Getting a refund for concert tickets can be a frustrating process. Concertgoers often find themselves waiting weeks or even months to get their money back after a show is postponed, canceled, or they can no longer attend. The timeline for a refund depends on several factors, including the concert promoter, ticket retailer, and method of purchase.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Refund for Canceled or Postponed Concerts?
If a concert is outright canceled or indefinitely postponed, refunds should be issued automatically. However, the timing can vary greatly:
- Promoters like Live Nation or AEG Presents typically issue refunds within 30 days of a cancellation announcement.
- Smaller concert promoters may take longer, between 30-90 days.
- Ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster or AXS have their own refund policies and timelines, generally within 30 days.
- If you purchased tickets resale on a site like StubHub, refund timing depends on their fan guarantee policy.
- If you purchased tickets directly from the venue’s box office, their individual refund policy applies.
In general, expect refunds within 30-60 days of a concert cancellation, although delays can happen. Automated refunds for postponed or rescheduled shows are less common, as promoters want to ensure fans will use tickets for the new date rather than ask for their money back.
How Long Do Refunds Take if I Can No Longer Attend?
If you can no longer attend a concert that is still scheduled to happen, refund wait times vary significantly:
- Tickets purchased directly from the concert promoter, venue box office, or artist fan club typically have the strictest no-refund policies. You likely forfeit the ticket cost unless you specifically purchased refundable tickets.
- Ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster have their own policies on refunds for personal reasons, generally only providing voucher credits. Actual refunds are rare.
- Resale sites like StubHub tend to have buyer guarantee policies allowing refunds for most reasons for a limited window before the event.
In general, getting your money back because you can’t attend an event that is still happening is difficult unless you go through a resale platform. Review policies closely before purchasing tickets to understand your options if plans change.
Does It Make a Difference How I Purchased the Tickets?
Yes, the refund timeline very much depends on where and how you purchased the concert tickets originally:
Directly from the Artist or Venue Box Office
- Often have strict no refund policies, unless tickets are specifically sold as refundable
- Canceled events are refunded, but can take 30 days or more
- Changing your plans typically means forfeiting the ticket cost
Through an Official Ticketing Platform
- Ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster have their own refund policies for canceled and postponed events
- Refunds for canceled concerts are generally issued within 30 days
- Personal refunds are very limited unless specialty “refundable” tickets were purchased
Via an Authorized Ticket Resale Marketplace
- Resale sites like StubHub have buyer guarantees if events are canceled
- Refunds for canceled shows are typically issued within 3-5 business days
- Changing personal plans may allow refunds within a limited window before the event
Through an Unverified Third-Party Reseller
- High risk of fraud; no guarantee you’ll receive valid tickets or get money back
- Avoid these uncertain sources and sellers at all costs
How Do I Get Refunded for Canceled or Postponed Shows?
The refund process for canceled or postponed concerts works like this:
- The event promoter announces the postponement or cancellation
- The ticketing platform is notified and begins processing refunds automatically
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method used to purchase tickets
- Funds may take an additional 5-10 days after the refund is processed to appear back in your account
- Refund timing can vary from 30-60+ days depending on various factors
Here are some best practices for getting refunds quickly and efficiently:
- If your refund is delayed excessively, proactively contact the ticketing platform or promoter
- Double check the payment method on file – updated expired cards or closed accounts if needed
- Avoid chargebacks or disputes until you’ve reached out to the seller, as this can complicate things
- For resale purchases, read the site’s policy and contact their customer service for next steps
- Be patient and follow up regularly if your refund is taking longer than promised
Can I Get a Refund if I Simply Can’t Attend Anymore?
Depending on where you purchased tickets and what policies were in place, you may be able to get a refund if you can no longer attend a concert due to reasons like:
- Illness or injury
- Transportation issues
- Family emergency
- Military deployment
- Change of plans
However, many official ticketing sources will only offer vouchers instead of refunds in these situations. Review the original ticket purchasing policies closely.
Resale platforms with buyer guarantees like StubHub are often the best option for personal refunds. File a claim as soon as possible and before any posted deadlines. Supply documentation supporting your reason for refund if possible.
When Should I Start Worrying About My Refund?
