American Express offers purchase protection on many items, including concert tickets. This can provide peace of mind when buying tickets for your favorite artist’s upcoming show. However, there are limitations and exclusions that apply. Understanding the details of Amex’s purchase protection policy for event tickets is important before relying on it to cover you in case of issues.
What is Covered Under Amex Purchase Protection for Event Tickets?
American Express will reimburse AmEx cardholders for the following, subject to the terms and conditions:
Non-refundable tickets if an event is canceled or rescheduled
If a concert or other event is canceled or rescheduled, and the tickets are non-refundable from the original point of purchase, Amex may reimburse the cardholder up to $300 per ticket. There is an annual limit of $1,000 per card account.
Tickets purchased as a gift that can’t be used
If you purchase event tickets as a gift for someone else, and the recipient is unable to attend the event and the tickets cannot be resold, Amex may reimburse you up to $300 per ticket and $1,000 annually.
Tickets lost or stolen before the event
If your concert or event tickets are lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged before you can attend the event, and they cannot be replaced or reprinted, American Express may reimburse you the purchase price of the tickets, up to $300 per ticket and $1,000 annually.
Key Exclusions and Limitations
While Amex’s purchase protection can provide reimbursement for some issues with event tickets, there are important exclusions and restrictions to be aware of:
Coverage only for prepaid, reserved seating tickets
Amex will only cover tickets that have assigned seat locations printed on them and have been fully paid for at time of purchase. General admission or standing room only tickets are not eligible.
No coverage for resale marketplace purchases
If tickets are purchased through a resale marketplace, online auction site, or from an individual seller, they are not eligible for Amex purchase protection. Coverage only applies to tickets bought directly from authorized brokers or box offices.
Exclusions if tickets are usable/event occurs
If the ticket holder is able to attend the event, or resell or give away unusable tickets to someone else who can attend, Amex will not provide reimbursement. There is also no coverage if tickets are unused for any reason other than a covered cancellation, postponement, loss, theft or damage.
$300 per ticket/$1,000 annual limits
There are per-ticket and annual dollar limits that may prevent full reimbursement of the purchase price. Limits apply even if you bought multiple tickets on the same card.
Reimbursement not guaranteed
Purchase protection claims are ultimately at the discretion of Amex. Having a protected purchase does not guarantee your claim will automatically be approved if issues arise with event tickets. Appropriate documentation is required.
Steps to Take When Purchasing Tickets
If you want to take advantage of Amex purchase protection for event tickets you are buying, keep the following in mind:
Pay with eligible American Express card
Only certain Amex consumer and small business cards offer purchase protection benefits. Review your cardholder agreement to confirm coverage.
Buy from official seller
Do not purchase tickets through 3rd party resellers, as these will not be covered. Buy directly through the venue box office or an authorized ticket broker.
Keep receipts and documentation
Save receipts, ticket stubs, barcodes, and any other documentation provided with the ticket purchases. You will need these to file a claim later on if necessary.
Register eligible purchases when possible
Some Amex cards allow you to register certain purchases to have enhanced coverage. Check if ticket purchases are eligible to be registered and take advantage of this if so.
Review policy details
Carefully review the full terms and conditions for purchase protection coverage from American Express to ensure tickets will be covered and you understand all requirements, limits, and exclusions.
How to File a Purchase Protection Claim
If you need to file a claim for an issue with tickets purchased on an eligible Amex card, here is the process:
Call or go online promptly
Notify Amex as soon as the covered issue arises with your tickets, but no later than 30 days from the date of the event. You can call or access the online claims process.
Provide documentation
Submit copies of card statements showing the ticket purchase, original receipts, ticket stubs, and any denial of refund from the original seller. Give details of what happened.
Allow time for processing
It can take up to 90 days from submission of your claim for Amex to investigate and verify. Have patience throughout this process.
Accept Amex’s decision
If Amex determines your claim is valid and approves reimbursement, great. But if it is denied, their decision is final. Make other backup plans to use the tickets if possible.
Other Ticket Purchase Protections
Beyond American Express, some other options exist for protecting your purchase of concert and event tickets:
Purchase ticket insurance
Some ticket brokers and box offices offer ticket protection insurance for an additional fee at time of purchase. This can provide enhanced coverage beyond what Amex offers.
Use a credit card with strong coverage
Cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve or Citi Prestige have excellent purchase protection benefits that may exceed Amex and cover more types of tickets.
Buy from a seller with guarantees
Certain ticket sites like StubHub guarantee purchases and will find alternate tickets if issues come up with original order. This can essentially serve as protection.
Purchase travel insurance
If your concert or event tickets are part of a larger trip, a travel insurance policy can sometimes include ticket coverage along with other benefits.
Conclusion
American Express purchase protection can provide reimbursement in certain situations where event tickets become unusable or lost. It offers useful coverage, but has dollar limits and exclusions. Review all details and consider supplemental options like ticket insurance for important, expensive ticket purchases. With proper planning, you can attend concerts and events with greater peace of mind.
