Using American Express Membership Rewards points for Ticketmaster purchases can be a great way to save money on concert, sports, and theater tickets. Amex offers a couple different options for using points for Ticketmaster, including transferring points to airline partners to book flights and hotel packages to events or using points directly through AmexTravel.com for Ticketmaster gift cards. Here’s what you need to know about redeeming Amex points for Ticketmaster purchases.
Overview of Using Amex Points for Ticketmaster
There are a couple main options for using Amex Membership Rewards points for Ticketmaster:
Transfer Points to Airline Partners
One option is to transfer Amex points to airline partners and book award flights and hotel packages to events you want to attend. You can then use the tickets you booked with points to attend the event. This is a good option if you want to cover your full travel expenses to an event with points.
Redeem Points for Ticketmaster Gift Cards
Another option is to redeem Amex points directly for Ticketmaster gift cards through the AmexTravel portal. You can then use the gift cards to make purchases on Ticketmaster. The number of points needed for Ticketmaster gift cards varies, but is typically around 1 cent per point or slightly less.
Get Cash Back for Ticketmaster Purchases
Some Amex cards offer cash back rewards on purchases that can also be used towards Ticketmaster. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred Card offers 6% cash back at US streaming services and 3% back at US online retail purchases, which would include Ticketmaster. The cash back can then be redeemed as a statement credit to offset Ticketmaster purchases.
Transfer Amex Points to Airline Partners
One of the best options for getting maximum value from Amex points for Ticketmaster purchases is to transfer them to airline partners. Many airlines offer event and concert packages that bundle flights, hotels, and tickets to major events.
Check Airline Partners for Event Packages
Here are some of the Amex airline transfer partners to check for special event and concert packages that include Ticketmaster tickets:
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue
- British Airways Avios
- Delta SkyMiles
- Emirates Skywards
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
These programs will sometimes run special packages around major concerts, sports championships, and events that bundle airfare and hotels with event tickets. This allows you to cover the full trip with airline miles at an excellent value.
Example Booking
For example, let’s say you wanted to attend the Austin City Limits music festival and needed flights, hotels, and tickets. You could transfer Amex points to United Airlines and book a package that includes:
- Roundtrip flights from New York to Austin
- 5 nights hotel stay in Austin
- 3-day Austin City Limits festival pass
This allows you to book the whole experience with miles and get Ticketmaster tickets as part of the package.
Redeem Amex Points for Ticketmaster Gift Cards
Another good option is to redeem Amex Membership Rewards points directly for Ticketmaster gift cards. You can then use the gift cards to make Ticketmaster purchases online or on the app.
Where to Get Ticketmaster Gift Cards with Points
You can redeem Amex points for Ticketmaster gift cards through the AmexTravel portal at the following rate:
- $50 Ticketmaster gift card – 5,000 Amex points
- $100 Ticketmaster gift card – 10,000 Amex points
So you’re getting around 1 cent per point or slightly less in value when redeeming for Ticketmaster gift cards directly.
Using the Ticketmaster Gift Cards
Once you redeem points for a Ticketmaster gift card, you’ll receive an email with a claim code. Go to Ticketmaster.com or the app and enter the claim code to add the gift card funds to your Ticketmaster account. The funds will appear as a separate Ticketmaster gift card that you can use to pay for all or part of future Ticketmaster purchases. Make sure to use up all the gift card funds before the expiration date printed on the card.
Get Cash Back for Ticketmaster with Amex Cards
Some Amex cards offer cash back rewards on categories that can include Ticketmaster purchases. The cash back can provide a nice discount on Ticketmaster.
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
One of the best options is the Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card. This card offers:
- 6% cash back at US streaming services – includes Ticketmaster ticket purchases
- 3% cash back at US online retail – includes Ticketmaster fees
Based on this, you can earn 6% back on the ticket purchases and 3% back on the Ticketmaster fees.
Using the Cash Back
The cash back earned each month can be redeemed as a statement credit to offset your Ticketmaster purchases. For example, if you earn $30 back on Ticketmaster for the month, you can redeem $30 as a statement credit so that money is deducted from your account balance.
Tips for Using Amex Points on Ticketmaster
Here are some tips to maximize value when using Amex Membership Rewards points on Ticketmaster:
Take Advantage of Transfer Bonuses
Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses from Amex to airline partners. Sometimes you can get a 25% or 30% point bonus when transferring to an airline partner such as Air Canada or British Airways Avios. This can increase the value when booking event ticket packages.
Use Points for VIP Packages
When redeeming for concert and event tickets, look for opportunities to use points for VIP packages that include premium seats, backstage access, and more. The packages provide better experiences at events.
Research Ticket Availability
Before transferring Amex points, make sure the tickets you want are available for the event you want to attend. Some very high demand events may sell out quickly.
Compare Gift Card Redemption Rates
Ticketmaster gift card rates can vary over time, so make sure to compare the current redemption rate with other redemption options when deciding how to use your Amex points.
Stack Rewards and Discounts
Look for ways to stack additional rewards, like the 6% streaming cash back from the Blue Cash Preferred on top of redeeming points for gift cards to maximize savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about using Amex points for Ticketmaster purchases:
How many Amex points do I need for a Ticketmaster gift card?
A $50 Ticketmaster gift card requires 5,000 Amex Membership Rewards points and a $100 gift card requires 10,000 Amex points when redeemed directly through AmexTravel.
Can I use Amex points to buy tickets from Ticketmaster?
Yes, Amex points can be redeemed directly for Ticketmaster gift cards to buy tickets or transferred to airline partners to book ticket packages. You can also earn cash back rewards on Ticketmaster purchases with some Amex cards.
What’s the best way to redeem Amex points for concerts?
Look for concert and festival ticket packages offered by Amex airline transfer partners. These packages provide maximum value, letting you book flights, hotels, and tickets with points.
Do all Amex cards offer rewards on Ticketmaster?
No, only certain cards like the Blue Cash Preferred offer bonus categories specifically for Ticketmaster purchases. Other cards allow redeeming points for gift cards or cash back.
Can I use Amex points to buy tickets from other sellers on Ticketmaster?
Yes, Ticketmaster gift cards purchased with Amex points can be used to buy tickets resold through Ticketmaster by third parties. The gift card funds apply to all Ticketmaster purchases.
Conclusion
Using Amex Membership Rewards points for Ticketmaster purchases can provide big savings on concert, sports, theater and other event tickets. Transferring points to airline partners for special event ticket packages typically provides the highest value. But redeeming points directly for Ticketmaster gift cards or earning cash back rewards are other great options. Make sure to compare your Amex redemption options and stack rewards when possible to maximize savings on your next Ticketmaster purchase.