Figuring out if your Ticketmaster tickets are refundable can be confusing. Ticketmaster’s refund policy varies depending on the event, venue, and when you purchased the tickets. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to check if your specific Ticketmaster tickets are refundable.
Ticketmaster’s Refund Policies
In general, here are Ticketmaster’s main refund policies:
- Most tickets for canceled, postponed or rescheduled events are eligible for a refund. You will typically get your refund automatically if the event is canceled.
- Refunds are usually available if you purchased tickets within the past 30 days. Beyond 30 days, refund availability depends on the event.
- Refunds must be requested before the event starts. Once an event begins, tickets are no longer refundable.
- Service and shipping fees are non-refundable in most cases.
- Refunds are typically credited back to the original method of payment used to purchase the tickets.
However, Ticketmaster’s refund policies can vary widely for different venues and events. The specifics will depend on the event you purchased tickets for.
How to Check if Your Specific Tickets are Refundable
Here are the steps to check if your particular Ticketmaster tickets are refundable:
- Access your Ticketmaster account online or via the mobile app.
- Navigate to your list of purchased tickets.
- Select the event you want to get a refund for.
- Look for any notices about the refund policy for that event. This info is usually displayed prominently.
- If no refund info is shown, click on the “Request a Refund” button.
- You’ll then be shown the refund details, timeline, and eligibility for that specific event.
This process allows you to instantly check if refunds are available for your tickets. If a refund is possible, you can request one directly through your Ticketmaster account.
Refund Timeframes
If you are eligible for a refund, here is how long it typically takes to process:
- Canceled events: Automatic refunds are usually issued within 30 days of cancelation.
- Refund requests: Can take 7-10 business days to process once requested.
- Postponed/rescheduled events: Refunds are not issued until the new event date passes.
In some cases, refunds may take longer to process if Ticketmaster is experiencing an unusually high volume of refunds.
Getting Refunds for Unwanted Tickets
What if you can no longer attend an event that has not been postponed or canceled? Here are some options to get a refund:
- Ticketmaster Fan-to-Fan Resale Marketplace – You can resell your tickets here. If they sell, you’ll receive a refund through Ticketmaster.
- Ticketmaster Official Resale Marketplace – Some events enable you to return unwanted tickets here for an account credit.
- Transfer tickets – Give unused tickets to a friend or family member.
- Sell on a third-party site – Sites like StubHub let you resell tickets and receive payouts.
However, Ticketmaster does not guarantee refunds if you can simply no longer attend an event. Carefully review Ticketmaster’s refund policies before purchasing tickets.
Getting a Refund for Damaged, Lost or Stolen Tickets
If your Ticketmaster tickets are damaged, lost or stolen, here are your options:
- Mobile tickets – You can reaccess mobile tickets in your Ticketmaster account for free.
- Hard tickets – You may need to pay a replacement fee, around $5 per ticket.
- Contact Ticketmaster – Report lost or stolen tickets so they can be canceled and reissued.
Be sure to contact Ticketmaster as soon as you realize your tickets are unusable so they can assist you. Report any stolen tickets to block unauthorized use.
Getting Refunds on Ticketmaster Service and Processing Fees
Ticketmaster typically does not refund their service and processing fees if you get a refund for an event. These fees cover Ticketmaster’s costs for providing their ticketing services.
Service and processing fees are non-refundable in most refund cases, even for canceled or postponed events. The only exceptions are when an event is fully canceled without being rescheduled.
Appealing Rejected Refund Requests
If your refund request gets rejected but you believe you should still be eligible, here’s what you can do:
- Double check the Ticketmaster refund policies for the specific event.
- Contact Ticketmaster Fan Support, available 365 days a year.
- Provide additional details on why you believe you qualify for a refund.
- Ask if there are any exceptions or alternative options.
- Escalate the issue to a supervisor if needed.
- Contact your bank or credit card company to potentially dispute the charges.
Keep in mind authorized resellers like StubHub have their own, separate refund policies for Ticketmaster tickets purchased through them.
Checking Refund Status
You can quickly check the status of any pending Ticketmaster refund request through your account:
- Go to your list of Ticketmaster ticket purchases.
- Locate the ticket purchase you requested a refund for.
- There will be a notice showing the refund status – Requested, Approved, Denied, Processing, etc.
- The status will update as your refund is processed.
You’ll also receive email confirmations anytime your refund status changes. Direct any questions about unclear or delayed refund statuses to Ticketmaster Fan Support.
Using Ticketmaster Account Credit from Refunds
If you receive an account credit from Ticketmaster refunds, here is key information on using it:
- Account credit can be used to purchase new tickets or other offerings on Ticketmaster.
- It typically must be used within one year before expiring.
- Credit can be used for multiple purchases until the balance runs out.
- Leftover balances under $5 expire after one year.
- You can request expired account credit be converted to a gift card.
