Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. They sell tickets for concerts, sports events, theater shows and more. With clients worldwide, Ticketmaster offers ticket sales in many different countries and markets. This leads many international customers to ask: does Ticketmaster accept international cards?
The Short Answer
Yes, Ticketmaster does accept international credit and debit cards for ticket purchases on their website and mobile apps. They accept major card brands like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB and Diners Club. However, the specific types of international cards they accept may vary depending on the event, venue and presale codes.
International Cards Accepted on Ticketmaster
Here are some of the major international card brands that Ticketmaster accepts for ticket purchases:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
- JCB
- Diners Club
As long as you have a valid credit or debit card from one of these brands, you should be able to use it to buy tickets on Ticketmaster. They allow both credit and debit card options for international customers.
Visa
Visa is one of the most widely accepted payment methods across the world. Virtually every country issues Visa credit and debit cards. As long as your Visa card is valid and in good standing, it should work on Ticketmaster.
Mastercard
Like Visa, Mastercard has broad international acceptance. Debit and credit Mastercards from foreign banks should work on Ticketmaster for ticket purchases.
American Express
American Express credit cards are accepted by Ticketmaster, even if they were issued by a foreign bank. However, American Express debit cards often have more limited acceptance, so they may not work for international customers in some cases.
Discover
Discover cards issued internationally may work on Ticketmaster, but acceptance is not guaranteed. Discover has more limited worldwide reach compared to Visa, Mastercard and Amex.
JCB
JCB cards issued in Asia are likely accepted by Ticketmaster. JCB is one of the major card brands in Japan, so it often works for customers buying tickets while traveling or living abroad.
Diners Club
Diners Club has acceptance in many countries around the world. If you have a Diners Club card from a foreign bank, it will probably work on Ticketmaster, but acceptance depends on the specific country.
Factors That Impact International Card Acceptance
While Ticketmaster takes most major international card brands, some specific factors can impact whether your foreign card will be accepted:
- Event, venue and presale specifics – Some events may only accept domestic cards due to artist or venue policies.
- Card validation – The card must pass basic verification checks for the transaction.
- Fraud protection – Ticketmaster screens transactions for fraud, which could flag foreign purchases.
- Card expiration date – The card must be currently valid and not expired.
- Account standing – Accounts on hold or with balances due may be declined.
As long as your international card passes standard verification and fraud checks, it should be fine to use on Ticketmaster. But it’s a good idea to have a back-up payment method handy just in case.
International Cards May Incur Extra Fees
One other thing to keep in mind is that using an international card on Ticketmaster may result in additional foreign transaction fees charged by your bank or card issuer. These fees are typically around 3-5% of the total transaction amount.
Ticketmaster does not itself charge any extra foreign transaction fees. But your financial institution may tack on an additional cost for processing international purchases. Check your bank’s policies so you are aware of any potential foreign transaction fees.
Tips for Using International Cards on Ticketmaster
Here are some tips for making sure your foreign credit or debit card works properly on Ticketmaster:
- Confirm your card is valid for online transactions – Some have restrictions if issued outside your home country.
- Notify your bank of your travel plans – This can help prevent false fraud flags on your purchases while abroad.
- Have a back-up payment method – In case your international card doesn’t work, have a second option on hand.
- Use a card with no foreign transaction fee – If possible, pay with a card that doesn’t charge extra fees on international purchases.
- Check exchange rates – Know the exact exchange rate your purchase will be processed at so there are no surprises.
- Verify billing address – Make sure your Ticketmaster account billing details match your credit or debit card.
Common Questions About International Cards and Ticketmaster
What countries does Ticketmaster accept international cards from?
Ticketmaster accepts credit and debit cards issued from banks in most countries around the world. The major exception is countries that face economic sanctions, like North Korea, Syria, Crimea, Cuba and Iran.
Can I use my international Ticketmaster card in multiple countries?
In most cases, yes. If you have a Ticketmaster card or gift card issued in one country, you may be able to use it to make purchases on Ticketmaster websites in other countries. However, limitations may apply based on the specific venue, event or presale.
Does my international card need to match my Ticketmaster account country?
No, your Ticketmaster account country does not need to match the country that issued your card. You can log into your Ticketmaster account registered in one country and purchase tickets using a credit/debit card from another country.
What if my international card is declined by Ticketmaster?
If your international card is declined, first contact your bank to see if they blocked the transaction due to suspected fraud. If it was not blocked, try using a different international card, like a credit card instead of a debit card. Also ensure your billing address on Ticketmaster matches your card statement address.
Can I use multiple international cards to purchase Ticketmaster tickets?
Yes, you can use multiple international credit or debit cards to purchase Ticketmaster tickets. You can enter details for multiple cards on your Ticketmaster account and switch between them when making purchases.
What do I do if I have an issue with an international Ticketmaster purchase?
If you have any problems or issues using your international card on Ticketmaster, contact their Fan Support team for assistance. You can reach their support team by phone, email, live online chat or social media to resolve payment issues.
Using Alternative Payment Methods
If your international card does not work on Ticketmaster for any reason, there are some alternative payment methods you may be able to use:
- PayPal – Link your PayPal account to purchase tickets.
- Wire transfer – Contact Ticketmaster to arrange a wire transfer from your foreign bank.
- Ticketmaster gift card – Purchase a gift card online with your international card first.
- Domestic card – Use a friend or family member’s card issued in the Ticketmaster country.
Checking if these other payment methods are accepted can provide back-up options if your international credit or debit card is declined for the transaction.
Using a Payment Facilitator Service
Another option some international customers use is a payment facilitator or e-wallet service like Payoneer, Payon, Payouts or TransferWise. These services provide you with a local U.S. bank account and debit card that you can top up with funds from your foreign bank account.
You can then use the U.S. debit card provided by the facilitator service to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster. This essentially allows you to pay with your home currency, while Ticketmaster receives a domestic U.S. card payment.
The fees for these types of services are usually reasonable, and they simplify the payment process for international purchases. Just make sure the service you use offers a debit card that will be accepted by Ticketmaster.
Customer Service for International Ticketmaster Users
Ticketmaster provides customer service and support options for international customers who have questions or issues using the website. Here are some ways to get help as an international Ticketmaster user:
- International support phone lines – Call centers with agents who speak multiple languages.
- Email support – Email Ticketmaster customer service and they will respond via email.
- Contact forms – Fill out a form on their website to submit your question.
- Live chat -Chat with a support agent online in real-time.
- Social media – Tweet, post or message customer service on social platforms.
- FAQ database – Search for answers to common questions on their website.
Reaching out to their international customer support team is the best way to get help using your foreign credit or debit card to purchase tickets. The agents can walk you through options for getting your card to work or set up alternative payment methods.
In Summary
Ticketmaster does accept major international credit and debit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express and others. However, foreign cards may incur extra fees or be declined in some cases. Make sure your card is valid for online purchases, notify your bank before traveling, and have back-up payment options available. For help as an international Ticketmaster user, you can contact their customer support team.