The short answer is no, you do not need a Ticketmaster account to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster.com or their mobile app. Ticketmaster allows guests to search for events, select tickets, and check out as a guest without creating an account. However, there are some benefits to creating a free Ticketmaster account that frequent concert and event goers may find useful.
Buying Tickets as a Guest
Purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster without an account is simple. You can search for events by artist, team, venue, or city on Ticketmaster.com or in their mobile apps. Once you find the event you want to attend, select the number and type of tickets you need, enter your payment information and shipping address, and complete the checkout process.
During guest checkout, you’ll be asked to enter your name, email address, and phone number in addition to payment and shipping details. You’ll receive an emailed receipt and ticket barcode to present on your mobile device or print at home after purchase. Guest checkout is intended for one-time or infrequent Ticketmaster shoppers who don’t need account benefits.
Creating a Ticketmaster Account
While a Ticketmaster account isn’t required to make purchases, creating a free account does come with some perks. It only takes a few minutes to sign up on Ticketmaster.com or in their mobile apps. You’ll need to provide an email address, password, and basic information like your name, address, and phone number.
Here are some of the key features and benefits of a Ticketmaster account:
- Faster checkout for future purchases since your details are already stored
- Easier ticket management with all tickets linked to your account
- Ability to access tickets from any device
- Get alerts about favorite teams, artists, and venues
- Eligible for access to presales and special offers
- View purchase history and order tracking
- Store payment methods for faster checkout
- Manage Ticketmaster Sportsgrounds and Tixpoints rewards
For frequent Ticketmaster users, the time savings from expedited checkout and simplified ticket management can be very valuable, especially when hot tickets go on sale. Creating an account is also required to take advantage of Ticketmaster’s loyalty programs.
Using a Ticketmaster Account
Once you’ve created your Ticketmaster account, you can start using it to enhance your ticket buying experience. Here are some tips:
- Log in on Ticketmaster.com or mobile apps before searching for events. Your account info will auto-populate during checkout.
- Add your favorite teams, artists, and venues to My Events for alerts about new shows and presales.
- Store payment cards in My Wallet for faster checkout. You can store multiple cards and shipping addresses.
- Use your account to access exclusive presales before the general public.
- Manage all tickets in My Events and transfer them to friends when needed.
- Access your tickets anytime from Ticketmaster.com or via their apps on your smartphone.
During checkout, logged in users can easily select delivery options. Have tickets sent to your Ticketmaster account for free and access them anytime. Or pay a delivery fee to have paper tickets shipped or instant download tickets emailed.
Account Tips for Ticket Buyers
Here are some helpful account tips for different types of Ticketmaster users:
For casual concertgoers:
- Save time by storing your payment info and shipping address so you can breeze through checkout.
- Get alerts when your favorite bands announce shows in your city.
- Store tickets in your account so you always have access on your phone.
For sports fans:
- Add your team to My Events so you never miss a chance at hard-to-get tickets.
- Buy season ticket packages and manage them all in one place.
- List extra tickets for sale securely within your account.
For theater lovers:
- Get early access to big show presales like Hamilton.
- Easily reorder a season’s worth of shows at once.
- Send tickets to friends when you can’t attend a performance.
For deal seekers:
- Take advantage of presales and special offers sent to account holders.
- Earn TixPoints through purchases for ticket discounts.
- Get the first shot at seats released leading up to an event.
For family planners:
- Manage everyone’s tickets in one place – great for large groups.
- Gift tickets for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
- Book multiple shows in one order, like season tickets for the whole family.
For ticket resellers:
- Gain bulk buying power with repeat purchases tied to your account.
- Resell extra tickets through Ticketmaster’s safe resale platform.
- Manage high ticket volume more efficiently in one account.
The benefits of a Ticketmaster account really depend on your specific ticket buying needs. Casual users may find the convenience worth it, while frequent buyers gain more significant advantages.
Verifying Your Account
To enable certain features, Ticketmaster may require you to verify your account. This adds an extra layer of security when buying tickets. Here are some common account verification steps:
- Confirming your email address – Ticketmaster will send a verification link that you must click to prove you control your email.
