Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. They sell tickets for various events like concerts, sports games, theater shows, and more. With their large presence, many customers wonder if Ticketmaster offers gift cards that can be used towards ticket purchases on their platform. Below I will go over the key facts around Ticketmaster and gift cards:
Does Ticketmaster sell their own gift cards?
No, Ticketmaster does not issue their own branded gift cards that can be used for ticket purchases on their platform. The company does not currently have a Ticketmaster gift card program.
Can you buy third-party gift cards to use on Ticketmaster?
Yes, you can purchase third-party gift cards and use them towards ticket purchases on Ticketmaster. However, the options are limited compared to if Ticketmaster offered their own gift cards. Some third-party gift cards that are reported to work for Ticketmaster ticket purchases include:
- Visa Gift Cards
- Mastercard Gift Cards
- American Express Gift Cards
The key is the gift card must be affiliated with a major credit card network like Visa, Mastercard, or Amex. General prepaid gift cards not linked to a major credit card network may not work for Ticketmaster.
Why doesn’t Ticketmaster have their own gift cards?
Ticketmaster likely does not issue their own gift cards due to the costs and challenges associated with running a gift card program. Managing inventory, distribution, fraud protection, replacements for lost cards, and all the customer service aspects of gift cards requires significant resources.
For a company like Ticketmaster that focuses heavily on their digital ticketing platform, issuing physical gift cards may not align with their broader strategy. The lack of Ticketmaster specific gift cards makes it a bit less convenient for customers to purchase tickets as gifts. But the company has so far stuck with only supporting major third-party credit card linked gift cards.
Purchasing Ticketmaster Tickets with Gift Cards
While you can’t buy a Ticketmaster branded gift card, customers can use third-party gift cards to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster. Here is an overview of how it works:
1. Purchase a Supported Gift Card
First, you need to purchase a gift card that Ticketmaster accepts from a retailer. As noted above, the major options are Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift cards. These can be purchased in physical or digital e-gift card form from various retailers. Popular places to get these gift cards include grocery stores, pharmacies, online retailers, and more.
2. Add the Gift Card to Your Ticketmaster Account
Next, you will want to add the gift card to your Ticketmaster account. You can do this on both desktop and mobile by going to ‘Add Gift Card’ in the ‘My Account’ section of Ticketmaster. Here you will enter the gift card number, security code, and expiration date.
3. Use the Gift Card for Ticket Purchases
Once added to your account, the gift card balance will appear as a payment option when you go to checkout for tickets. You can use the gift card to pay for all or part of your ticket order. The gift card will draw down the balance just like any other Ticketmaster payment method saved to your account.
Benefits of Using Gift Cards on Ticketmaster
There are some potential benefits to using third-party gift cards for Ticketmaster purchases:
- Makes gifting tickets easier – Can purchase gift cards to give to someone that they can use to buy tickets themselves on Ticketmaster.
- Avoids needing a credit/debit card – If you do not have a credit or debit card, gift cards provide a way to pay on Ticketmaster.
- Controls spending – Gift cards are a convenient way to pay for Ticketmaster tickets while controlling your spending and budget on entertainment.
- Supports rewards programs – Some gift cards like airline credit cards offer rewards points/miles that can earn you additional perks.
While not as seamless as a Ticketmaster specific gift card, the third-party gift card option opens up an approach for purchasing tickets as gifts or controlling your spending budget on the platform.
Downsides of Using Gift Cards on Ticketmaster
There are also some downsides or limitations to be aware of with using gift cards on Ticketmaster:
- No Ticketmaster gift cards – Can’t purchase branded Ticketmaster gift cards which may be nicer for gifting purposes.
- Fees still apply – Ticketmaster service fees will still be charged and need to be covered in the gift card value.
- Balance limitations – Gift cards have set balances that may limit how many/which tickets you can purchase.
- Expiration dates – Gift cards expire so you need to use them in a certain timeframe when ticket availability is limited.
- Lost or stolen – Replacing lost or stolen gift cards can be challenging compared to credit cards.
So while gift cards offer a way to pay for Ticketmaster tickets, they have some drawbacks compared to branded gift cards or credit/debit card options. The convenience and benefits are not on par with those payment methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Ticketmaster gift card at Live Nation?
No, there are no Ticketmaster branded gift cards. Live Nation is a part of Ticketmaster so you cannot use a Ticketmaster gift card on any Live Nation associated platforms. You may be able to use a supported third-party credit card linked gift card.
Where can I buy a Ticketmaster e-gift card?
Ticketmaster does not sell e-gift cards. You will need to purchase a compatible third-party e-gift card from a separate retailer. Popular options are e-gifts from Visa, Mastercard, or Amex gift cards.
How long do Ticketmaster gift cards last?
There is no definitive answer since Ticketmaster does not issue their own gift cards. If you utilize a third-party gift card, the expiration will depend on that specific gift card’s policies. Typical gift card expiration ranges from 6 to 24 months.
Can I use a Ticketmaster gift card internationally?
You cannot use a Ticketmaster branded gift card internationally or for international purchases since the company does not issue their own gift cards. If using a third-party gift card on Ticketmaster, you will need to check if that specific card supports international transactions. Most standard gift cards are for domestic U.S. purchases only.
How do I check my Ticketmaster gift card balance?
Since Ticketmaster does not offer their own gift cards, there is no Ticketmaster specific way to check balances. If you used a third-party gift card, you would need to check the balance through that gift card provider’s website or toll-free number printed on the card. You cannot check third-party gift card balances directly via Ticketmaster.
Summary
In summary, here are the key points around Ticketmaster and gift cards:
- Ticketmaster does not issue their own branded gift cards currently.
- Customers can purchase compatible third-party gift cards to use for Ticketmaster ticket purchases.
- Top gift card options include Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards.
- Using gift cards allow for gifting tickets and controlling spending but have some limitations.
- No Ticketmaster specific gift cards for balances, expiration, fees, international use, etc.
While not as seamless as their own gift card program, Ticketmaster does provide a way for customers to utilize third-party gift cards for ticket purchases. This allows some of the benefits of gifting tickets and controlling your entertainment budget despite some limitations. With Ticketmaster’s large role in ticket sales, the lack of their own gift card remains a notable limitation for consumers looking for simpler gifting and budgeting options.