Introduction
There are a few different ways to make payments on concert tickets depending on the platform you purchased them from. Most major ticket sellers like Ticketmaster or AXS allow you to make payments over time rather than paying the full amount upfront. This can make buying tickets more affordable, especially for high-demand and expensive shows. Here are some common questions and answers about making payments on concert tickets:
Can you make partial payments on concert tickets?
Yes, many major ticket sellers allow you to split up ticket payments rather than paying the full amount at once. For example, Ticketmaster and AXS both offer payment plan options that allow you to pay a deposit upfront and then make 2-3 additional payments over 1-2 months leading up to the event. The exact payment schedule depends on when you purchased the tickets and when the event is taking place.
Do all ticket sites offer payment plans?
No, payment plans are not universally offered across all ticket sellers. Typically, the major sites like Ticketmaster, AXS, and Ticketfly allow payment plans, but smaller independent sellers may not. It’s a good idea to check if payment plans are an option before purchasing tickets from a new vendor. If you want the flexibility of paying over time, be sure to buy from a site that provides that option.
What are the fees for ticket payment plans?
There are usually some additional fees for paying for tickets in installments instead of upfront. For example, Ticketmaster typically charges around $5-$15 per ticket as a payment plan fee. There may also be interest or finance charges on top of the ticket price. Be sure to read all the fine print so you understand the full costs before signing up for a payment plan.
Can you get payment plans for resale tickets?
If you purchase resale tickets on a site like StubHub, you generally cannot arrange payment plans and will need to pay the full amount upfront. Only the original ticket sellers provide the option of payment plans when the tickets first go on sale. However, some resale sites like Vivid Seats offer financing through third party services like Affirm, which allows you to split up the payments.
How do concert ticket payment plans work?
The process works like this at most major ticket sellers:
1. When you go to purchase tickets, look for the option to pay with a payment plan or “Pay Later” during checkout.
2. You’ll need to pay a deposit upfront, typically around 20-50% of the total ticket cost.
3. You’ll then be set up on a payment schedule over the next 1-2 months to pay the remaining balance. Many sites automatically charge your remaining payments to the same credit card.
4. Payment plans tend to have 2-3 installments depending on when the concert is. The final payment is usually 1-2 weeks before the show.
5. Print or download your tickets after completing the payment plan as you normally would.
What if you miss a payment on a ticket plan?
It depends on the ticket seller, but in most cases your tickets will be cancelled if you miss a payment and you will lose your deposit money as well. Be sure to mark payment due dates on your calendar and keep the same credit card on file to avoid missed payments. Some sites may send you alerts or reminders as payments come due.
Pros and Cons of Ticket Payment Plans
Payment plans can expand your options for concerts and make ticket buying more convenient. But there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Pay for tickets over 1-2 months instead of upfront | Additional fees per ticket for payment plan |
Lock in tickets early, split up costs | Risk of forgetting payments and losing deposit |
More time to budget for expensive shows | Interest or finance charges on ticket price |
Can start plan after presales end | May not be available for all sellers |
Key Takeaways
- Payment plans allow 2-3 installments over 1-2 months to pay for concert tickets
- Plans require a 20-50% deposit and have added fees per ticket
- Major sites like Ticketmaster and AXS offer payment options but smaller sellers may not
- Buyers must pay on time or risk cancelled tickets and losing deposits
- Plans help budget for expensive shows but have some drawbacks
Tips for Managing Ticket Payment Plans
If you decide to use payment plans for concert tickets, here are some tips to help make the process go smoothly:
Understand the full costs
Be sure to factor in all the fees so there are no surprises. Payment plan fees can add $10-$20 per ticket on top of the base cost.
Pick the right payment schedule
Most plans allow you to pick how the payments are spread out. Pick a schedule that aligns with your pay cycle.
Automate payments if possible
Many sites will automatically charge remaining payments to your card on file. This prevents forgotten payments.
Mark payment dates on your calendar
As soon as you set up the plan, write down the payment dates. Set reminders on your phone too.
Keep your credit card on file updated
To avoid declined payments if your card expires, update your card details with the ticket seller.
Contact support if you can’t make a payment
If an issue comes up, reach out to the ticket seller quickly to discuss options. Don’t wait until after a missed payment.
Avoid payment plans for shows far in the future
It’s easier to keep track of 2-3 payments over a couple months. Longer plans of 6+ months increase the risk of missed payments.
Compare plans across sellers
If buying tickets for a major concert on multiple sites, compare payment plan terms and fees across sellers.
Using Payment Plans for Different Ticket Buying Scenarios
Payment plans can be useful in many ticket buying situations. Here are a few examples:
Buying tickets as gifts
If you want to purchase tickets for someone else as a gift, a payment plan allows you to pay over time rather than buying all the tickets at once.
Tickets going on sale during an expensive month
If tickets happen to go on sale when you have other big expenses due, payment plans let you lock in tickets now and pay later.
Splurging on expensive front row or VIP tickets
Payment plans make those front row or VIP tickets more affordable by splitting up the costs rather than paying $500+ per ticket all at once.
Taking advantage of presales
You can use presale code access to buy tickets now through a payment plan, even if you don’t get paid until later in the month.
Buying tickets for a group
Instead of collecting money from friends and buying all the tickets together, each person can purchase their own ticket on a plan.
Adding tickets after initial purchase
If you later decide you want more tickets, you may be able to add to your existing plan rather than paying for the additional tickets upfront.
Maximizing Payment Plans
To take full advantage of payment plans and avoid hassles, here are some key tips:
- Understand all costs and read terms carefully before purchasing
- Setup autopay through the ticket seller when possible
- Only use plans for shows 1-3 months out to easier track payments
- Mark payment dates clearly on your calendar and set reminders
- Contact support immediately if payment issues arise, don’t wait
- Compare plans across sellers to find the best fees for your situation
- Take advantage of presales even if you need to pay later
- Use plans to buy tickets as gifts or split costs with groups
Key Takeaways
- Read terms and confirm dates to avoid surprises
- Autopay and reminders prevent missed payments
- Only use plans for near-term shows
- Act quickly if payment problems come up
- Compare plans to find the lowest fees
- Use presales and group plans strategically
Following these tips will help you maximize the benefits of payment plans while minimizing the hassles!
Conclusion
In summary, payment plans allow buying concert tickets in installments over 1-2 months instead of upfront. They make getting tickets for high-demand shows more convenient and affordable. Payment plans are offered by most major ticket sellers like Ticketmaster and AXS, but come with some added fees. If used strategically and with organization, payment plans can be extremely useful for fans buying tickets. Just be sure to understand the full costs, setup reminders, pick short duration plans, and take advantage of presales and group plans when possible. With the right approach, payment plans can be an effective way to pay for concert tickets over time.