Does Ticketmaster not take debit cards?

This is a common question that many consumers have when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster. The short answer is that yes, Ticketmaster does accept debit cards as a form of payment when buying tickets online or through their app. However, there are some caveats and restrictions to be aware of when using a debit card with Ticketmaster.

Can you use a debit card on Ticketmaster?

In most cases, yes you can use a debit card to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster. They accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover branded debit cards. You can use your debit card to purchase tickets online, through the Ticketmaster app, by phone, or at a Ticketmaster outlet location.

However, it’s important to note that Ticketmaster does not accept prepaid debit cards, ATM cards, or debit cards that require a PIN. It must be a standard Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, or Discover branded debit card. Additionally, your debit card must have a Visa or Mastercard logo on it. If it only shows your bank’s logo, it may not work.

Restrictions when using a debit card on Ticketmaster

While you can generally use a debit card on Ticketmaster, there are some restrictions to be aware of:

• International debit cards may not be accepted.
• Ticketmaster does not accept debit card payment at the box office on the day of an event.
• There may be limits on the number of tickets you can purchase with a debit card.
• For high demand events, a credit card may be required.

Additionally, keep in mind that Ticketmaster usually places a temporary hold on the funds when you use a debit card to purchase tickets. This means the cost of the tickets will be held in your account, which can affect your available balance. The exact hold timeframe varies, but typically the hold will be removed 3-10 days after the transaction.

Why would my debit card be declined on Ticketmaster?

If you try to use a debit card on Ticketmaster but the transaction is declined, here are some potential reasons why:

• Insufficient funds in your account
• Daily purchase limits on your debit card have been reached
• Your bank has flagged the transaction as suspicious or fraudulent
• Your billing address does not match the address your bank has on file
• Your debit card has expired
• You input the wrong card information
• The debit card is not supported by Ticketmaster for some reason

If your debit card is declined, it’s a good idea to contact both your bank and Ticketmaster to understand why and see what options you may have to complete the purchase.

Pros of using a debit card on Ticketmaster

There are some potential advantages to paying with a debit card rather than credit card on Ticketmaster:

• Avoid credit card interest and fees – Debit cards take money directly from your checking account rather than charging a credit card.
• Stick to a budget – Using a debit card can help you stay within a budget since you can only spend what’s actually in your account.
• Build credit – Debit card purchases can help establish a credit history depending on the card.
• Convenience – Many find it more convenient to pay from their bank account compared to a credit account.

Cons of using a debit card on Ticketmaster

There are also some potential downsides to be aware of when paying with debit:

• Holds on funds – As mentioned above, Ticketmaster puts a hold on the ticket funds which locks up your money.
• Overdraft fees – If the account balance is too low, you may risk overdraft fees.
• Less protection – Debit cards generally have fewer buyer protections than credit cards for issues like fraud.
• Credit building – Credit card purchases help build your credit score more than debit purchases.

Tips for using a debit card on Ticketmaster

If you plan to use a debit card on Ticketmaster, here are some tips to ensure a smooth process:

• Check your account balance first – Make sure you have enough funds available to cover the ticket purchases plus the holds that will be placed.
• Use a credit card for expensive or high demand tickets – Ticketmaster may require a credit card, so have one ready just in case.
• Know your daily purchase limits – Stay aware of any transaction limits your bank has set on your debit card to avoid declines.
• Have a backup payment method – Consider keeping a credit card or other payment option on hand if the debit card is declined for any reason.
• Allow time for holds to clear – Be aware that holds may affect your balance for days after you buy tickets.

Can you use PayPal instead of a debit card?

In many cases, yes you can use PayPal as an alternative to paying directly with a debit card on Ticketmaster. Simply having a PayPal account connected to your bank account will allow you to checkout with PayPal instead of entering your debit card information.

PayPal can provide another layer of protection since you won’t have to directly give your bank account number. PayPal may also be an option if your debit card is being declined for some reason. However, the same rules generally apply in that your PayPal balance would need to have adequate funds to cover the ticket purchases.

How to link a debit card to use PayPal on Ticketmaster

To use PayPal with Ticketmaster, you first need to have a PayPal account set up. Here are the steps to add a debit card as the source of funds for that PayPal account:

1. Log into your PayPal account online or via the mobile app.
2. Go to your “Wallet” section and choose “Link a card”.
3. Enter your debit card information when prompted.
4. Follow the verification process which may require you to input a security code.
5. Once the card is successfully linked, you can select PayPal at checkout on Ticketmaster.

When checking out tickets, simply select “PayPal” as the payment option instead of entering your debit card details directly. The funds will then be withdrawn from the linked bank account through PayPal.

