Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket providers for concerts, sporting events, and other live entertainment. If you purchase tickets through Ticketmaster but can no longer attend the event, you may be wondering if you can get a refund.
Can You Get a Refund from Ticketmaster?
Whether you can get a refund on Ticketmaster tickets depends on a few factors:
- The type of ticket you purchased
- The timing of your refund request
- The event organizer’s refund policy
In general, Ticketmaster aims to provide refunds when possible, but refund eligibility is ultimately determined by the event organizer, not Ticketmaster. Here’s an overview of when refunds are available:
For Standard Tickets
If you purchased standard tickets for an event you can no longer attend, you may be eligible for a refund if:
- You request a refund at least one week before the event date
- The event is postponed, rescheduled, or canceled
Standard tickets purchased through Ticketmaster are generally refundable if you meet the above criteria. However, some event organizers have special policies that override the standard Ticketmaster refund policy.
For Resale/Verified Resale Tickets
If you purchased resale tickets on Ticketmaster’s verified resale platform, refund availability depends on the seller’s policies. Ticketmaster states that refunds for resale ticket purchases are issued “if and when we get the funds from the seller.”
For Special Circumstances
Ticketmaster may provide refunds in special circumstances even if the standard policy does not apply. For example, you may be able to get a refund if:
- You or someone in your party falls ill and cannot attend
- You cannot attend due to a death in the family
- There are changes or issues with the event’s venue
In cases like these, Ticketmaster reviews refund requests on a case by case basis. However, a refund is still not guaranteed.
How to Request a Refund from Ticketmaster
If you need to cancel Ticketmaster tickets, here is how to request a refund:
Online
- Access your Ticketmaster account and find your order details
- Select the “Cancel Order” option
- Choose “I can’t go” as the reason for cancellation
- Submit your cancellation request
You will receive confirmation of whether your refund request is approved or denied. If approved, it can take 7-10 business days for the refund to process.
By Phone
You can also request a Ticketmaster refund by calling their Fan Support phone line at 1-800-653-8000. Have your order number ready when you call.
In Person
For event tickets you picked up in person from a box office, you will likely need to return to the box office and request a refund in person.
Important Refund Details
Here are some other important things to keep in mind when seeking a Ticketmaster refund:
- Refunds are typically issued to the original payment method
- Refund timing depends on your payment method
- Refunds only include the ticket face value – fees are non-refundable
- If only some attendees cancel, remaining tickets still need to be used
- Tickets transferred through Ticketmaster’s ticket transfer service are not refundable
Checking Your Refund Status
You can check the status of a Ticketmaster refund request online via your Ticketmaster account. Follow these steps:
- Access your Ticketmaster account
- Click on your name/icon in the top right corner
- Select “Purchases”
- Find the canceled order and view the status
The status will show as “Pending Refund” or “Refund Denied.” It can take up to 30 days after an event for the final refund status to show.
Alternatives to Refunds
If you are denied a refund for Ticketmaster tickets you can no longer use, all may not be lost. Here are some options that may allow you to recover some of the ticket cost:
Ticketmaster Ticket Exchange
For select events, Ticketmaster offers a safe ticket exchange platform where fans can resell tickets at face value or below. You likely won’t get back what you paid, but you may recoup some costs.
Sell on a Resale Site
You can resell or list the tickets on a separate resale platform like StubHub. Again, you’ll often lose money compared to what you paid, but you may get back more than a $0 refund.
Donate the Tickets
Donating tickets to charity is another option if Ticketmaster won’t provide a refund. Organizations like TixForCause accept ticket donations and provide them to their communities.
Take the Loss
If the tickets are truly unusable and you have no other recourse, you may have to take the loss. Consider it an expensive lesson for reading the fine print next time!
How to Avoid Issues Getting Ticketmaster Refunds
To avoid hassles getting a refund on Ticketmaster tickets, keep these tips in mind when purchasing:
- Carefully review the listed refund policy before buying
- Only buy from Ticketmaster directly, not resale sites
- Pay with a credit card for easier refund processing
- Consider ticket insurance to protect your purchase
- Request a refund as soon as possible if plans change
Key Takeaways on Ticketmaster Refunds
Here are some key points to remember about getting refunds on Ticketmaster tickets:
- Refund eligibility depends on the ticket type and event policy
- Standard tickets may qualify for refunds up to 7 days pre-event
- Resale tickets follow the seller’s refund policy
- Special cases can qualify for refunds at Ticketmaster’s discretion
- Refunds typically take 7-10 business days to process
- Service fees are always non-refundable
With the right timing and circumstances, you can get your money back on Ticketmaster tickets. But nothing is guaranteed, so read all policies carefully before purchasing tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a refund on Ticketmaster if the event is postponed?
Yes, Ticketmaster typically provides refunds if an event is postponed, rescheduled, or canceled altogether. The refund is generally issued automatically, but you can also request one if needed.
How long does Ticketmaster take to refund tickets?
If your refund request is approved, allow 7-10 business days for Ticketmaster to process and issue the refund. Refund timing also depends on your original payment method.
Does Ticketmaster refund service fees?
No, Ticketmaster’s service fees and delivery charges are non-refundable in all cases. Only the base ticket price is eligible for a refund.
Can you get a refund on non-transferrable Ticketmaster tickets?
Typically not – non-transferrable tickets are generally not eligible for refunds since you are required to attend with the original purchaser. But exceptions can be made case by case.
What if I purchased Ticketmaster tickets as a gift?
If the gift recipient cancels, the refund will be issued to the original ticket purchaser, not the recipient. The purchaser must handle the refund request.
The Bottom Line
Ticketmaster aims to provide refunds to buyers that unexpectedly cannot attend events. But nothing is guaranteed or consistent, so carefully review policies before every ticket purchase. If plans change, request a refund as soon as reasonably possible for the best chance of approval.