Be sure to use up any Ticketmaster account credit within the expiry window. You don’t want funds you’re entitled to go to waste.
Special Refund Policies for Sporting Events
Sporting events like NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB games have unique Ticketmaster refund rules. Tickets to games that actually occur are typically not refundable, even if your team is eliminated from playoff contention.
However, if a game is canceled, suspended, or forfeited before it is completed, you can request a refund within 30 days of the game date. Refunds are generally provided as account credit.
Season and partial season ticket holders may also have special refund terms outlined in their ticket agreement. Contact your team’s ticket office for full details.
Getting Refunds on Group Tickets
For group Ticketmaster ticket orders:
- The group organizer can request and manage refunds for the entire group.
- Refunds are applied back to the original payment method used to purchase.
- Service fees are non-refundable unless the event is fully canceled.
- Refunds for unused group tickets may be possible until 48 hours before the event.
Have the group organizer manage all refunds for Ticketmaster group orders. They have the tools to handle requests for the entire group.
Using a Ticketmaster Gift Card for Refunds
If you used a Ticketmaster gift card to purchase tickets, here is how refunds work:
- Refunds will be applied back to your Ticketmaster.com account as credit.
- The credit can then be used to purchase more tickets or other offerings.
- Once existing account credit is used, the gift card balance will replenish.
- Account credit from gift card refunds typically expires in 90 days.
In most cases, you’ll need to use the refund credit before you can access unspent gift card funds again. Reach out to Ticketmaster with any gift card refund questions.
Getting a Refund for Virtual Events
For virtual concerts, shows, and events purchased through Ticketmaster, refund eligibility follows the standard policy:
- Refunds are possible up until the scheduled start time.
- Once a virtual event starts, no refunds will be provided.
- Canceled virtual events allow refunds within 30 days typically.
- Service and processing fees remain non-refundable.
If purchasing a virtual event, be sure you will be able to watch and participate live before buying. Refunds stops once the event goes live.
Receiving Refunds for Tickets Purchased from Resellers
If you purchased Ticketmaster tickets through a reseller site like StubHub or VividSeats, Ticketmaster’s refund policy does not apply. Here’s how it works with resellers:
- You’ll need to receive a refund directly from the reseller, not Ticketmaster.
- Reseller refund policies vary – make sure you review them in advance.
- If reseller tickets are canceled, they handle the Ticketmaster refund.
- If issues arise, you’ll need to resolve them with the reseller.
Understand that buying tickets from resellers falls outside Ticketmaster’s refund policies. You’ll deal directly with the reseller on any refund needs.
Common Ticketmaster Refund FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ticketmaster refunds:
How long does it take to get a refund from Ticketmaster?
Most refunds are processed within 7-14 business days once approved. Some may take up to 30 days during high volume periods.
Can I get a refund on Ticketmaster convenience fees?
No, Ticketmaster does not refund convenience or service fees unless an entire event is canceled without being rescheduled.
What if I lost my Ticketmaster tickets? Can I get a refund?
You can generally get lost or stolen Ticketmaster tickets replaced for a fee. But this does not qualify you for an actual refund in most cases.
I can’t make the event anymore. Can I get a Ticketmaster refund?
Unless you resell your tickets, personal scheduling conflicts do not make them eligible for refunds once purchased.
My event was postponed. Why can’t I get a refund yet?
For postponed events, Ticketmaster refunds are not issued until after the new event date passes.
How do I get a refund on bad sports tickets from Ticketmaster?
Bad seats or team performance does not qualify for refunds on sports tickets. Only canceled or incomplete games are eligible.
Getting Help with Ticketmaster Refunds
If you have any difficulties getting a refund approved or processed for your Ticketmaster tickets, here are some options:
- Contact Ticketmaster Fan Support – Available by phone or online chat 365 days a year.
- Reference the specific refund policy for your event – Each event has unique rules.
- Ask for a supervisor – They may be able to make exceptions if you have a valid reason.
- File a formal appeal – Ticketmaster has an appeals process for refund disputes.
- Involve your bank/credit card company – They may be able to reverse charges if Ticketmaster refuses a refund.
With postponed, rescheduled, and canceled events lately, make sure to stay on top of any Ticketmaster refunds you may be entitled to. Each event has its own refund eligibility rules, so check your specific policy closely.
Key Takeaways
- Ticketmaster refund policies vary widely depending on the event, venue, date purchased, and other factors.
- Canceled, postponed, or rescheduled events are typically refundable, but service fees are not.
- Refunds must be requested before an event starts – no refunds are given after it begins.
- Check your Ticketmaster account for each event to see refund eligibility and options.
- Refunds can take 7-30 days to process once approved and requested.
- Reselling unwanted tickets is the main way to recoup costs for events still taking place.
Understanding the ins and outs of Ticketmaster’s refund policies is key to getting your money back when plans go awry. Carefully review the specifics before purchasing tickets to any event.