When you purchase tickets through Ticketmaster and need to get a refund, the time it takes to receive your money back can vary depending on the reason for the refund and the original method of payment. Here’s an overview of how long Ticketmaster refunds typically take and the factors that impact the timing.
Typical Ticketmaster Refund Timelines
In most cases, Ticketmaster aims to process refunds within 30 days of the refund request being approved. However, the exact timeline can vary based on:
- The reason you are requesting the refund
- The original method of payment used to purchase the tickets
- Whether you purchased Ticketmaster’s Ticket Refund Protection add-on
Here are some general timelines to expect:
| Refund Scenario | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Event is postponed, rescheduled, or canceled | 14-30 days |
| Unable to attend event | 30 days |
| Purchased Ticket Refund Protection | 7-10 days |
Keep in mind these are just general estimates, and processing times can be shorter or longer depending on factors like purchase volume. The best way to get an accurate timeline is to contact Ticketmaster directly after requesting your refund.
Impact of Refund Reason on Timeline
One of the main factors that impacts Ticketmaster refund times is the underlying reason you are requesting the refund in the first place. There are a few key scenarios:
Event Postponement, Rescheduling or Cancellation
If an event is postponed, rescheduled or canceled altogether, Ticketmaster will automatically issue refunds to all ticket buyers within 7-14 days. You do not need to take any action to request the refund in this case.
These automatic refunds are generally processed more quickly compared to voluntary refund requests due to the high volume of orders impacted.
Personal Reasons For Refund
If you are requesting a refund for personal reasons, like being unable to attend the event, the process takes longer. You will need to proactively submit a refund request to Ticketmaster, and then allow 30 days for it to be reviewed and processed.
Keep in mind that for personal refunds, any processing fees you paid upfront are non-refundable.
Purchased Ticket Refund Protection
Ticketmaster offers an optional “Ticket Refund Protection” add-on you can purchase when buying tickets. This protects you in case you cannot attend the event for covered reasons like illness, travel issues, family emergencies, and more.
If you purchased Ticket Refund Protection, your refund will generally be processed within 7-10 days of submitting the refund request. This accelerated timeline is one of the key benefits of paying for the add-on service.
Impact of Original Payment Method on Refund Timing
The original payment method used to purchase the Ticketmaster tickets also affects how long refunds take to process. Here is an overview of typical timelines by payment type:
Credit or Debit Card Purchases
For orders paid for with a credit or debit card, refunds are generally issued back to the original card within 10-15 days after the request is approved. This is the fastest scenario.
However, it can take 1-2 billing cycles for the refund to appear in your account, depending on your bank’s processes. Continue monitoring your account during that period.
Cash Purchases
If you paid with cash at a Ticketmaster box office, refunds are issued via check within 30 days. You will need to allow additional time for the check to be delivered to you by mail.
Gift Cards or Ticketmaster Credit
For any portions of the order paid with a Ticketmaster gift card or Ticketmaster credit, the refund will be issued back to your Ticketmaster account within approximately 30 days.
You can then use the credit on future Ticketmaster purchases or request a check for the amount by contacting customer service.
How to Check the Status of a Ticketmaster Refund
Wondering when that refund will hit your account or mailbox? Here are some ways you can check the status:
Check Your Email
Ticketmaster will send you email updates when your refund request is received, approved, and processed. This will give you an idea of where your refund is in the pipeline.
Check Your Ticketmaster Account
You can log into your Ticketmaster account online or via the mobile app to view recent orders and check refund statuses. Look for the “Refund Status” column to see if it has been approved and processed.
Contact Ticketmaster Customer Service
If you don’t see any refund updates, you can call Ticketmaster directly at +1-800-653-8000 (toll-free in the US) or +1-855-698-9268 (toll-free in Canada). Agents can look up your order and provide the latest timeframe for your refund.
How to Speed Up the Ticketmaster Refund Process
While Ticketmaster refunds largely take however long they take, there are few things you can do to help speed up the process where possible:
Request the Refund ASAP
Submit your refund request to Ticketmaster as soon as you know you need one. This will get it into the queue faster. The longer you wait, the more backlogged the request volume can become.
Provide Complete Information
When requesting your refund online or via phone, double check you are providing Ticketmaster will complete order details, account information, and payment details. Missing info can cause delays.
Only Contact Them When Necessary
Avoid contacting Ticketmaster repeatedly to check refund status, as this can actually slow things down. Allow time for processing and check your email or account periodically.
Be Flexible on Timing
While you certainly have a right to your money back in a timely manner, go into the process with an open mind. Refunds often take longer than buyers expect. Being patient can help reduce frustration.
Common Ticketmaster Refund Issues
Despite Ticketmaster’s standard refund processes, you may encounter hiccups along the way. Here are some potential issues and how to address them:
Refund Taking Longer Than Expected
If your refund is taking significantly longer than the timelines outlined earlier, contact Ticketmaster to investigate. There may be an issue with your request or payment details that needs to be resolved.
Partial Refund Issued
Sometimes Ticketmaster issues partial instead of full refunds. This is generally due to non-refundable fees associated with your order. Follow up with customer service if you did not expect a partial refund.
Refund Sent to Wrong Payment Method
In rare cases, refunds are processed back to the wrong payment method or account. Alert Ticketmaster immediately if your refund is not showing up where expected.
Denied Refund Request
If your refund request is outright denied, find out why as soon as possible. There may be a valid reason, or it could be a mistake on Ticketmaster’s end. Get the specifics and request an appeal if warranted.
How to Avoid Need for Ticketmaster Refunds
To avoid going through the Ticketmaster refund process altogether, keep these tips in mind when purchasing tickets:
- Double check event details like dates, venues, seating, etc. to confirm you are buying the right tickets.
- Only buy tickets for events you are very sure you can attend, rather than speculative purchases.
- Purchase Ticket Refund Protection upfront for broader coverage if refund becomes necessary.
- Carefully review Ticketmaster’s refund policies and fees before completing ticket purchase.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster aims to process refunds within 30 days in most cases, however exact timing depends on factors like:
- The reason for the refund
- Original payment method used
- Whether Ticket Refund Protection was purchased
Refunds for postponed/canceled events are generally faster than voluntary refunds. Credit card refunds also have faster turnaround versus cash or gift cards.
Be sure to check your email, account, and reach out to customer service to track refund status. While Ticketmaster refunds take time, being aware of the process and timeline expectations can help reduce frustration. Considering refund protection and purchase details upfront can also help minimize the need for refunds down the road.
