Having multiple Ticketmaster accounts can be advantageous for some music and event fans who want to increase their chances of getting tickets to popular shows that sell out quickly. However, Ticketmaster does have rules and limits regarding multiple accounts that customers should be aware of.
Why Have Multiple Ticketmaster Accounts?
There are a few key reasons why some customers may want to open more than one Ticketmaster account:
- To increase chances of getting tickets – With hot shows that sell out in seconds, having multiple accounts to try for tickets can improve the odds of success.
- To circumvent ticket purchase limits – Ticketmaster enforces per transaction and sometimes per account ticket limits for popular events. Additional accounts let customers get around these restrictions.
- To access presales – Some artist or venue presales require special codes or membership levels. Extra accounts can provide more access to presales.
- To manage different groups of tickets – Customers may use separate accounts for personal tickets, work events, friends/family, etc. to keep things organized.
The major motivation is trying to beat the competition and get more tickets when supplies are scarce. So for high demand events like concerts, sports playoffs, Broadway musicals, etc. extra accounts can seem like a strategic advantage.
Rules and Limits on Multiple Accounts
While customers are allowed to have multiple active Ticketmaster accounts, there are rules and restrictions they need to be aware of:
Limits on Simultaneous Sign-Ins
Ticketmaster limits each account to only having one device signed in at a time. So if you try to access two accounts simultaneously, one will get logged out.
Restrictions on Same Payment Methods
Ticketmaster tries to detect and link accounts that use identical billing addresses, credit cards, or other payment info. Accounts with duplicate payment methods may get closed or cancelled.
Limits on Tickets Purchased
For many events, Ticketmaster enforces per transaction limits on number of tickets purchased. Even across multiple accounts, exceeding these limits can lead to cancellations and bans.
Detection of Duplicate Accounts
Ticketmaster uses data and technology to try to identify and shutdown accounts belonging to the same person or household. Things like matching names, addresses, credit cards, and IP addresses can trigger account deactivation.
Banning for Terms of Use Violations
Using multiple accounts to circumvent ticket limits or gain unfair advantages violates Ticketmaster’s Terms of Use. If detected, Ticketmaster may ban some or all related accounts.
In summary, customers need to use multiple accounts carefully and avoid exceeding restrictions if they want to keep account access.
How Many Ticketmaster Accounts are Allowed?
Ticketmaster does not publish an exact number limit for how many accounts a single person can have. Their focus is more on enforcing the rules around fair and equitable ticket access.
However, based on anecdotal reports from customers, it appears that having 2-3 separate active accounts is generally tolerated by Ticketmaster in most cases. Once you get beyond 3-4 accounts, the risk of detection and account restriction goes up.
Some key factors that may influence number of accounts allowed:
- How accounts are used – Using multiple accounts fairly and in accordance with ticket limits reduces problems.
- Activity level – More active accounts are more likely to trigger scrutiny than rarely used ones.
- Matching personal data – Accounts that avoid matching names, payments, etc. may raise fewer flags.
- IP patterns – Accounts routinely used from the same IP address face greater risks.
There is no magic number that is always “safe” when it comes to multiple Ticketmaster accounts. It depends on individual circumstances and requires some trial and error to avoid crossing the line.
Strategies for Managing Multiple Accounts
Here are some best practices for fans who want to maintain access to multiple Ticketmaster accounts:
Use Different Personal Details
Use different names, email addresses, billing info, etc. for each account to help avoid detection. Virtual credit cards and privacy services can help obscure financial links.
Limit Account Usage
Only actively use a fraction of accounts at once to maintain a low profile. Rotate accounts periodically to distribute activity.
Avoid Simultaneous Logins
Never override the one login at a time limit. Log completely out of one account before accessing the next.
Stagger Ticket Purchases
Split up ticket transactions across accounts. Do multiple smaller purchases rather than large batches.
Use Different Devices
Buying from different devices with different IP addresses reduces account linking risks.
Careful management of details and usage patterns allows fans the benefits of multiple accounts while minimizing risks.
How Ticketmaster Detects Multiple Accounts
Ticketmaster uses a variety of methods to try to identify customers with multiple accounts:
Identical Personal Details
Matching names, addresses, credit cards, emails, etc. are red flags for duplicate accounts.
Network Analysis
Accounts routinely logging in from the same IP addresses or subnets may be linked through household users.
Behavior Analysis
Correlated purchase histories, browsing patterns, and other activity can signal related accounts.
Forensic Fraud Analysis
Sophisticated cybersecurity tools look for account connections through tiny behavior fragments.
Complaint Tracking
Ticketing rivals or unhappy customers will often report suspected multi-account abusers.
No approach is completely foolproof given sufficient customer cleverness. But Ticketmaster gets better over time as data and algorithms evolve.
Consequences of Getting Caught
Here are some potential consequences if Ticketmaster determines a customer has violated policies with multiple accounts:
Account Cancellation
Ticketmaster may cancel some or all related accounts if Terms of Use violations are found.
Lost Ticket Purchases
Tickets purchased in violation of limits or other rules may be revoked and refunded.
Ban from Future Purchases
In some cases, all related accounts may be prohibited from ticket transactions for a period of time.
Fewer Presale Opportunities
Presale access may be removed for accounts connected to policy violations.
Difficulty Creating New Accounts
New accounts may require heightened identity verification if abuse detected.
The most serious punishments result from egregious and repeated violations. But even minor policy-breaking may prompt account reviews and added scrutiny.
Appealing Bans or Limitations
If accounts are restricted or banned by Ticketmaster, customers do have some options to appeal:
Account Review Form
File a review request through Ticketmaster’s account appeal form explaining the situation.
Customer Service
Contact customer support by phone or chat to discuss account status with a representative.
Executive Emails
Reach out to Ticketmaster executives explaining the circumstances to seek policy exceptions.
Social Media Complaints
Post on Twitter, Facebook and other social channels to try get a response from Ticketmaster PR.
Retain an Attorney
Hire a lawyer to put pressure on Ticketmaster to justify account bans and limits.
But customers need to make an honest case for any mistakes or misunderstandings. Trying to trick or strong-arm Ticketmaster rarely succeeds.
Conclusion
Having multiple Ticketmaster accounts can offer some advantages for dedicated fans trying to get hot event tickets. But Ticketmaster actively monitors and limits abuses of multiple accounts in the name of fair access.
Fans need to tread carefully by knowing the rules, limiting account numbers, varying account details, and spreading activity around. Tactics like “ticket bots” typically backfire through account bans. Moderation and transparency give the best chance at maintaining multiple account privileges.
With vigilance to avoid crossing lines, judicious fans can potentially use multiple accounts to improve their ticket odds without undue risk. But ignorance or disregard for Ticketmaster’s policies can easily prompt account cancellations and bans.