Ticketmaster allows ticket transfers in most cases, but there are some restrictions. The main things to keep in mind are:
1. Transfers are allowed until the event starts
You can transfer tickets on Ticketmaster up until the scheduled start time of the event. Once the event has started, transfers are no longer allowed.
For example, if you have tickets to a concert that starts at 8pm on Friday, you can transfer the tickets to someone else any time before 8pm on Friday. But once 8pm hits and the concert begins, transfers will be disabled.
2. Some tickets cannot be transferred at all
While most tickets can be transferred, there are exceptions. Some tickets will have the transfer function disabled completely. This is usually due to restrictions set by the event organizer or venue.
For example, venues may prohibit transfers for very high demand events to prevent scalping. Some sports teams and colleges may not allow ticket transfers to ensure fans of the home team are attending games.
Before completing your ticket purchase, check the transfer policy. You’ll see language like “Transferrable until event start time” or “Non-transferrable” on the checkout page.
3. There are limits on how many times a ticket can be transferred
Ticketmaster limits the number of times a single ticket can be transferred from one fan to another. This is generally set at 4-5 times.
For example, if Jane buys a ticket and transfers it to John, John can then transfer it to Michael. But Michael likely won’t be able to transfer it again – he’d have to attend the event himself.
This prevents extensive chains of transfers that could facilitate scalping. It also ensures ticketholders are identifiable in case there are issues that require contacting them.
4. Transfer recipient may need to register an account
In order to receive transferred tickets, the recipient generally needs to have a Ticketmaster account. This allows Ticketmaster to identify who ultimately ends up with the ticket.
If the person you want to transfer tickets to doesn’t have an account, advise them to register for one in advance. This will make completing the transfer quicker and simpler.
5. There may be a transfer delivery delay
It’s important to note that ticket transfers are not instant. It takes some time for Ticketmaster to process and deliver the transferred ticket to the recipient’s account.
In most cases, transfers take 1-2 hours to complete. But it can occasionally take up to 12 hours for the ticket to show up in the recipient’s account.
So don’t wait until the last minute! Initiate transfers at least 24 hours in advance whenever possible.
6. Physical tickets can’t be transfered online
If you originally purchased “hard” paper tickets that were mailed to you, these can’t be transferred through Ticketmaster online. You would need to physically hand over the printed tickets to the person you want to transfer them to.
Only tickets delivered via mobile phone ticket apps or printed at home can be transferred through the Ticketmaster site or app.
7. There may be a transfer fee
Ticketmaster sometimes charges a fee for ticket transfers. This is essentially a service charge to process the ownership change.
Transfer fees vary based on the event, but are generally around $5-$10 per ticket transferred.
Make sure to factor this into the ticket price if you plan on selling or transferring a ticket. The transfer fee comes out of the seller’s account.
8. Transfers are final
It’s important to know that ticket transfers on Ticketmaster are final and irreversible.
Once you confirm the transfer, you permanently relinquish ownership of that ticket. There is no way to undo a transfer if you change your mind.
So only transfer tickets when you are 100% certain, and double check that you entered the correct recipient’s name and email address before confirming.
9. Instant ticket transfer options
Ticketmaster offers some convenient instant transfer options for certain tickets. This includes:
- Mobile Ticket Transfers: Send tickets directly to someone’s Ticketmaster app.
- E-Ticket Transfers: Email ticket PDFs to recipients instantly.
These allow for near real-time ticket transfers. Look for the “Instant Transfer” option when initiating a transfer.
10. Transferring partial ticket orders
If your Ticketmaster order contains multiple tickets, you can transfer tickets individually. You don’t have to transfer the entire order.
For example, if you purchased 4 tickets, you can transfer 2 to your friend and keep 2 for yourself.
On the transfer page, simply reduce the ticket quantity before entering your friend’s info. Customize how many tickets to transfer per order.
11. Transferring tickets bought as a group
For tickets purchased together as a group order, there are some additional restrictions on transfers:
- All group members must agree to the transfer. The ticket buyer initiating the transfer will need approval from others.
- All members’ tickets must be transferred together to a single recipient. You can’t split group tickets between multiple recipients.
Group transfer policies prevent issues with fragmented groups and ensure everyone is on the same page.
12. Season and package ticket transfers
Transferring part of a season ticket package or ticket bundle can get tricky. Here are some tips if you purchased package tickets:
- You can transfer the entire package to someone else. But you can’t split up individual games/events from the package and transfer just those.
- Some package tickets with amenities like VIP parking or club access may not be transferable at all.
- If transferring tickets with prepaid parking or other amenities, make sure the recipient knows they now have access to those add-ons.
Reach out to the Ticketmaster help center if you have questions about partial transfers for bundled tickets.
13. Verify transfer limits before selling
If you plan on re-selling your tickets, double check the transfer limit first. There are a couple risks to be aware of:
- If your ticket has already been transferred several times, the buyer may not be able to transfer it themselves if they need to. Know the transfer history before selling.
- Make sure your ticket is not marked “non-transferrable” before listing it for sale. Otherwise the buyer may not be able to use it.
Checking this in advance prevents issues for both buyers and sellers down the line.
14. Communicate with the ticket recipient
When transferring tickets, be sure to communicate clearly with the person receiving them. Share key details including:
- Estimated delivery time, so they know when to expect the transferred tickets in their account.
- Reminders on transfer limits and restrictions that may impact them down the line.
- Parking, seat locations, gate info and other logistics they’ll need to know.
Following up to ensure they received the tickets helps reduce confusion as well.
15. Only transfer to someone you know and trust
Because ticket transfers are irreversible, only transfer to someone you know and trust. Some tips:
- Avoid transferring tickets to strangers who could potentially scam you by re-selling tickets they didn’t pay for.
- Be wary of someone asking you to transfer tickets for an event that has already occurred. This is likely a scam attempting to steal valid tickets.
- Only send transfers to an email address that matches the recipient’s stated name to avoid fraudulent accounts.
Exercising caution prevents losing both your tickets and your money in transfer scams. Only initiate transfers with legitimate recipients.
Bottom Line
While Ticketmaster allows most tickets to be transferred, there are restrictions in place to prevent scalping and fraud. Carefully check transfer deadlines, limits, fees and delivery times when giving tickets to someone else. Communicate with recipients to ensure they receive the tickets as expected. Be vigilant against potential scams. Follow the proper procedures and ticket transfers can be a smooth process for both parties.