Can you use an e-check to pay on Ticketmaster?

Ticketmaster does not currently offer the ability to pay by electronic check, also known as an e-check or ACH payment. E-check is an electronic debit of a checking account that does not require a debit card. However, this payment method is not accepted by Ticketmaster at this time.

If you do not have a debit card and want to pay directly from your bank account, setting up a PayPal account is likely the best option. PayPal effectively acts as an intermediary that accepts e-check style payments from your bank and then can be used to checkout on Ticketmaster.

So while Ticketmaster won’t take an e-check directly, connecting your bank account to PayPal provides essentially the same functionality in an indirect method.

Does Ticketmaster accept prepaid debit cards?

No, Ticketmaster’s website specifies that they do not accept prepaid debit cards as a payment method. This includes general purpose reloadable prepaid cards such as those from GreenDot, NetSpend, or WalMart.

Prepaid debit cards look similar to a standard debit card with a Visa, Mastercard, etc logo. However, they are not linked to a traditional checking account. The cards are loaded with funds in advance rather than pulling from an existing account.

Since Ticketmaster does not support prepaid card payments, you will need to use an alternative payment option such as a standard debit card, credit card, PayPal, or gift card.

Why doesn’t Ticketmaster accept prepaid debit cards?

There are a few reasons why Ticketmaster does not accept prepaid debit cards:

• Cannot verify identity – Prepaid cards do not require linking identity details like a regular bank account.
• High risk of fraud – The anonymous nature of prepaid cards leads to increased fraud risk.
• No bank backing – With no bank behind the scenes, there are fewer assurances and oversight.
• Holds and authorizations – Placing holds and authorizations can be problematic with prepaid balances.
• Fees – Ticketmaster may have to pay higher processing fees to accept prepaid cards.

By not accepting prepaid debit cards, Ticketmaster reduces risks and fees. The tradeoff is decreased payment flexibility for some customers. But options like PayPal help bridge the gap.

Can you use a Ticketmaster gift card to buy tickets?

Yes, Ticketmaster gift cards can be used to purchase tickets on their website. The gift cards can be physical or virtual eCards emailed to the recipient.

When checking out, simply select “Redeem a Gift Card” and input the gift card number and PIN or security code. The funds will be immediately applied to cover all or part of the ticket purchases.

Ticketmaster gift cards are available for purchase on Ticketmaster’s website or at retail stores like Safeway and CVS. Denominations range from $25 up to $500. So they can be a great option if you don’t have a debit or credit card to use on Ticketmaster.

Can you get Ticketmaster gift cards with a debit card?

Yes, you can purchase Ticketmaster gift cards directly on their website using a debit card. Just follow these steps:

1. Go to the Ticketmaster Gift Cards page on their website.
2. Select your desired gift card amount from $25 to $500.
3. Choose either a virtual eCard or physical gift card mailed to you.
4. Enter the recipient’s email address or your mailing address.
5. Proceed through checkout and enter your debit card details when prompted.
6. The gift card will be delivered instantly via email or mail based on selection.

So buying a Ticketmaster gift card with your debit card is definitely an option if you need an alternative payment method for purchasing tickets. Just keep in mind that the gift cards do have purchase fees added at checkout.

Should I use a debit card to buy tickets from Ticketmaster?

Using a debit card on Ticketmaster is generally fine, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Be aware holds will lock up funds for days – Make sure your account can cover holds.
• A credit card provides more buyer protection – Consider using a credit card for expensive tickets.
• Prepaid debit cards are not accepted – You’ll need a standard debit card linked to a bank.
• Have a backup plan if your card is declined – Keep a 2nd payment method on hand just in case.
• Using PayPal adds a layer of protection – Link your bank account to PayPal as a backup option.

Overall, a debit card is a perfectly valid option for buying tickets on Ticketmaster. Just be prepared in case your card doesn’t go through for some reason. Having an alternative like PayPal or a credit card available provides peace of mind if any issues come up.

The bottom line on debit cards and Ticketmaster

Ticketmaster accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover branded debit cards both online and in their ticket outlets. However, there are restrictions against using prepaid debit cards, ATM cards, and debit cards requiring a PIN code.

While debit cards are a convenient option, be aware that Ticketmaster places temporary holds which lock up the funds for days after purchase. Also, for high demand tickets they may require a credit card. Having a backup option like PayPal or a credit card is wise in case the debit card is declined.

Overall, paying with a debit card on Ticketmaster is fine in most cases. Just be prepared with a secondary payment method in case your primary debit card doesn’t go through for any reason.