packages and even occasional complimentary tickets—all designed to elevate your event experience.

Chase Presale Tickets

Although Chase doesn’t promote its presale tickets as a standalone category like many other credit card issuers do, it does offer presale access and preferred seating through Ticketmaster and Live Nation. In most cases, the presales code is the first six digits of your credit card account number.

Chase also offers additional perks through the different sectors of its Chase Experiences program. For example, Chase Sound Check can get you preferred seating and VIP meet-and-greet packages at music festivals, and Chase Pass gets you shaded seating and upgraded refreshments at the U.S. Open.

More Options for Finding Presale Tickets

If the entertainment portal or website for your credit card doesn’t have the presale tickets you’re looking for, you may still have options. If your credit card includes a concierge service, you can call them and ask if other tickets are available.

Information on your credit card’s concierge service—if it has one—is included in the initial welcome benefits package you received, but you can also call the customer service number listed on your card. There’s no charge for getting information from the concierge, but if you purchase something through them—like presale tickets—you’ll pay for that purchase.

Lastly, some credit card networks or issuers may have agreements with third-party sites that let you use a code to access discounts. For example, multiple credit card networks have agreements with Ticketmaster that let you purchase presale tickets straight from Ticketmaster, even using your accumulated credit card rewards instead of cash.

With that said, always check the actual redemption value you’re getting on points purchases, because it can vary.

You also have concierge access with a Visa Signature, Visa Infinite or Mastercard World Elite card.

Are Presale Tickets More Expensive?

There aren’t a lot of controls on pricing practices for tickets, but in general, presale tickets aren’t any more expensive than buying at the public sale. They might even be cheaper, whether they’re being deliberately offered at a discount or because you’re beating the rush for events that use dynamic pricing, which increases ticket prices as consumer demand goes up.

Bottom Line

Presale tickets allow you to jump the line and get access to concerts, games and other events, and having the right credit card can be the key that opens the door to saving both time and money.

There is one thing to note: The premium credit cards that offer perks like presale tickets tend to come with higher annual fees. If you’d only get a credit card—and thus pay the annual fee— to have access to the presale tickets, you’ll have to weigh the cost of the credit card fee against the value of the presale tickets and any other credit card perks you think you’ll really use.

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How To Get Presale Tickets With Your Credit Cards (2024)

FAQs

What credit cards get early access to concert tickets? ›

Many credit card issuers offer access to presale, preferred seating, and VIP ticket offers. American Express, Capital One, and Citi each have their own entertainment programs. Chase doesn't offer presale access as widely as other issuers, though it offers entertainment perks.

Do credit cards work on Ticketmaster? ›

Ticketmaster only accepts one credit card per transaction. However, you can apply a Ticketmaster Gift Card to your ticket purchase along with your credit card.

How to get Amex presale tickets on Ticketmaster? ›

But how do you access the actual pre-sale? To access an American Express pre-sale through Ticketmaster, simply find the event you want to attend on the Ticketmaster website, click on 'Ticket Type' at the top of the page, select 'American Express Card Member Presale', pick your tickets and check out.

How to access presale tickets? ›

How do presales work? Presales give fans with codes the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public. However, the codes don't guarantee tickets. Look for the Unlock button or link on your event to enter your presale code.

How do you get presale tickets early access? ›

Credit card companies like Citibank and Chase may offer their cardholders special presale access as perks for being loyal customers. Check with your credit card company to find out if they offer any benefits or assistance when purchasing live entertainment events.

How do I get an early access code for Ticketmaster? ›

Join the fan club from the artist's official fan club site. As a club member, you'll get a unique presale code before the upcoming ticket presale starts. Some artists give fans the chance to buy tickets and a fan club membership together during their presales on Ticketmaster.com — so you won't need a presale code.

Why wont Ticketmaster let me use my credit card? ›

There may be different reasons for this. For example; your card limit is insufficient, your card is closed to transactions made on the Internet, incorrect card number entry, temporary connection problems during the approval process, such as.

What credit cards can you use on Ticketmaster? ›

What are the accepted payment methods?
  • PayPal.
  • Visa.
  • MasterCard.
  • Discover.
  • American Express.
  • Ticketmaster Gift Card.
  • Debit cards with a major credit card logo.
  • Venmo.

Why is Ticketmaster saying my credit card is not allowed? ›

Your card details (number, CVC and/or expiry date) are incorrect. Your card has been declined due to insufficient funds. Your bank has disallowed us to process your transaction on your card.

Why can't I access presale tickets on Ticketmaster? ›

If you registered for a ticket sale and received an access code through text or email from Ticketmaster, but it's not working, try checking these things first: Select the correct ticket type. Make sure you click or tap Registration Presale or Fan Presale on the ticket selection page. Make sure the event is on sale.

How does Ticketmaster decide who gets a presale code? ›

Receive an Offer Code

Those who registered during the registration window and pass the Ticketmaster analysis will then be randomly selected to receive an offer code from Ticketmaster.

How does presale on Ticketmaster work? ›

How do presales work? Presales give fans the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general sale. Depending on the type of presale, you may need to sign up to join the presale or get a code to access the ticket sale.

Is it cheaper to get tickets during presale? ›

Presale tickets can also be a precious advantage if your venue or ticket vendor uses dynamic pricing. In those situations, buying early means your ticket will likely cost less. Presale tickets usually offer the best selection of seats and event dates as you're beating most of the competition to the punch.

Does everyone have access to Ticketmaster presale? ›

Not all Ticketmaster concerts have presale codes. Presale codes are often available for specific events and are provided to certain groups of people, like fan club members or credit card holders, before the general sale begins.

How to get Amex preferred access? ›

The American Express Preferred Seating program is exclusively available to eligible* Card Members. Enter the 10-digit Customer Service phone number on the back of your eligible Card when prompted to purchase tickets online, on a mobile device, or over the phone.

Does Amex Platinum help with concert tickets? ›

Basic Platinum Card Members and Additional Card Members on the Card Account are eligible to receive this benefit. Special Ticket Access: Receive special access to purchase tickets to many popular events. Amex Presale Tickets offer Card Members access to tickets before the general public to select events.

How does early access work on Ticketmaster? ›

Depending on the type of presale, you may need to sign up to join the presale or get a code to access the ticket sale. Create a Ticketmaster account and favorite all the artists, performers, teams and venues that you love, so we can notify you by email about upcoming presales.

Should I use my credit card to buy concert tickets? ›

In general, there are a few ways where your card can help you in the context of concerts. First, some credit cards offer exclusive access to unique experiences, presale tickets, and value-added experiences like lounge access. On the other hand, credit cards may offer enhanced rewards on these types of purchases.

How do I use Citi Cardmember presale on Ticketmaster? ›

Once you've linked your Citi account with your Ticketmaster account, just sign in to unlock access and purchase your Citi® Cardmember Presale Tickets. No further steps or codes are required. You'll need to link your accounts at least once per year, however, to maintain access to future Citi® Cardmember Presales.

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