Ticketmaster is one of the world’s largest ticket sales and distribution companies. They sell tickets for concert, sports, and theater events across North America and in many countries around the world. Ticketmaster allows customers to purchase tickets online, over the phone, or in person at box offices. Many people use Ticketmaster to buy tickets for events they want to attend. This leads to the question – can a child have their own Ticketmaster account? There are a few factors to consider when determining if a child can have a Ticketmaster account.
Age requirements
Ticketmaster requires account holders to be at least 18 years old. This is likely because they want account holders to be legally responsible adults who can be held accountable for the account and any purchases made. Minors under 18 are not considered legally independent – their parents or guardians are responsible for their actions and finances. Allowing minors to open accounts could present legal issues for Ticketmaster.
Here are the key points about Ticketmaster’s age requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older to open a Ticketmaster account
- Age verification required during account creation process
- Accounts cannot be opened on behalf of minors under 18
- Minors cannot make purchases even as authorized users on an adult’s account
So based solely on Ticketmaster’s terms, children under 18 cannot open or control a Ticketmaster account. The 18+ age requirement restricts minors from having their own accounts.
Parental controls
While children cannot open Ticketmaster accounts themselves, there are some options for parental involvement. Parents/guardians can open a Ticketmaster account and authorize their children as “sub-users.” This allows the parent to maintain full ownership and control of the account, while granting their child access.
Here are some ways parents can utilize Ticketmaster’s sub-user system:
- Add child as sub-user to monitor account activity
- Make purchases for child using the account
- Restrict child’s purchasing ability as a sub-user
- Share discounts, credits, and rewards with child
- Manage child’s ticket history and preferences
With full parental oversight, children under 18 can participate to some degree in Ticketmaster accounts. But the key is that the parent retains authority over the account settings, transactions, and details.
Exceptions
In some very limited cases, minors may be able to get exceptions to use Ticketmaster independently. These scenarios include:
- Emancipated minors who are legally independent of parents
- Minors using funds from pre-paid debit cards to make purchases
- Special promotions where age requirements are waived
- Support from parents/guardians authorizing minor’s account
However, these types of exceptions are rare. Ticketmaster does not advertise options for minors to open accounts. And they require extensive age and identity verification during the account creation process. So there are not really any standard ways for children under 18 to bypass the rules.
Pros of waiting until 18
There are some good reasons why Ticketmaster enforces age limits for account holders. Here are a few pros for children waiting until adulthood to open accounts:
- Avoids legal risks of minor engaging in contracts
- Allows parents to maintain financial authority and oversight
- Minors have limited need for independent accounts
- Waiting until 18 teaches financial responsibility
- Adult accounts provide greater features and privileges
By waiting until they turn 18, children avoid grey areas when it comes to legal authority over accounts and purchases. This protects both the children and Ticketmaster itself. Patience in waiting for an independent account also teaches valuable lessons about maturity and financial responsibility.
Cons of waiting until 18
On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages or inconveniences associated with minors not being able to have Ticketmaster accounts:
- Inability to buy tickets themselves for certain events
- Restriction from full account member benefits until 18
- No accumulation of purchase history and rewards until adulthood
- Need to rely on parents/guardians for ticket purchases
- Potential hassles coordinating purchases across different adult accounts
The main downside is the lack of independence and convenience for teens who want to handle ticketing themselves. Relying on parents for purchases can be frustrating at times.
Educational use cases
While individual accounts are restricted, there are some scenarios where minors can utilize Ticketmaster for educational purposes under supervision:
- School assignment simulating event ticket sales
- Educational program teaching ecommerce and accounting
- Tour of venue box offices and ticketing process
- Parent/child activity researching events and prices
- Comparing Ticketmaster to other ticket vendors
With guidance and oversight, Ticketmaster’s website can provide a learning tool for minors to understand online ticket sales. These types of educational uses avoid any violations of Ticketmaster’s age policies.
Workarounds
Trying to find workarounds to use Ticketmaster under 18 is not recommended. Some options minors may attempt include:
- Opening account with fake age information
- Using older sibling’s or friend’s account
- Having parent provide credit card for minor’s account
- Using prepaid gift cards to avoid age verification
These methods often fail or backfire, as Ticketmaster’s identity checks will catch mismatches in information. Unauthorized account access or fraudulent personal details can lead to penalties. It’s best to avoid shortcuts and follow Ticketmaster’s rules until reaching 18.
