Getting preferred seating for events through Ticketmaster can be a great perk for Chase cardmembers. Chase offers cardholders early access to tickets and reserved seating for select events in partnership with Ticketmaster. Here is a guide on how to get Chase preferred seating on Ticketmaster.
Chase Cardholder Benefits with Ticketmaster
Chase has partnered with Ticketmaster to offer cardholders special benefits when purchasing tickets. These benefits allow cardholders early access to tickets and reserved seating before the general public for certain events. Here are some of the key benefits available:
- Early access to purchase tickets and preferred seating before the general public
- Access to VIP packages with premium perks for certain events
- Complimentary Ticketmaster discounts and rewards
- No Ticketmaster service fees on ticket purchases (fees waived up to 4 times per year)
To be eligible for these benefits, you need an eligible Chase credit card linked to your Ticketmaster account. The main Chase cards that qualify are the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and select co-branded cards like United MileagePlus cards. Be sure to register your eligible Chase card on Ticketmaster to access the benefits.
Register Your Chase Card with Ticketmaster
To get Chase preferred seating, you first need to link your eligible Chase credit card to your Ticketmaster account. Here are the steps to register your card:
- Log into your Ticketmaster account online or via the mobile app
- Go to your Account Settings and find the “Preferred Cards” section
- Click “Add Card” and enter your Chase credit card details
- Accept the terms and conditions
Once your Chase card is successfully added, it will show up under your Preferred Cards. You may register multiple Chase cards on the same Ticketmaster account if you have them. Registration only takes a few minutes to complete.
Purchase Tickets with Chase Preferred Seating
After registering your Chase card, you can access the Chase preferred seating when tickets go on sale for select events. Here is how it works:
- Find the event page on Ticketmaster for the concert, game, or show you want to attend
- Look for the “Chase Preferred Seating” tab, section, or pricing option
- Select your preferred seats from the Chase reserved inventory
- Pay with your registered Chase credit card to complete the transaction
The Chase Preferred Seating inventory will showcase seats reserved specifically for Chase cardholders. You can choose seats you prefer from this inventory. As long as you complete the purchase with your eligible Chase card, you will get those seats.
Chase Preferred Seating Locations
The exact seat locations set aside for Chase Preferred Seating will vary by venue and event. Some general guidelines on the seating areas:
- Floor seats or front rows for concerts/shows
- Lower bowl or club sections for sports events
- Premium sections like suites and boxes for high-demand events
- Priority access to VIP packages with amenities
In many cases, Chase cardholders get access to some of the best seats in the house before others. Preferred seating is typically situated in prime areas closest to the stage or field/court. You’ll want to act fast once tickets go on sale to get the best Chase seats.
Number of Seats Available
The number of seats allotted for Chase Preferred Seating will depend on the event venue capacity and projected demand. Some general ranges:
- Smaller venues: ~5-15% of seats
- Arenas: ~5-10% of seats
- Stadiums: ~2-7% of seats
For very high demand events in major markets like New York City and Los Angeles, the percentage may be on the lower end. The number of Chase Preferred seats are limited, so you’ll want to jump at the chance early before they sell out.
Using Chase Preferred Seating
Here are some tips and reminders when using Chase Preferred Seating for Ticketmaster events:
- Make sure to register your eligible Chase card ahead of time
- Check for the Chase Preferred Seating sections when tickets first go on sale
- Act quickly to claim seats, as preferred inventory sells out fast
- Double check your checkout cart shows your Chase seats specifically
- Complete the purchase with your registered Chase card
As long as you follow the steps, you can effectively use your Chase card perks to get reserved seating. This benefit also works when purchasing tickets as a gift for someone else.
Preferred Seating for Families
Chase Preferred Seating is ideal for families looking to sit together. Here are some tips for getting preferred seats for families:
- Register family members’ Chase cards to the same Ticketmaster account
- Search for a block of 4, 5, or 6+ Chase Preferred seats together
- Act fast as group seating sections fill up quickly
- Split payment between multiple registered Chase cards
By linking family Chase cards, you can purchase a block of adjacent preferred seats. This allows families including kids and grandparents to sit together in prime locations. It is much easier than trying to get a group seating block during general public sales.
Refunds and Exchanges
Chase Preferred Seating purchases are refundable if you are unable to attend the event. To get a refund, you will need to list the tickets for resale on Ticketmaster. Here are some key points on refunds:
- Full refund if resold to another fan on Ticketmaster
- Refunded to original Chase card if not resold
- Standard Ticketmaster fees apply
- Must abide by Ticketmaster resale policies
If the tickets do not resell, you will get the refund back to your original Chase card for the price you paid. Exchanges may also be possible if circumstances change and you need different tickets.
