Ticketmaster is one of the most popular websites for buying tickets to concerts, sports games, theater shows, and other live events. When you purchase tickets on Ticketmaster, you have a few different payment options to choose from. In this article, we’ll go over the different ways you can pay for tickets on Ticketmaster.
Credit or Debit Card
The most common way to pay on Ticketmaster is with a credit or debit card. This includes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB card brands. When you purchase tickets, you’ll enter your card details directly on Ticketmaster’s secure checkout page. Your card will then be charged for the ticket amount plus any service fees.
Ticketmaster accepts virtual credit cards like Privacy and Capital One Eno as well. You can generate virtual card numbers specifically for your Ticketmaster purchase as an added security measure. Virtual cards work the same way as physical credit cards.
One thing to note is that Ticketmaster typically doesn’t charge your card right away when you buy tickets. Your card is authorized for the purchase amount, but you aren’t actually charged until right before the event. This allows time for Ticketmaster to verify your card details.
Pros
- Widely accepted payment method
- Quick and easy online checkout
- Ability to use virtual credit cards as added security
- Don’t have to pay right away
Cons
- Service fees added to purchases
- Potential for fraud if credit card details are compromised
PayPal
PayPal is another very common payment option with Ticketmaster. When you go to checkout, you’ll see the option to pay with PayPal. If you have a PayPal account, you can securely log in and pay right from Ticketmaster’s site.
Paying with PayPal is fast and secure. The funds will be withdrawn instantly from your PayPal balance, bank account, or debit/credit card linked to your PayPal account. There’s no need to enter your financial information on Ticketmaster.
Using PayPal also allows you to earn rewards on your purchase through PayPal’s various cashback and points programs. And PayPal offers purchase protection in case issues come up with the event or tickets.
Pros
- Fast, easy online checkout
- Secure payment method
- Earn cashback and rewards
- Purchase protection from PayPal
Cons
- Need to have a PayPal account
- Fee for paying via credit card through PayPal
Gift Cards
If you have a Ticketmaster gift card, you can redeem it to pay for ticket purchases online. Enter the gift card number and PIN during the checkout process to apply it to your order total. The value of the gift card will be deducted from the amount owed.
Ticketmaster gift cards need to be redeemed in full. Any remaining balance will be forfeited. So make sure the gift card covers the full cost of the tickets or be prepared to pay the difference with another payment method.
You can buy Ticketmaster gift cards ahead of time to use on ticket purchases for friends or family. Gift cards are available in preset amounts like $25, $50, and $100. They do not expire, so they can be used any time.
Pros
- Easy to redeem online
- Allows gifting tickets
- Ticketmaster gift cards don’t expire
Cons
- Must be redeemed in full
- Can only be used on Ticketmaster (not transferable)
Ticketmaster Vouchers
Similar to gift cards, Ticketmaster vouchers can be redeemed online for ticket purchases. Vouchers have credit loaded onto them that can be applied at checkout. The voucher balance doesn’t have to be used in full. Any remaining credit will stay on the voucher for future purchases.
Vouchers are received as compensation when an event is canceled or rescheduled. You’ll get a voucher matching the amount paid for the original tickets. This voucher can then be used towards buying tickets for another event through Ticketmaster.
If your voucher doesn’t cover the full amount of new tickets, you’ll need to pay the remainder with another payment method. Vouchers also normally expire within a year, so make sure to use them in a timely manner.
Pros
- Credit doesn’t have to be used in full
- Covers canceled or rescheduled events
Cons
- Normally expire within one year
- Can only be used on Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster Gift Cards
Ticketmaster also offers printable gift cards that can be used for ticket purchases online or in person. You’ll first purchase a gift card with a loaded dollar amount online. Ticketmaster will generate a printable gift card with a claim code.
To use the gift card online, simply enter the claim code during checkout. For in-person use, print out the gift card and bring it to the box office. The gift card value will be deducted from the ticket purchase total.
As with regular gift cards, printable Ticketmaster gift cards must be used in full. The expiration is also shorter, typically 3-6 months from purchase. But they can be a nice option for last minute gifts to ticketed events.
Pros
- Can be used online or in person
- Good for last minute gifts
Cons
- Shorter expiration period
- Must be used in full
Ticketmaster Tickets at Retailers
You may also be able to purchase Ticketmaster tickets at retail stores like Walmart, Safeway, and Kroger. Select retailers sell event tickets at face value with Ticketmaster’s no-hassle prices. Purchasing tickets in person can help avoid inconvenient delivery fees.
Payment at retail stores works the same as general checkout. You can pay with cash, credit/debit card, gift card, or other payment method accepted by that retailer. Tickets are printed on the spot for immediate use.
The selection of tickets available at retail stores is generally limited compared to Ticketmaster’s website. But it can be a handy option if there’s a location already on your errands route.
Pros
- Avoid delivery fees
- Pay with standard retail payment methods
- Get printed tickets immediately
Cons
- Limited ticket availability
- May need to go out of your way to access a participating retailer
Ticketmaster Tickets Now
Ticketmaster also offers an app called Tickets Now that allows for last minute ticket purchases. If an event is starting soon and tickets are still available, you may be able to score seats through the Tickets Now app.
The app accepts major credit and debit cards similar to Ticketmaster’s website. Enter your card details in the app and your purchase will be processed instantly. eTickets can be accessed right in the app and scanned from your phone for entry.
Last minute tickets often come at a premium price. But Tickets Now can be a lifesaver if you decide to attend an event spontaneously and don’t mind paying extra for last minute convenience.
Pros
- Last minute access to tickets
- eTickets available instantly through the app
Cons
- Higher last minute pricing
- Limited ticket availability
Conclusion
In summary, Ticketmaster offers a variety of secure and convenient payment options for purchasing event tickets online and in person. The most common methods are credit/debit card and PayPal for online purchases. But you can also redeem gift cards, vouchers, and other Ticketmaster-specific payment types.
No matter which payment method you choose, be sure to only buy tickets from authorized Ticketmaster sellers to avoid fraud. And take advantage of their verified resale marketplace for tickets from other fans when events are sold out.
Buying tickets should be easy, safe, and cost-effective. Following Ticketmaster’s best practices around payments will help ensure your ticket buying experience is seamless.
| Payment Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | Widely accepted, quick checkout, delayed payment | Service fees, potential fraud |
| PayPal | Fast checkout, rewards, purchase protection | Need account, fees with credit card |
| Gift Cards | Easy to redeem, gifting | Expire, must use in full |
| Vouchers | Unused credit rolls over, covers cancellations | Expire, Ticketmaster only |
| Printable Gift Cards | Online and in-person use | Shorter expiration, use in full |
| Retailers | Avoid fees, printed tickets | Limited ticket availability |
| TicketsNow App | Last minute access | Higher prices, limited tickets |
Whether picking up tickets at the local grocery store or scoring seats last minute through the app, Ticketmaster offers the flexibility and security needed for any event purchase. Review the pros and cons of each payment method to choose the right option for your live entertainment needs.
Ticketmaster is committed to making ticket buying as convenient as possible, with innovative technology solutions that keep your information safe. Paying for your tickets should be the easy part so you can focus on having an amazing experience at the show.
