If you recently sold tickets on Ticketmaster and are wondering when you’ll receive your payout, this guide will explain the typical timeline and factors that affect how long it takes Ticketmaster to transfer funds to sellers.
The typical Ticketmaster payout timeline
Ticketmaster usually issues payouts to sellers within 5-10 business days after an event has occurred. However, the exact timeline can vary depending on a few key factors:
- The payout method you selected – Ticketmaster offers payouts via check, ACH transfer, PayPal, or Ticketmaster Prepaid Card. Checks and prepaid cards take longer than electronic ACH and PayPal transfers.
- When your event occurred – Ticketmaster processes payouts in batches, so if your event just took place, you may have to wait for the next payout cycle before receiving your funds.
- Verification requirements – If it’s your first payout, Ticketmaster may require extra verification which can delay the process.
- Your bank’s processing time – Even after Ticketmaster releases the funds, it takes 2-3 extra days for money to reach your account via ACH or PayPal.
Detailed timeline by payout method
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the typical processing times based on your selected payout method:
ACH bank transfer
- Funds released from Ticketmaster: 5-10 business days after event
- Processing time by bank: Additional 2-3 business days
- Total estimated time: 7-13 business days
PayPal transfer
- Funds released from Ticketmaster: 5-10 business days after event
- Processing time by PayPal: Additional 2-3 business days
- Total estimated time: 7-13 business days
Paper check
- Check mailed from Ticketmaster: 10-15 business days after event
- Delivery time for check: Additional 5-10 business days by standard mail
- Total estimated time: 15-25 business days
Ticketmaster Prepaid Card
- Card mailed from Ticketmaster: 10-15 business days after event
- Delivery time for card: Additional 5-10 business days by standard mail
- Total estimated time: 15-25 business days
Factors that can delay your Ticketmaster payout
While the above timeline covers the standard payout process, there are some common situations that can result in longer delays:
- Extra ID/tax verification – If it’s your first payout, Ticketmaster may require you to complete extra identity verification steps or submit tax forms. This can add 1-2 weeks to the process.
- High volume events – For major concerts, sports events, and festivals, Ticketmaster may experience higher than normal sales volumes which can cause payout delays of up to 20 business days or longer.
- Technical issues – In rare cases, website glitches or processing errors could temporarily delay payouts by a few business days.
- Returned checks/failed transfers – If the bank account information you provided is invalid, payouts can be bounced back to Ticketmaster which resets the payout timeline.
Tips for receiving your Ticketmaster payout faster
Here are some tips sellers can follow to help avoid delays and speed up receipt of Ticketmaster payouts:
- Make sure your bank account, PayPal email, or address is up-to-date in your Ticketmaster account profile before tickets are sold.
- Select electronic ACH transfer or PayPal if possible to avoid the extra processing time for checks and prepaid cards.
- Respond quickly if Ticketmaster requests any additional identity verification or tax documents to complete your payout.
- Allow extra processing time for high-demand events where sales volumes are unusually high.
- Double check that the bank account information you provided is correct to prevent payout failures and bounced transfers.
- Contact Ticketmaster customer support if your payout is delayed significantly beyond the normal timeline.
Following up on a delayed or missing Ticketmaster payout
If your Ticketmaster payout is delayed beyond the normal processing timeline or you did not receive funds you were expecting, here are some steps to follow up:
- Check for any emails from Ticketmaster requesting additional information or documentation to complete your payout. Failure to respond can cause delays.
- Log in to your Ticketmaster account and confirm your payout method and account details are correct under the “Payouts” section.
- Contact Ticketmaster via live chat or phone support to inquire about the status of your payout. Having your order/transaction number ready will help expedite your inquiry.
- If funds were transferred but your bank has not received them, you will need to follow up with your bank or PayPal directly.
- For prepaid cards or checks, confirm the correct mailing address on file and contact Ticketmaster if you still have not received them after 25 business days.
- As a last resort if Ticketmaster cannot locate your payout, you may need to file a missing payout claim with Ticketmaster seller support.
Ways to use your Ticketmaster payout
Once you finally receive your Ticketmaster seller payout, here are some great ways you can put that cash to use:
- Reinvest in more tickets – Use your profits to buy inventory for future events and continue growing your ticket resale business.
- Pay off bills – Knock out some household expenses like utility bills, credit card balances, or loans.
- Save for a vacation – Start a dedicated vacation fund so you can relax and enjoy ticket sale profits.
- Fund a hobby or side project – Have a hobby like golf, gaming, gardening? Dedicate some payout cash towards it!
- Make extra mortgage payments – Pay down principal faster and save money on long-term interest.
- Donate to charity – Give back to a cause that’s important to you.
- Splurge on yourself – Treat yourself to dinner, spa day, gadget, etc. You earned it!
Key takeaways on Ticketmaster seller payouts
- Payout timeline is typically 5-10 business days after the event, depending on payout method.
- Electronic transfers via ACH or PayPal are fastest, checks/prepaid cards take longer.
- First-time payouts may require extra verification and take 1-2 weeks longer.
- High volume events could result in 20+ day delays; plan accordingly.
- Follow up quickly if your payout is delayed significantly or missing.
- Double check your account details to avoid returned transfers and resets.
- Enjoy your profits – treat yourself, reinvest, pay bills, donate, and more!