Chase Preferred Event Examples
Chase Preferred Seating is available for a wide variety of events across sports, concerts, theater, and more. Here are some examples of popular events that often have Chase preferred tickets:
- NFL games
- NBA games
- MLB games
- NHL games
- NCAA football and basketball games
- World Cup soccer matches
- Broadway shows in NYC
- Concerts for artists like Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Lady Gaga
- Major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza
Chase aims to offer Preferred Seating for high-demand events where tickets typically sell out. If an event does not have pricing labeled “Chase Preferred,” then there is no reserved seating allotment. You will need to purchase any available public tickets.
Preferred Seating Availability
Chase Preferred Seating ticket allotments are only available for select events. Here are some factors that determine availability:
- Venue size – larger venues are more likely to have allotments
- Projected event demand – very popular events get priority
- Market size – events in major metro areas are more likely
- Artist/team popularity – major acts and teams get priority
While not guaranteed for any event, Chase strives to offer preferred seating for the highest demand events in top tier markets. Checking the Ticketmaster event page is the best way to confirm if preferred seating is available.
Comparing Chase Preferred to Platinum Seats
In addition to Chase Preferred Seating, Ticketmaster also offers its own Platinum Seats for some events. Here is how the two options compare:
Feature | Chase Preferred Seating | Ticketmaster Platinum Seats |
---|---|---|
Access | For Chase cardholders only | Public access for all buyers |
Inventory | Separate reserved tickets from main inventory | Dynamic premium pricing on main inventory |
Cost | Face value ticket prices | Market driven premium prices |
The key differences come down to exclusive access, separate inventory, and ticket pricing. Chase Preferred Seating offers cardmembers reserved tickets at original prices, while Platinum Seats are open to anyone willing to pay premium market prices.
Using Chase Preferred Seating Overseas
Chase Preferred Seating can only be purchased directly via the US Ticketmaster website or mobile app. If you are traveling or live outside the United States, here are some tips for still using the benefit:
- Use a VPN service to access Ticketmaster US and appear in the country
- Make your Chase card payment through a US payment account
- Have the tickets shipped to a friend/family address in the US
- Pick up tickets at Will Call under original purchaser’s name
While somewhat inconvenient, Chase Preferred Seating is still accessible abroad with a few extra steps. Make sure your card and payment accounts are based in the US.
Chase Preferred vs. Amex Preferred Seating
Along with Chase, American Express also offers cardholders special access to preferred seating and tickets for select events. Here is how the Chase and Amex options compare:
- Similar prime seat locations for both programs
- Separate ticket allotments for each bank’s cardholders
- No way to combine benefits – only eligible cards work
- Similar events covered, but inventory varies by market
- Amex offers access to certain music festivals not on Chase
- Chase has bigger sports coverage with NFL, NCAA, etc.
While the preferred seating benefits are similar, the specific event availability does not fully overlap between Chase and Amex. Having cards from both issuers can give you access to more inventory, but tickets cannot be combined between programs.
Supplementary Chase Benefits
In addition to preferred seating, Chase cardholders also get a few other Ticketmaster benefits through the partnership:
- No Service Fees: Cardholders get service fees waived on ticket purchases up to 4 times per year
- Discounts: Chase customers have access to special Ticketmaster fan discounts and rewards
- Payment Plan: Can split up ticket payments over 3-6 months with no extra fees
These extra perks complement the Preferred Seating access nicely. Be sure to take advantage of no fees and payment plans when you purchase your Chase reserved tickets.
Contacting Chase Support
If you ever run into issues getting or using your Chase Preferred Seating, you can contact support for assistance. Here are some tips for working with Chase support:
- Call or chat the number on the back of your Chase card
- Ask for the Preferred Seating, Concierge, or Ticketing team for fastest help
- Have your Chase card number and Ticketmaster details ready
- Take notes on any troubleshooting tips or steps provided
- Follow up if the issue persists after initial contact
The dedicated ticketing and concierge teams at Chase can help troubleshoot anyPreferred Seating-related issues, from registration to purchases. Be ready with pertinent account details when you reach out.
Conclusion
Chase Preferred Seating delivers a valuable perk for credit cardholders to get access to the best tickets before the general public. By registering your eligible Chase card on Ticketmaster and looking for the designated seating sections, you can score seats in prime locations for high demand events. Just be sure to act fast when tickets first go on sale, as preferred inventory is limited. Follow the steps outlined and enjoy the show from Chase’s seats!