Getting access to coveted tickets before they go on sale to the general public is a great way to secure seats for popular concerts and events. Many ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster offer presales, including ones for American Express cardholders. Here’s what you need to know about scoring tickets through the Ticketmaster Amex presale.
What is the Ticketmaster Amex Presale?
The Ticketmaster Amex presale allows American Express cardholders early access to buy tickets before the general public. During the presale period, which typically starts 1-3 days before the general onsale, only AmEx cardholders can purchase tickets for eligible events on Ticketmaster.
This exclusive presale window gives AmEx members the chance to get first pick of tickets. Since shows often sell out quickly during presales, it can greatly increase your chances of getting good seats before the general fan base rushes in.
Which American Express Cards Get Presale Access?
You must have an eligible American Express card to access the Ticketmaster Amex presale. Here are the cards that typically qualify:
- American Express Platinum
- American Express Gold
- American Express Green
- American Express Delta SkyMiles
- American Express Hilton Honors
- American Express Business Platinum
- American Express Business Gold
As long as your card is linked to your Ticketmaster account, you should have access. Be sure to check for any presale announcements from American Express as the eligible cards can vary for certain events.
How Do I Access the Presale?
Here are the steps to access the Ticketmaster Amex presale:
- Make sure you have an eligible AmEx card linked to your Ticketmaster account. You can link cards under your Profile settings.
- When a presale is scheduled, you’ll see a tab or link for the “Amex Presale” on the Ticketmaster event page.
- Click the Amex Presale tab and you’ll be prompted to sign in to your Ticketmaster account.
- Once signed in, you should see tickets available for you to purchase with your linked AmEx card.
- Select your desired tickets and proceed through checkout using your American Express card.
Keep in mind the presale typically ends a day before the general onsale starts. Make sure to purchase your tickets within the presale window.
Helpful Presale Tips
Here are some helpful tips for accessing the Amex presale:
- Have an eligible AmEx card ready to use for checkout.
- Log in to your Ticketmaster account ahead of time to save time.
- Check for presale start times – they often begin at 10am local venue time.
- Only refresh the Amex presale tab – don’t refresh the whole page.
- Have a backup payment method in case your AmEx card is declined.
Where Does the Presale Work?
The Ticketmaster Amex presale is available for eligible events in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. You must access the presale through the Ticketmaster website for your country.
In the US, you can access it at www.ticketmaster.com. For the UK, go to www.ticketmaster.co.uk. And for Canada, use www.ticketmaster.ca.
The presales typically will not work if you try to access them on other Ticketmaster domains like Ticketmaster Australia.
What Events Are Eligible?
While not every event on Ticketmaster is included, you’ll find presales for many major concerts, theater shows, sporting events, and more. Generally larger events by well-known artists and teams are more likely to have an Amex presale.
You can find presale event listings by checking:
- The Ticketmaster homepage – there may be a presale countdown timer.
- The American Express Experiences site and mobile app.
- The event page – look for an Amex Presale tab.
- Emails and social posts from Ticketmaster, bands/teams, and AmEx.
Ineligible Events
While less common, there are certain events that may not have an Amex presale, such as:
- Small club shows or comedy shows
- Minor league sports or college teams
- International sporting events like the World Cup
- Music festivals with multiple artists
If an event doesn’t list an Amex Presale, unfortunately cardholders won’t get early access. You’ll have to purchase during the general onsale.
Do Presale Tickets Cost More?
Amex presale ticket prices are generally the same as regular prices. You won’t pay more by purchasing presale. However, platinum tickets and VIP packages may only be offered during presales.
While prices stay the same, one advantage of the presale is it gives you first access to the best seat locations. By the general onsale, many prime seats are already gone.
Can I Buy Tickets for Friends?
Yes, you can purchase presale tickets for anyone, even if they don’t have an AmEx card. All tickets in your order will need to be charged to your eligible American Express card.
If you want your friends to access and purchase their own tickets, they would need an eligible AmEx card linked to their Ticketmaster account.
Presale Ticket Limits
There are typically ticket limits during presales to prevent resellers from buying up all the inventory:
- 4-6 tickets is common for concerts.
- 6-8 tickets for sporting events and theater.
- 10+ tickets possible for very large venues.
Check the event page for any specific limits. If needed, you can sometimes do multiple transactions to buy more.
Can I Use a Presale Code?
In addition to the Amex presale, there are often artist and venue presales. You can access these with special presale codes or links offered to fan club members and past ticket buyers.
Presale codes are typically tied to specific accounts, but if you have a qualifying one, you can use it to access tickets. Just make sure to use your AmEx card at checkout for the purchase.
Finding Presale Codes
Fan clubs, venue email lists, the band’s website, and social media are the best places to find presale codes. Radio stations and sponsors sometimes share them too.
Unique codes are often required to access these presales. Generic codes floating around the internet are unlikely to work.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
While the Amex presale provides an advantage, there are a few potential drawbacks:
- Popular shows still sell out quickly during the presale.
- You need an eligible American Express card, which has an annual fee.
- The best tickets may be held back for other presales.
- If you don’t secure tickets, you still have to try again at the general onsale.
Even with early access, high demand can make it tough to get tickets. So there’s no guarantee, but an Amex presale improves your chances.
Tips for Getting Tickets
To boost your shot at getting seats, here are some tips for Ticketmaster Amex presale success:
1. Check Presale Start Times
Sales typically begin at 10am local venue time, but make sure to verify. Being ready right at the start helps secure orders before tickets sell out.
2. Use Quick Checkout
Save payment info and ensure your AmEx card is added to your Ticketmaster account. Using Apple/Google Pay can expedite checkout too.
3. Focus on Best Seat Options
Check the seat map and focus on sections likely to have the most availability, like behind the stage or upper levels.
4. Have a Backup Payment Method
Sometimes fraud filters briefly block AmEx cards. Adding a backup Visa or Mastercard can prevent losing tickets.
5. Only Refresh Presale Tab
Refresh only the Amex Presale tab once it opens. Refreshing the whole page will likely lose your place in line.
6. Try Again If Needed
If you don’t get tickets initially, keep trying as inventory opens up from abandoned carts and released holds.
Alternate Ticket Sources
If you miss out on the presale and general onsale, don’t lose hope yet. Here are some other places you may be able to find tickets:
- Ticket Resale Sites: StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek often have inventory, but prices are inflated.
- Fan Ticket Exchanges: Check fan forums and Facebook event pages for sellers.
- Box Office: Visit the venue box office on the morning of the show to snag last-minute seats.
- Ticket Drops: Follow your favorite ticket source on social media for surprise seat releases.
It takes persistence, but deals can sometimes be found as the event date nears.
Conclusion
Scoring exclusive access to concert and event tickets before the general public offers a huge advantage. The Ticketmaster American Express presale provides cardholders the chance to get first pick of available seats and lock down spots before the hottest shows sell out.
While not a guarantee, following these tips will help you successfully navigate the Amex presale process. With the right strategy, early access can really improve your chances of getting great tickets.
So get your eligible AmEx card ready and start planning what presale you want to target next!