Tickets to concerts, sports events, and other live entertainment are often sold through Ticketmaster. As one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies, Ticketmaster provides a convenient way for fans to purchase tickets online or through their mobile app. But can you use American Express cards when buying tickets on Ticketmaster? Let’s take a closer look.
The Short Answer
Yes, American Express cards are accepted by Ticketmaster for ticket purchases online, through the mobile app, and by phone. American Express is one of the major card brands that Ticketmaster accepts in addition to Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. So if you have an American Express credit or charge card, you can use it to pay for event tickets on Ticketmaster.
Breaking Down Ticketmaster’s Payment Options
When you go to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster, you’ll notice there are a few different payment options available:
- Credit or debit card – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- Ticketmaster gift card
- Ticketmaster Prepaid Card
The most common and convenient payment method is with a major credit or debit card. Ticketmaster accepts all the major card brands, including American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. So if you already have one of these card types, you can use it seamlessly on Ticketmaster without any issues.
Using an American Express Credit Card
If you have an American Express credit card or charge card, you can use it to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster’s website, mobile app, or over the phone. American Express cards are widely accepted by merchants and Ticketmaster is no exception. In fact, American Express is one of their recommended and preferred payment methods.
Just look for the American Express logo when selecting your payment method and enter your card details. The transaction will process like any regular American Express purchase. As long as your card is in good standing, the charge will go through and your tickets will be delivered to you electronically or by mail.
Using an American Express Debit Card
In addition to credit and charge cards, Ticketmaster also accepts American Express debit cards. These function similarly to regular debit cards run on the Visa, Mastercard, and Discover networks. You can use your American Express debit card to tap, dip, or swipe at checkout. Or you can manually enter your debit card details online just like a credit card.
When you use an American Express debit card on Ticketmaster, the funds will be immediately withdrawn from your connected bank account. So make sure you have enough funds available to fully cover your ticket purchase. The tickets will still be delivered to you in the usual way.
Using an American Express Prepaid Card
Prepaid cards are also accepted by Ticketmaster, including American Express prepaid cards. These work similarly to gift cards – you load funds onto the card and then you can spend up to that amount anywhere American Express is accepted. You can get an American Express prepaid card online or in retail stores.
To use your American Express prepaid card on Ticketmaster, simply select it as your payment method and provide the card details. Ticketmaster will deduct the ticket purchase amount from the balance on your card. Just note that prepaid cards often come with activation fees and usage fees, so be sure to read the fine print.
Benefits of Using American Express on Ticketmaster
There are a few potential benefits to paying with an American Express card when booking tickets through Ticketmaster:
Earn Rewards
Many American Express credit cards come with rewards programs where you can earn points, miles, or cash back on purchases. For instance, the American Express Gold Card offers 4x points at restaurants and US supermarkets. So your Ticketmaster purchase may help you earn rewards you can redeem later for statement credits, gift cards, flights, and more perks.
Purchase Protection
American Express cards come with purchase protection plans that can refund you if an item is stolen or accidentally damaged within the first 90 days. If something happens to event tickets bought through Ticketmaster, you may be able to file a claim to recover the purchase amount.
Extended Warranty
Credit cards like the Platinum Card from American Express offer extended warranty protection on purchases with warranties of 5 years or less. So if you bought a premium ticket package that came with any kind of warranty, Amex would double the warranty duration up to 1 additional year.
Ticketmaster Perks
Ticketmaster and American Express sometimes offer special promotions, presales, or experiences for Amex card members only. For example, in the past they’ve offered Amex cardholders early access to concert tickets or VIP packages. Check Ticketmaster and your Amex benefits for any current promotional offers.
Potential Drawbacks
Although American Express cards can be very useful for Ticketmaster purchases, there are a couple drawbacks to consider as well:
Foreign Transaction Fees
Some American Express cards charge foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the US. If you are buying tickets for an international event, you may incur a fee around 2-3% of the total ticket cost.
Not Accepted Universally
While American Express is widely accepted in the US, it still has less market share globally than Visa and Mastercard. If you are traveling internationally and want to buy local entertainment or event tickets, AmEx may not be accepted in some areas where Visa/Mastercard are.
Tips for Using American Express on Ticketmaster
Follow these tips to make the most of your American Express card when buying tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Use an Amex card that earns bonus rewards on entertainment purchases for extra points.
- Pay close attention to presales and Amex exclusive offers.
- Use your Amex benefits like purchase protection in case issues arise.
- Check for any applicable ticket discounts for being an Amex card member.
- Review the ticket policy carefully in case you need to exchange or get refunds.
American Express Card Options for Ticketmaster
Here are some of the best American Express cards for Ticketmaster purchases:
| Card Name | Rewards & Benefits |
|---|---|
| American Express Gold Card | 4x points on dining and US supermarkets, up to $120 in dining credits annually, no foreign transaction fees |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | 6% cash back on select US streaming services and US supermarkets, 3% back on transit and at US gas stations |
| American Express Green Card | 3x points on travel, transit, restaurants, flights booked with Amex Travel |
| Platinum Card from American Express | 5x points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel, monthly digital entertainment credits, lounge access, hotel elite status |
The Bottom Line
American Express credit, charge, debit and prepaid cards are perfectly valid payment options for buying tickets on Ticketmaster. Amex is widely accepted and your ticket purchase will process normally as with any other card brand. There are even some nice perks and added benefits to paying with American Express. Just be aware of foreign transaction fees and limited acceptance internationally in some cases. But overall, feel free to use your American Express card to cover all your Ticketmaster ticket needs and enjoy the show!