- Entering a promo code – Ticketmaster may text or email a code you need to enter on their website to verify your phone/email.
- Providing ID – For features like ticket transfers, you may need to send a photo of your driver’s license or passport.
- Adding payment methods – To unlock presales or higher ticket limits, you may need to add a credit card or other payment to your Ticketmaster account wallet.
- Entering a PIN code – For phone verification, Ticketmaster may ask you to set a PIN and then correctly enter it later.
Make sure to complete any Ticketmaster account verification steps when prompted. This will allow you to access exclusive presales, improved ticket limits, and other benefits reserved for verified accounts.
Troubleshooting Ticketmaster Account Issues
Like any website, you may occasionally encounter issues with your Ticketmaster account. Here is some troubleshooting guidance:
Forgotten password
If you forgot your Ticketmaster password, go to login and click “Forgot Password”. Enter your email or phone number on file. Ticketmaster will send a password reset link or code to help you access your account again.
Lost ticket barcode
If you lose the ticket barcode, log in to your Ticketmaster account. Go to My Tickets to reaccess your ticket barcode anytime.
Changing account email/password
To update your account email address or password, log in and go to My Account. Here you can change these login details for improved security.
Editing payment methods
You can add, update, and remove credit cards or other payment types saved in your Ticketmaster account wallet at any time in My Account.
Can’t access tickets
If you can’t access a past ticket purchase in your account, contact Ticketmaster Fan Support. They can investigate and resend tickets if available.
Ticketmaster also offers an online help center with resources if you have trouble using your account. Reach out for assistance from their customer service team if needed.
Closing a Ticketmaster Account
You can choose to permanently close your Ticketmaster account at any time. To do so, log in on Ticketmaster.com and go to My Account.
On the account settings page, find the option to close your account. Ticketmaster will walk you through fully deleting your account profile. Once complete, you cannot reactivate that Ticketmaster account.
Before closing your account, make sure to:
- Download any tickets still linked to the account – you will lose access after closure.
- Double check your purchase history for records.
- Remove any stored payment methods to avoid potential issues.
- Cancel upcoming auto-renewals for season/package tickets if applicable.
Keep in mind that closing your Ticketmaster account is permanent. If you change your mind later, you will have to create a brand new account and start from scratch.
Protecting Your Account
To keep your Ticketmaster account secure, follow these tips:
- Create a strong password and change it periodically.
- Don’t share your login details with anyone else.
- Add extra security steps when available, like two-factor authentication.
- Watch out for phishing emails asking you to login.
- Monitor your purchase history and raise flags for unauthorized activity.
Also take precautions around account login from shared or public computers. Avoid saving your password in browsers. Always log out completely after accessing your Ticketmaster account.
Enabling login notifications can also help you monitor account access attempts. Take action immediately if you see suspicious activity.
Alternatives to Ticketmaster Accounts
While Ticketmaster is a major source for event tickets online, it’s not your only option. Here are some alternatives if you don’t want to create a Ticketmaster account:
- Buy directly through venue box offices – Many theaters, arenas, and concert halls sell tickets onsite without Ticketmaster fees.
- Use other ticket resale marketplaces – Sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek sell Ticketmaster tickets without requiring an account.
- Find tickets on band/team websites – Some events are sold directly through the act’s or group’s official website.
- Purchase from an authorized retailer – Stores like Walmart and Kroger sell select event tickets in-person without a separate account.
- Check secondary markets – Look for tickets on Craigslist, Facebook Groups/Marketplace, and bulletin boards.
However, buying tickets outside of Ticketmaster may make them impossible to verify or transfer. Weigh the pros and cons when considering your options.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Ticketmaster does not require users to have an account for ticket purchases. You can easily buy tickets online or via their app as a one-time guest.
Creating a free Ticketmaster account does unlock perks for frequent buyers, but remains optional. Focus on your specific event ticket needs to decide if the added features are worthwhile.
An account may provide substantial convenience for repeat customers and serious fans. But casual shoppers will do fine sticking to guest checkout as needed for their occasional ticket purchases.