Ticketmaster gift cards are a popular gift choice for music, sports, and entertainment fans. The gift cards can be used to purchase tickets for events at Ticketmaster venues and can also be used for parking, food, drinks, merchandise, and more. But can Ticketmaster gift card balances be transferred to a different card or recipient? Here’s what to know about transferring Ticketmaster gift cards.
The Short Answer
Unfortunately, Ticketmaster does not allow gift card balances to be transferred to a different card or recipient. The gift cards are non-transferable according to the Ticketmaster Gift Card Usage Policy. Once a gift card is purchased, the value loaded onto that specific card must be used. The funds cannot be moved to a different card.
Examining the Ticketmaster Gift Card Policies
The Ticketmaster Gift Card Usage Policy clearly states that the gift cards are not transferable and cannot be resold. Specifically, the policy says:
“Gift Cards may not be resold and are not transferable for value from or to anyone else. Any balance remaining on your Gift Card will be forfeited and your Gift Card will be voided if you attempt to assign, transfer, or redeem your Gift Card for cash or credit.”
This policy applies to both physical and digital gift cards purchased directly from Ticketmaster. It also applies to cards purchased from third party retailers. Any Ticketmaster gift card, regardless of where it was purchased, cannot have its balance transferred to someone else or consolidated onto a different card.
The Reasons for the No Transfer Policy
Ticketmaster maintains this strict no transfer policy for a few different reasons:
- To prevent fraud – Not allowing gift card transfers helps prevent people from illegally obtaining and using cards that were not purchased for them.
- For accounting purposes – Keeping gift card funds tied to one card simplifies accounting and tracking of gift card liabilities.
- To limit administrative costs – Transferring balances between cards would require additional customer service efforts.
While inconvenient for some customers, the no transfer rule helps Ticketmaster reduce the risks and costs associated with gift card transactions.
Options If You Have an Unwanted Ticketmaster Gift Card
Because Ticketmaster gift cards cannot have their balances transferred, you are limited in what you can do if you end up with an unwanted or unused card. Here are a few options to consider:
Use It Yourself
Try to use the gift card yourself for Ticketmaster purchases. Look for upcoming events you might enjoy and use the card to pay. You can also use the card towards parking, food and drinks, merchandise, or other charges at Ticketmaster venues.
Give It Away
Gift the card to a friend or family member who you know will make use of it. You cannot legally sell the card, but you can give it to someone else to use.
Exchange It for a Different Gift Card
Some gift card exchange websites and kiosks allow you to swap out an unwanted gift card for a different gift card. You won’t get the full value of the Ticketmaster card, but can exchange it for a card to a retailer you’ll use. Just be sure to read the fine print on exchange offers.
Redeem for Purchases with Ticketmaster Partners
Ticketmaster gift cards can also be used for purchases with Ticketmaster partners like the NFL, NBA, NHL, some theaters, attractions, and more. Check the partners list to see if you can redeem for something useful.
Use It Partially
If you only have a small balance left on the card, look for lower cost Ticketmaster options to use it on. You may find cheap parking, discounted merchandise, or other lower priced items to redeem the balance.
The Benefits of Purchasing a Transferable Gift Card
Because Ticketmaster gift cards cannot be transferred, you lose flexibility if your circumstances change after the card is purchased. Other closed loop gift cards like American Express or Visa gift cards can make better gifts because the recipient maintains flexibility.
Here are some benefits of purchasing a transferable closed loop gift card instead:
Benefit | Description |
---|---|
Transferable balances | Funds can be consolidated to one card or moved to a different recipient. |
Wider redemption | Cards can be redeemed at a large number of merchants or online. |
More secure | Lost or stolen card balances can often be transferred to a new card or refunded. |
Avoid wasting balances | Small leftover balances aren’t trapped on a single merchant’s card. |
With a little foresight, a transferable gift card allows both the giver and recipient much more convenience and flexibility.
Top Transferable Gift Card Options
If you want to give a gift card that allows transferred balances, here are some top transferable gift card options to consider:
- American Express Gift Cards – Balances can be transferred to a new card up to 5 times.
- Visa Gift Cards – Funds can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. Lost card protection available.
- Mastercard Gift Cards – Redeemable worldwide. Can do balance transfers to a new card.
- Discover Gift Cards – Redeemable at millions of merchants. Balance transfer and refund options.
Checking a Gift Card’s Transfer Policy
Before purchasing any gift card, it’s a good idea to check the card issuer’s website to understand the fine print around transfers. Some things to look for include:
- Does the issuer allow gift card balances to be consolidated or transferred to a new card?
- What options exist if a gift card is lost or stolen?
- Are there any fees to transfer balances or replace a lost card?
- How many times can a balance be transferred?
- Can the card be redeemed at different merchants or only one?
Taking a few minutes to understand the policy can prevent headaches down the road if the recipient needs to transfer or replace the card.
