American Express offers cardmembers exclusive access to tickets for concerts, sports events, and more before the general public through ticket presales. This perk allows AmEx cardholders early access to some of the best seats for highly anticipated events. Here is an overview of how American Express ticket presales work and how to take advantage of them.
What is an American Express ticket presale?
A ticket presale is an exclusive period before tickets go on sale to the general public where only certain groups can purchase tickets. Presales allow these groups to beat the crowds and buy tickets before anyone else.
American Express partners with venues, teams, concert promoters, and ticketing platforms to give AmEx cardholders early access to tickets through presales. During the presale period, only AmEx cardholders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets before they are available widely.
Why do American Express cardholders get access to presales?
Presale ticket access is a major perk and benefit of being an AmEx cardmember. It provides cardholders with the chance to get tickets before non-cardholders. Presales are part of American Express’s array of entertainment access privileges offered to add value to the card.
By partnering with venues and event promoters to offer presale ticketing, American Express provides its cardholders with exclusive access, special offers, and early opportunities that enhance the cardmembership. Access to presales is intended to make the AmEx card more rewarding and worthwhile for its cardholders.
How do American Express presales work?
American Express presales provide cardholders with a special advance window to purchase tickets before the general on-sale date. Here is how AmEx presales typically work:
- American Express partners with a concert promoter, team, venue, or ticketing platform to arrange an exclusive presale for cardholders.
- The presale details including the presale code are made available to AmEx cardholders by email, on the Amex Experiences site, social media, or other channels.
- The presale code can only be accessed by AmEx cardholders. Sharing the code with non-cardholders is prohibited.
- During the presale period, AmEx cardholders visit the ticket seller’s website and enter the presale code to unlock access and buy tickets.
- The presale window ends before the tickets go on sale widely to the public through general on-sale.
This gives American Express cardholders the advantage by being able to purchase tickets before everyone else. When tickets go on sale to non-cardholders, inventory is more limited since AmEx cardholders had first pick.
What types of events do presales apply to?
American Express presales provide early access to a wide variety of entertainment events, including:
- Concerts – Presale tickets for major concert tours from top artists.
- Sports – Early access to tickets for pro sports games and leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, and more.
- Theater – Presale opportunities for hot Broadway and Las Vegas shows.
- Festivals – Early access to events like Coachella, Stagecoach, and Austin City Limits.
- Comedy shows – Presales for big comedy acts and venues.
- Family shows – Early ticketing for Disney on Broadway, Cirque Du Soleil, and more.
The roster of presale events is always changing. American Express has connections to presale inventory for some of the biggest concerts, theater productions, sports matchups, and entertainment events throughout the year.
How to find American Express presales
There are a few ways AmEx cardholders can learn about upcoming presales and get the presale code they need to participate:
- Check your email – American Express will email cardholders directly about presales relevant to their location and interests.
- Visit the Amex Experiences site – There is a Presales page listing many current and upcoming presales available to cardholders.
- Follow American Express on social media – Presale details are often shared by AmEx via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
- Sign up for event venues newsletters – Some venues notify AmEx cardholders directly through their email lists.
- Visit the ticket seller’s website – Presale info may be listed on the ticket vendor’s site closer to the on-sale date.
Activating presale notifications from American Express and venues is the best way to stay on top of upcoming presale opportunities. Presales are not advertised widely, so AmEx cardholders need to be proactive to take advantage.
Do all American Express cards get access to presales?
Access to American Express presales is generally available across all types of AmEx consumer cards, including green, gold, platinum, and delta cards. However, exclusions may apply for some types of presales.
Typically, small business cards and corporate cards issued by American Express do not have access to presales. It is primarily a benefit for consumer cardholders.
To confirm presale access, AmEx cardholders can check the details in the presale communications they receive or contact American Express customer service.
Presale tips and strategies
Here are some tips to make the most of American Express presales and get the best tickets:
- Act fast – Presales have limited inventory that sells out quickly. Purchase tickets as soon as the presale opens.
- Research prices – Check comparable ticket prices to make sure you are getting a good deal during the presale.
- Plan ahead – Mark your calendar for any presales you want to participate in so you do not miss them.
- Check presale end time – Presales usually last 24-48 hours so double check the end time and don’t wait until the last minute.
- Have account details ready – Make sure you have your AmEx card number and login handy to expedite checkout.
- Read the fine print – Carefully review any terms and conditions for the presale before purchasing tickets.
- Try different sections – If your desired tickets sell out, quickly check other seating sections for availability.
Taking advantage of American Express presales requires planning ahead and pouncing on early bird ticketing opportunities. But access to presales is a major card membership perk that can help you lock down incredible seats to top events before the general public has a chance.
Conclusion
American Express presales offer cardholders exclusive early access to purchase event tickets before the general on-sale. By partnering directly with promoters and ticketing platforms, AmEx provides a special presale window for its cardholders to buy tickets to concerts, sports, theater shows, and other entertainment events.
Presales are a significant benefit of American Express cards, allowing members early reservation of the best seats. To take advantage, cardholders should watch for presale emails, check the AmEx Experiences site, follow social media, and act fast when purchasing tickets. With some planning and savvy timing, AmEx’s presale program can help cardholders score tickets to the most in-demand events and shows.