The Chase Preferred program offers tickets to exclusive events, concerts, and more for Chase credit card members. Getting access to Chase Preferred tickets can provide cardholders with an easy way to attend popular shows and experiences. However, there are a few key things to know about getting Chase Preferred tickets.
What is the Chase Preferred program?
The Chase Preferred program is an exclusive benefit offered to certain Chase credit card members. It provides access to tickets for concerts, sporting events, theater shows, and other experiences before the general public.
Chase partners with entertainment companies like Live Nation to secure tickets for Chase Preferred members. Then a selection of events is made available through the Chase Experiences website and app.
Examples of Chase Preferred tickets that have been offered in the past include:
- Concert tickets for artists like Elton John, Luke Bryan, and Lady Gaga
- Broadway and theater show tickets in major cities
- Sports events like MLB, NFL, NHL, and NBA games
- Food and wine festivals
- Comedy shows
The events and experiences offered through Chase Preferred will vary throughout the year. New events are constantly being added.
What Chase credit cards offer Preferred access?
Not all Chase credit cards include access to the Chase Preferred program. Here are the cards that currently include it as a benefit:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Ink Business Preferred
- Ink Business Cash
- Ink Business Unlimited
If you have one of those cards and your account is in good standing, you can take advantage of Chase Preferred tickets when available. Be sure to activate your card and set up online account access to view offers.
How the Chase Preferred Ticket Process Works
Getting Chase Preferred tickets involves a few simple steps. Here is an overview of how it works:
- Check the Chase Experiences site and app for events – Chase will post available shows and experiences, along with details on dates, locations, ticket amounts, prices, and discounts.
- Select tickets and use your Chase points – When you find an event you want to attend, you can use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to pay for all or part of the tickets. Each point equals about 1 cent.
- Complete ticket checkout – Finish the checkout process through Chase Experiences. eTickets will be emailed to you instantly.
- Attend the event – Access your Chase Preferred tickets through the app and enjoy the show!
It is a straightforward process similar to purchasing any normal tickets. The main difference is being able to use Chase points.
Using Chase Points for Tickets
One of the best perks of Chase Preferred tickets is being able to pay with Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Here are some key things to know:
- Each point is worth around 1 cent when redeeming for tickets.
- You can pay for the entire ticket cost in points or just a portion.
- Any remaining ticket balance not covered by points must be paid by debit/credit card.
- No blackout dates – points can be used any time.
- Points are deducted as soon as ticket checkout is complete.
This provides cardholders with a great redemption option for Chase points. Attending events and concerts is essentially free when points cover the full ticket amount.
Chase Preferred Ticket Availability
One downside is that Chase Preferred tickets are not always widely available for all events. Here are some key factors:
- Limited tickets – Chase only gets a small allotment of tickets from partners.
- High demand – Popular events often sell out extremely quickly.
- Random availability – There is no set schedule for when tickets will be released.
- No waitlists – Chase does not keep waitlists for sold out events.
- Not all cities – Events may only be available in certain major metro areas.
So while the ticket discounts are excellent, you do need a combination of luck and fast action to actually get the tickets you want. Checking back frequently is important.
Tips for Getting Chase Preferred Tickets
Given the limited nature of Chase Preferred tickets, what are some tips for increasing your chances of getting the events you want? Here are some suggestions:
Activate notifications
In the Chase Experiences app, turn on notifications so you are alerted when new events are posted. Responding quickly is important.
Know your point balance
Having enough points in your account for ticket purchases is key. Keep tabs on your balance and earn additional points through new spending and bonuses if needed.
Be flexible on dates
Going after less popular event dates that may still have availability can increase success rates. Fridays or weekdays are often easier than weekends.
Check early and often
New event ticket releases are random and not scheduled. Checking the site/app frequently gives you a better shot at finding newly available tickets.
Focus on presales
Chase Preferred presales occur before the general public sale. This is when more ticket inventory is available, so presale access is hugely beneficial.
Have backup payment
If you don’t have enough points to fully cover ticket costs, be ready with a debit/credit card to pay the remainder.
Maximizing the Value of Chase Preferred
For those lucky enough to score Chase Preferred tickets, you’ll want to maximize the value received. Here are some great ways to take advantage:
Use points for expensive events
Using points for high-demand events with sky-high market prices allows you to attend popular experiences that might normally be cost prohibitive.
Experience new things
Check for events you might not normally splurge on. Chase Preferred offers a fun way to experience new things at little or no cost.
Upgrade your seats
Apply your points savings towards seat upgrades to get better locations than you might normally purchase.
Give tickets as gifts
Surprise friends and family with tickets to shows you know they will love. Shared experiences make great gifts.
See shows in other cities
Chase Preferred provides access to events in cities across the country. Use it as an excuse to travel and see shows in new destinations.
Taking advantage of these tips can help you really maximize the experiential benefits gained from the program.
Downsides To Be Aware Of
Despite the many benefits, there are also some downsides to factor in regarding Chase Preferred tickets:
- Limited availability makes accessing tickets difficult
- Need to act extremely quickly when tickets are released
- Events not available in all geographic areas
- No control over which events and experiences are offered
- Must have enough points in account to redeem
- Possible fees for larger groups or peak demand
The convenience and discounts are great when you can take advantage of them. But the restricted nature of the offerings means you may not always be able to use the perk when desired.
Conclusion
The Chase Preferred program provides cardholders with an excellent way to access special offers for coveted events and experiences. While availability is limited, being diligent in checking for tickets and ready to act quickly can allow you to take great advantage of the discounts and perks. Use these tips to start experiencing concerts, shows, and more using your Chase points. With smart planning, you can enjoy some amazing benefits.