Signs a child may be ready for an account
At what point is a teen ready to open a Ticketmaster account on their own? Consider the following signs of maturity and responsibility:
- Has a job or income to pay for tickets themselves
- Plans ahead and budgets spending money wisely
- Responsible use of money and savings habits
- Good understanding of online security and privacy
- Avoids excessive spending and impulse purchases
- Monitors account activity and details closely
- Limits ticket purchases to age-appropriate events
While Ticketmaster requires account holders to be 18+, it’s a good idea for parents to evaluate their child’s maturity before granting account privileges. Ongoing discussions about financial responsibility can help prepare teens to use Ticketmaster wisely once they reach adulthood.
Gift cards
Instead of giving minors full access to a Ticketmaster account, another option is getting them gift cards. These cards have preset balances that can be used for ticket purchases through a parent/guardian’s account.
Some benefits of Ticketmaster gift cards for minors:
- Let minors pay for tickets themselves in a controlled way
- Teach financial planning and budgeting
- Avoid need for credit card or bank account
- Can be authorized for use without sharing main account
- Good milestone privilege for demonstrating responsibility
With guidance from parents, Ticketmaster gift cards offer teens some autonomy while avoiding age limit conflicts. The fixed balances provide spending control.
Minor-friendly booking alternatives
If a minor is hoping to purchase event tickets more independently, there are some child-friendly third party booking sites. These allow teens to reserve tickets online while meeting age policies.
Some examples include:
- KidzBox – child’s version of booking tickets
- Ticketor – special minor accounts with parental controls
- ChildsTicket – simple interface for kid ticket buying
- MinorsBuy – secures tickets for resale to authorized minors
- MyFirstTicket – teaches ticket buying under guidance
Of course, parents should carefully review the processes and protections used on any sites that cater to minors. But these alternatives can provide more autonomy under parental supervision.
Parent tips
What guidance should parents provide around Ticketmaster and minor accounts? Here are some helpful tips:
- Explain Ticketmaster’s rules and reasons for age limits
- Make joint purchases together as learning opportunities
- Consider adding child as a sub-user at 16 or 17 for training
- Have teen sign up with parent overview when they turn 18
- Set expectations for responsible account use as an adult
- Consider gift cards for some independent purchasing
- Outline consequences for improper use of accounts
With open communication and training opportunities, parents can promote responsible account usage when the time comes. Monitoring and teaching money skills takes patience.
Response options when asked
How should parents respond when a child asks for their own Ticketmaster account sooner than 18? Some thoughtful yet firm replies include:
- “I know you’re eager to buy tickets on your own, but let’s learn together until you’re 18.”
- “Ticketmaster has rules about only adults having accounts. I’m happy to purchase tickets for you until you reach the required age.”
- “You’ll need to be 18 before owning a Ticketmaster account. But I can add you to mine when you’re older so you can learn.”
- “Let’s work on money responsibility skills so you’ll be ready to use Ticketmaster wisely when the time comes.”
- “Even though you want independence now, waiting will make you appreciate managing your own accounts even more in the future.”
Emphasizing patience and partnership provides a constructive approach. Minors gain greater benefits from waiting until properly equipped for account ownership.
Other options to offer
When informing children they cannot yet have a Ticketmaster account, parents can soften the disappointment by mentioning some alternatives. Other options to meet the goal of independent ticket buying could include:
- Gift cards to Ticketmaster or specific venues
- Tickets to lower cost local events
- Booking sites that cater to minors with oversight
- Accompanying parents on ticket purchases to learn process
- Contests offering free tickets teens can enter
- Volunteering at venues in exchange for free tickets
With creativity and guidance, parents can provide additional appropriate avenues for teens to gain ticketing experience short of full Ticketmaster accounts. This helps set reasonable expectations.
Outlook for changes
In the future, might Ticketmaster update their age policies for account holders? Some possible changes that could arise include:
- Authorized minor accounts with parental approval
- Tiered accounts with limited functions for younger users
- Digital wallet accounts linked to parent credit cards
- Age threshold lowered to 16 with parental consent
- School project exemption accounts
- New teen-focused brand by Ticketmaster
For now, strict age limits remain in place. But evolving technology and business factors may prompt adaptations over time. Teens should always abide by current rules, but can look for potential shifts that promote greater autonomy.
Conclusion
Based on Ticketmaster’s account policies, children under 18 cannot open or control their own Ticketmaster accounts. The terms of use set 18 as the minimum age requirement for account holders. Minors attempting to bypass age verification face account suspension risks and often fail. While inconvenient at times for teens who want independence, the age limit protects both minors and Ticketmaster legally and financially. Parents can simulate account usage with sub-users, gift cards, and training opportunities. Ultimately, abiding by the age 18 rule ensures a positive journey for teens learning financial responsibility skills over time. With the right parental guidance, minors gain the benefits of waiting until properly equipped for independent account usage.