A Citi verified presale is an exclusive presale event for Citi cardmembers to purchase tickets to concerts, sports games, and other live events before the general public. Citi has partnerships with various promoters, teams, and venues to offer presale ticket access to Citi debit and credit cardholders. This allows eligible cardmembers early access to some of the best seats before tickets go on sale to the general public.
Who is eligible for Citi verified presales?
To access Citi presales, you need to have an eligible Citi credit card or debit card. Eligible cards include Citi credit cards like Citi Prestige, Citi Premier, Citi Rewards+, Citi Double Cash, Citi Custom Cash, Citi Diamond Preferred, Citi Simplicity, Citi ThankYou Preferred, and more. Eligible Citi debit cards include Citi ATM cards, Citi Debit Mastercard, Citi ThankYou Debit Card, and others.
Business credit cards like Citi Business Advantage, Citi Platinum Select, CitiBusiness AAdvantage cards are also eligible. However, Citi retail store cards like Best Buy, Exxon Mobil, Sears, and Costco are not eligible.
The primary cardholder and in some cases authorized users on eligible accounts can access Citi presales. You need to have a Citi card registered under your name and associated Citi online account to take advantage of presales.
How do I access Citi verified presales?
There are a couple steps to access Citi verified fan presales:
1. Register your eligible Citi card
First, you need to register your eligible Citi credit or debit card on the Citi Entertainment website or Citi Entertainment app (available on iOS and Android devices). You can register multiple eligible cards on the same account. Registration just links your card(s) and lets Citi verify you have an eligible card.
2. Look for presale event offers
Once registered, you can view available presale event offers on the Citi Entertainment site or app typically 24-48 hours before the presale begins. Offers will indicate which Citi card(s) provide access.
3. Unlock presale access
On the day the presale begins, return to the Citi Entertainment site/app and unlock access to the events you want. You will need to sign in to your Citi account and validate your registered card(s) again. Then you can claim and unlock presale offers.
4. Shop presales
After unlocking access, you can shop the presale and purchase tickets while signed in. Citi presales typically offer tickets before the general public onsale time. Make sure to checkout with the eligible card you used to unlock the presale.
What are the benefits of Citi verified presales?
There are several benefits Citi cardholders can enjoy with verified presales:
Early access
The main benefit is getting early access to purchase tickets before the general public onsale. This gives you first pick of available seats before others.
Special offers
Some presales provide special ticket pricing, discounts, or other perks exclusive to Citi cardholders during the presale.
More inventory
With fewer people able to access the presale, there is more ticket availability and inventory for Citi cardholders early on.
Avoid sell outs
Popular shows often sell out right away when tickets go on sale to the public. Presales help avoid sell outs.
Skip queues and waiting
Citi presales allow skipping box office and ticket website queues, crashes, and waiting that often accompany highly anticipated public onsales.
What types of events have Citi presales?
Concerts
Citi offers presale tickets to concerts across multiple genres – pop, rock, country, R&B, hip hop, Latin, jazz, and more. Eligible concerts are held at major venues in the US and worldwide.
Sports
Many professional sports teams provide Citi cardholders presale access to games, including MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL teams, soccer/football clubs, boxing and UFC events.
Theater
Broadway and off-Broadway theater presales are available in NYC and touring shows nationally. Theater presales also include comedy shows.
Festivals
Major festivals like Coachella, Austin City Limits, Governors Ball, and more have Citi presale opportunities.
Family Shows
Family friendly events like Disney on Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, Circus performances, and more also hold Citi presales.
Are there Citi presales for every event?
No, not every live event will have an associated Citi cardholder presale. Citi’s presale ticket partnerships tend to focus on major concerts, sports, and live entertainment events, particularly in large metro areas. Smaller, independent venues and shows are less likely to hold Citi presales. Availability varies by location.
How long do Citi presales last?
Citi presales typically last for about 24-48 hours before the public onsale begins. Some presales may be even shorter like 4-8 hours. The duration can vary based on the event promoter. The presale period gives cardmembers exclusive early access for a limited time before general sales open.
Can I buy tickets for friends and family in a presale?
Typically yes, you can purchase presale tickets for others using your eligible Citi card. However, some events may limit the number of tickets per transaction/account to a certain quantity like 4 or 8. Be sure to read the terms for each presale which are viewable after unlocking the event offer.
What about Citi verified fan presales? How are they different?
Citi offers some events through a verified fan presale process, separate from the general verified presales. In addition to having an eligible Citi card, fans must register in advance and get verified to access these presales. Verification helps ensure only genuine fans get access to the most in-demand events and prevents scalpers or bots. The verification steps occur before the presale begins.
Tips for accessing Citi presales
Here are some helpful tips for making the most of Citi verified presales:
Register your card(s) early
Register eligible cards well in advance so your cards are ready when presales are announced. Don’t wait until right before the presale starts.
Mark your calendar
Track dates and set reminders for presales you want to shop so you don’t miss them. Presale windows are usually short.
Sign in ahead of time
Try to sign into your Citi account before the presale starts to save time and avoid issues. Avoid logging in right as a presale begins.
Be flexible
Have some date and venue flexibility if possible. Going to less popular performances can increase your chances of getting good presale tickets.
Use the right card
Be sure to complete your presale purchase with the specific eligible Citi card you used to unlock access.
Act fast
Shop early in the presale when inventory is highest, and complete checkout promptly. Presale tickets can sell out quickly.
Understand restrictions
Note any ticket limits, terms or requirements listed for each presale. Some have special restrictions.
Conclusion
Citi verified presales give cardmembers exclusive access to purchase event tickets before public onsales. Presales allow fans to get the best seats, avoid sellouts and skip long queues. To take advantage, register an eligible Citi credit or debit card in advance and look for presale offers on the Citi Entertainment site/app. Act quickly once presales begin to get the tickets you want. Following the tips above will help you make the most of Citi presale events.