Here are some general timeframes after which you should follow up on any still-missing refunds:
- Canceled events: Follow up after 45 days if you have not received the refund
- Postponed events: Follow up after 30 days if no refund has been issued
- Personal refund requests: Follow up after 21 days if no update has been provided on a refund approval
Any reputable ticketing company will have a standard timeline listed for refunds. If they exceed this timeframe with no communication, it’s time to escalate your inquire through customer service or your payment provider. For personalized service, always call to follow up instead of simply emailing.
How Do I Check the Status of My Refund?
Contact the original ticket seller and provide your order number to check the status. Here are some ways to check on various platforms:
- Live Nation – Call 866-448-7849 or use the online contact form
- Ticketmaster – Call 800-653-8000 or chat via their help portal
- AXS – Call 888-929-7849 or submit a request
- StubHub – Contact customer service by phone, chat, or email
- PayPal – Call 888-221-1161 or check transaction details in your account
Keep contacting them regularly until you receive a clear update on the refund status. Go higher up through management channels if needed.
What Information Do I Need to Check Refund Status?
Have these details ready when you contact any ticketing platform about a refund:
- Order confirmation number
- Original ticket purchasing account username or email
- Billing name, address, and last 4 digits of payment card (if used)
- Date and time of the original ticket order
- Event details – name, date, venue location
- Number of tickets purchased
Providing as much identifying order information as possible allows their customer service team to look up your record and the status of any refund owed.
Does It Cost Anything to Get Refunded?
There are typically no fees or costs to obtain a refund on concert tickets for:
- Canceled events
- Postponed or rescheduled events
For personal refunds when you can no longer attend, there may be fees incurred such as:
- Refund service fees per ticket
- Loss of processing fees that were charged on the original order
- Loss of shipping and handling fees if tickets were mailed
Always check the full refund policy details before purchasing tickets to understand potential costs if your plans change.
In most cases, a full refund without fees is issued back to the original payment method used if the event is outright canceled or indefinitely postponed. But policies can vary.
Can I Resell My Tickets Instead?
Rather than go through the hassle of trying to get a refund you may be able to resell your tickets instead through sites like:
You won’t recoup the full original cost, but reselling tickets can help you get some money back if you can no longer attend an event.
Should I File a Chargeback for My Credit Card?
A credit card chargeback should only be filed as a last resort if you have not received a refund you are rightfully owed after contacting the seller extensively. Note:
- Chargebacks can result in fees, bans, or account restrictions imposed by the seller
- Continue to work with the seller first before disputing the charge as fraud
- Chargebacks may not succeed if refund policies were disclosed at time of purchase
Explain the situation thoroughly when filing a chargeback and provide all documentation you have showing an unused ticket for an event that was canceled or postponed.
Key Takeaways
- Concert ticket refunds can take anywhere from 30-90+ days to process after a cancellation
- Getting a refund because you can’t attend is often difficult unless you used a resale site
- Purchase source, policies at time of ticket sale, and reason for refund all impact the timeline
- Proactively contact the seller if your refund is delayed past their stated timeframe
- You’ll typically pay nothing for refunds on canceled or postponed events
- Reselling tickets, rather than seeking a refund, is an option to recover some costs
The Bottom Line
Getting refunded for concert tickets requires time and patience, especially if shows are simply postponed and not fully canceled. Understand all policies up front before purchasing tickets to manage expectations. And always keep contacting the ticketing seller regularly about a delayed refund until the situation is resolved.
| Ticket Purchase Source | Typical Refund Time for Canceled Events | Personal Refund Policies |
|---|---|---|
| Concert Promoter Direct | 30-90 days | No refunds unless specifically offered |
| Official Ticketing Platform | Within 30 days | Limited vouchers, no refunds |
| Ticket Resale Marketplace | 3-5 business days | Refunds available for limited window before event |
This visualizes how refund timing and policies differ greatly depending on where you originally purchased your concert tickets. Official ticketing platforms generally have the strictest policies while resale platforms offer more refund flexibility.
Understanding these nuances can set proper expectations before buying tickets so you aren’t surprised if trying to get reimbursed later on. Always review the fine print and contact customer service before completing a ticket purchase.