Whether or not tickets purchased on Ticketmaster can be refunded depends on several factors. The exact refund policy can vary based on the event, the seller, and the status of the ticket. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to most Ticketmaster ticket purchases.
Ticketmaster Refund Policies
In most cases, tickets purchased directly from Ticketmaster can be refunded within a certain time frame, usually up to 30 days from the event date. However, each event has its own specific refund policy which is displayed during the ticket purchase process. This will let buyers know the last date refunds are accepted for that event.
Some key things that influence Ticketmaster’s refund policy include:
- The event organizer’s policies – Ticketmaster must follow the refund rules set out by the concert promoter, sports team, theater, etc. These policies vary widely.
- Type of ticket – Refund rules tend to be most flexible for standard tickets. Resale tickets, VIP packages and other special tickets often have stricter policies.
- Status of event – Tickets for canceled or postponed events typically have more generous refund timelines.
In general, full refunds are issued if an event is canceled or rescheduled. For standard postponements, buyers can usually get a refund within 30 days of the new event date being announced. Other changes, like venue changes or artist drops, may also qualify buyers for refunds if announced far enough in advance.
How to Get Refunds on Ticketmaster
If a ticket is refundable under the event’s policy, buyers have two options for getting their money back on Ticketmaster purchases:
- Online refund request – Sign into your Ticketmaster account, go to your purchases page, and select the “Request Refund” button next to eligible tickets. Refunds are usually issued to the original payment method.
- Contact customer support – Get in touch with a Ticketmaster agent by phone or chat to request your refund. This may be required for specialized ticket types or unusually complex refunds.
Generally it’s advisable to request refunds as soon as possible for the quickest processing time. Ticketmaster notes it can take up to 30 days to receive your money back depending on the method used.
Ticket Resales
For tickets resold through Ticketmaster’s fan-to-fan resale platform, all sales are final and refunds are only issued if the event is canceled and not rescheduled. Sellers, not Ticketmaster, set the prices on resale tickets.
Exceptions and Challenges
While Ticketmaster’s refund policies are generally consistent, there are certain situations that can make getting ticket refunds difficult or impossible:
- Strict event policies – Some high demand events like concerts or championship games have ironclad no refund policies, even for postponements.
- Paperless tickets – Mobile entry tickets or “paperless tickets” that must be accessed via smartphone often cannot be returned or refunded once downloaded.
- Third party sellers – Tickets sold through unofficial third party resellers on sites other than Ticketmaster have no guaranteed refund privileges.
- Foreign currency purchases – International Ticketmaster sites issue refunds in the original currency. Conversion rates may cause partial refunds.
In rare cases, even if an event allows refunds, technical issues can prevent processing. This is why it’s recommended to request refunds as soon as possible.
Getting a Refund from Your Credit Card
If Ticketmaster is unable to provide a refund that you feel you are rightfully owed, one last option is initiating a chargeback from your credit card issuer. This allows you to dispute the charge and potentially receive the money back from your card company.
Requirements vary, but generally chargebacks are approved if:
- The purchase was fraudulent or unauthorized
- The item or service was not delivered as advertised
- The merchant’s refund policy was not followed
Credit card chargebacks can get your money back when normal refund channels fail. However, they may come with fees and could potentially get your Ticketmaster account restricted, so it’s best to exhaust other options first.
Avoiding the Need to Refund
To avoid having to worry about Ticketmaster refund hassles, here are some tips when purchasing tickets:
- Read the fine print – Always review the refund policies shown during checkout so there are no surprises later if plans change.
- Use a credit card – Credit cards provide the option of chargebacks as a last resort to get your money back.
- Think before reselling – Reselling through Ticketmaster’s fan exchange locks in the sale; no refunds are offered if you can’t unload the tickets.
- Beware paperless tickets – Make sure you can definitely attend before downloading non-refundable mobile entry tickets.
The Bottom Line
While Ticketmaster does allow refunds on most directly sold event tickets within a limited time frame, policies vary greatly. Buyers should understand the specific refund rules shown during checkout before purchasing tickets. If you miss the cutoff date for Ticketmaster refunds, trying to dispute the charge with your credit card company is the only option left.
Carefully reviewing event policies, only purchasing refundable ticket types, and avoiding paperless tickets are the best ways to ensure you can get your money back if plans change unexpectedly.
FAQs
How long does Ticketmaster take to refund tickets?
Ticketmaster processes refunds within 30 days in most cases. Refund timeframes can vary depending on:
- Refund method – Online refunds are fastest; mailed checks take longest
- Event size – Larger events take more time to handle refunds
- Reason for refund – Cancellations are quicker; changes more complex
Expedited refunds may be available in some cases if contacted Ticketmaster customer service.
Can you get a refund on Ticketmaster if you can’t go?
Whether Ticketmaster provides refunds for tickets if you can’t attend depends entirely on the event’s refund policy. Most allow refunds up to 30 days out, but some concerts, games, and other hot ticket events have ironclad no refund rules. Always check the policy during checkout before purchasing tickets.
Do you get refunds if event is postponed Ticketmaster?
Ticketmaster issues full refunds if an event is indefinitely postponed or canceled. If it is rescheduled, refund availability depends on the event’s policy. Typically you can get a refund within 30 days of the new date being set if you can no longer attend.
Can I get a refund on Ticketmaster if I changed my mind?
You can only get a refund on Ticketmaster if you change your mind about attending an event if the tickets are still within the refund cutoff date, usually 30 days from show date. If the refund deadline has passed, unfortunately no refund will be allowed, even if you simply had a change of heart.
Key Takeaways
- Ticketmaster refund policies vary by event and are shown during the ticket purchase process.
- Refunds are usually allowed within 30 days of an event if permitted by the event organizer’s rules.
- Full refunds are issued by Ticketmaster if an event is postponed or canceled.
- Resale tickets and “paperless” mobile tickets generally cannot be refunded under any circumstances.
- If Ticketmaster can’t refund, trying a credit card chargeback is a last resort option.