Using Third Party Gift Card Exchange Sites
Rather than directly transferring a gift card balance to a new card with the issuer, another option is using a third party gift card exchange service. Sites like CardCash, Raise, and GiftCardSpread allow you to sell or trade in unwanted gift cards at a discount.
However, be sure to read all policies, terms and conditions when using these sites. Some drawbacks include:
- You may only get 60-90% of the card’s value
- Scam sites exist that could steal your card details
- Reputable sites charge exchange fees
- The new gift card you get may also be non-transferable
Third party exchanges can provide more options for unwanted gift cards, but directly transferring with the original issuer is typically the best way to maintain maximum value.
Watch Out for Gift Card Scams
With third party gift card exchanges, it’s very important to watch out for scam sites aimed at stealing gift card data. Warning signs of a scam include:
- Asking for gift card numbers and PINs upfront before providing an exchange offer
- Offering exchange rates that are unrealistically high
- Requiring upfront fees before the exchange
- Poor website design, grammar, or contact information
- Asking you to send photos of the gift card
Only use reputable exchange sites that connect you with verified buyers, have transparent processes, and provide contact information. Avoid exchanges requiring upfront fees or immediate gift card details.
Selling Gift Cards at a Retail Store
Another option some people consider is selling unwanted gift cards back to retailers that sell them. However, most major retailers do not allow you to sell back gift cards. And if they do, it’s typically only for store credit rather than cash.
Retailers make it difficult to sell back gift cards because it would cut into their gift card sales profits. Some smaller local retailers may offer to buy back cards at a discounted rate. But overall, selling directly back to retailers is rarely a good option.
Why Retailers Don’t Allow Gift Card Buy Back
Here are some of the key reasons major retailers avoid buying back gift cards:
- It reduces total gift card sales revenue when cards are resold.
- Buy backs would require costly new staff and procedures.
- Allowing resells may encourage fraudulent behavior.
- Accounting is simplified when values stay on one card.
- They’d likely have to buy back at a discount, losing revenue.
Unless required by state law, most major retailers will not offer gift card buy backs for these reasons.
Checking State Gift Card Laws
In some states, gift card buy back programs are mandatory under state laws. For example, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Washington, California, and Connecticut laws all require retailers to provide card cash back options.
If you live in one of these states, retailers may be required to repurchase gift cards, but often only under certain conditions. Be sure to check your state’s most current gift card laws to understand retailers’ buy back policies.
Key State Gift Card Buy Back Requirements
While state gift card buy back laws vary, some common requirements include:
- Only cash back for cards purchased in excess of $5 or $10
- Limits on fees or discounted buy back rates
- Exemptions for smaller retailers or certain card types
- Mandatory refunds for lost or stolen cards
- Repurchase windows (e.g. within 1 year of purchase)
Even in states requiring buy backs, the conditions are often restrictive. Be sure to understand your rights under your state laws.
What to Do With Old Gift Cards
If you’ve received a gift card you know you won’t use, here are a few options for redeeming old or unwanted gift cards:
Regifting
Pass along an unused gift card to a friend or family member who can get value from it. Just be sure it hasn’t already expired.
Donating
Donate gift cards you won’t use to charity. Many nonprofits accept gift card donations as a convenient way to raise funds.
Using for Partials or Small Purchases
Use gift cards with low balances left for smaller purchases like coffee, snacks, accessories, discounts, etc.
Consolidating Balances
For transferable cards, consolidate remaining balances onto one card to avoid losing small leftover amounts.
Selling at a Discount
Exchange or sell your card at a discounted rate on a gift card resale site. Compare sites for the best rates.
Budgeting for Gift Cards
To avoid ending up with unused or unwanted gift cards, it’s helpful to budget and plan ahead when purchasing them as gifts. Consider these tips:
- Buy for stores and restaurants you know the recipient shops at.
- Ask about their preferences instead of guessing.
- Purchase transferable and widely redeemable cards.
- Buy cards with longer expiration dates.
- Gift soon after the card is purchased.
- Keep the receipt in case they need to make exchanges.
Applying a little extra thought when gift card shopping can prevent waste and ensure your recipient gets full use of the card value.
Making the Most of Unwanted Gift Cards
No matter how carefully you shop, you may still end up with some unwanted or unusable gift cards now and then. When that happens, your options are more limited with a non-transferable card like Ticketmaster compared to a transferable Visa or American Express gift card.
But there are still ways to reduce gift card waste and get some value from an unwanted Ticketmaster card, including reselling, exchanging, regifting, using for smaller purchases, or consolidating balances.
With a little creativity, you can find ways to get the most out of unwanted gift cards.
Key Takeaways
- Ticketmaster gift cards cannot have balances transferred to a new card or recipient due to company policies.
- If you have an unwanted Ticketmaster card, options include regifting, exchanging, using for smaller purchases, or consolidating balances.
- Transferable gift cards like American Express or Visa provide more flexibility if circumstances change.
- Reselling gift cards directly back to retailers is rarely an option unless required by state law.
- Carefully budgeting for gift cards and understanding policies can prevent ending up with unusable cards.