When customers try to use a promo code on Ticketmaster but find it’s not working, it can be frustrating. There are a few common reasons why Ticketmaster promo codes may not be applying properly.
The Code is Expired
Promo codes often have expiration dates, after which Ticketmaster will no longer accept them. Double-check the fine print of any code you try to make sure it hasn’t expired already. Most codes are only valid for a limited time, like a week or a month. If the expiration date has passed, the code simply won’t work anymore.
How to Check Expiration Dates
There are a couple ways to look up the expiration date for a Ticketmaster promo code:
- Re-read the original advertisement, email, or source where you got the code. Look for any mentioned expiration timeline.
- Go to the Ticketmaster promo code website. Search for the specific code. The expiration date should be listed there.
- Check the original Ticketmaster confirmation email if you previously applied the code successfully. It may state the expiration.
What to Do With an Expired Code
If your Ticketmaster promo code has already expired, unfortunately there is nothing you can do to reactive it or extend its validity. You’ll simply have to accept that the code no longer works and move on. Start your Ticketmaster search over and look for a new active promo code you can apply instead.
You are Not Meeting the Requirements
Ticketmaster promo codes often have requirements that must be met for them to work properly. If your order doesn’t meet the requirements, the code will not apply. Some common requirements include:
Minimum Purchase Amount
Many Ticketmaster codes only apply for orders above a certain price threshold, like $100 or $200. If your ticket purchase total is less than the minimum, the code will not work.
Specific Event Types
Some codes are limited to certain sports, concerts, theaters or other event categories. Trying to use them outside the intended category may make the code invalid.
New Customers Only
Some codes are meant for first-time Ticketmaster customers only. If you’ve ordered through them before, those new customer promo codes won’t apply to your purchase.
Sales Timeframes
During especially high-volume sales, like a playoff game day, Ticketmaster may disable codes. Similarly, codes likely won’t work after an event starts. Try to use codes during normal sale periods.
You Made a Mistake Entering the Code
One simple possibility is that you made a minor error when entering the Ticketmaster promo code. Check that you correctly typed the code with no typos. Codes are case sensitive, so verify you have the proper uppercase and lowercase letters. Oftentimes mixing those up can make codes not work properly. Double check each character before applying it.
The Code is Only Valid for Select Tickets
This is an easy mistake to make. Some Ticketmaster promo codes only apply to certain ticket categories or seat locations. If you try applying the code to the wrong tickets, it won’t work properly. Two examples:
- A code may only work for upper deck seats, not lower level or floor seats.
- A code may only apply for standard tickets, not VIP or premium packages.
Carefully read the details on any code before using it. Make sure you are only applying it to a qualifying ticket type or location.
You are Logged Into the Wrong Account
This doesn’t apply to brand new first-time customers, but if you’ve ordered on Ticketmaster before, your past order history and any saved payment info is linked to your website account. Promo codes will check that account info to see if you are eligible.
For example, a “New Customer” code obviously will not work if you actually log into your existing Ticketmaster account. Make sure you are logged out of your account, or create a brand new one, to have the best shot at applying new customer codes successfully.
The Code Already Reached Its Usage Limit
There are only so many customers that can successfully use a single promo code, even if it hasn’t expired yet. Once the usage limit is reached, the code will stop working. This is common with especially popular codes that spread quickly online and get shared widely. The limit can be met within hours or days of a code first being published. Keep in mind that hundreds or thousands may have tried the code before you.
You Used the Code Already
Most Ticketmaster promo codes are only valid for one-time use per customer. To prevent code abuse and reselling, you cannot use the same code twice. Your customer account and order history will be checked, and a code you already successfully used before will not work again.
It doesn’t matter if you are ordering tickets for a completely different event. You cannot reuse the same exact promo code with the same Ticketmaster account.
There was a Technical Glitch
In rare cases, an error may occur with the Ticketmaster website preventing a legitimate promo code from applying properly. This is unlikely, but could happen. Technical issues, site glitches, or temporary outage problems do occur infrequently when dealing with any major website. In this unlikely event, try the following solutions:
- Refresh the page and try entering the code again
- Use a different web browser or device
- Clear your cookies and site data
- Try again later after some time has passed
If those steps don’t work, your best bet is to contact Ticketmaster customer support. Explain the situation and that you believe there is a technical issue preventing your code from being applied. They may be able to assist further or apply the code manually for you.
You Have the Wrong Code
Before assuming any of the other reasons on this list are preventing your promo code from working, first double check that you actually have a valid working Ticketmaster code to begin with. Some signs you may have the wrong code entirely:
- You mistyped the code characters when originally noting it down
- You confused it with a code for a different vendor like Stubhub or Seatgeek
- You copied a code from a suspicious or unofficial source
- You reused a code after already using it successfully once
Carefully verify the exact code you are entering matches a valid offer with correct details. Typos can easily occur when originally copying down a promo code, which later prevents it from applying accurately.
How to Avoid Invalid Code Issues
To prevent wasting time attempting to use incorrect or non-functioning promo codes, keep these tips in mind:
- Always get codes directly from official Ticketmaster communications
- Do not reuse codes already successfully applied to a past order
- Note any stated requirements and restrictions
- Check the code’s expiration date before attempting to use
- Apply codes only to qualifying ticket types and locations
Lastly, act quickly if using a popular code shared publicly online. Limit usage means the code may stop working completely in a matter of hours or days. Apply it to your order ASAP.
Contact Ticketmaster Support If Issues Persist
If you still cannot get a Ticketmaster promo code to apply to your order after reviewing solutions, reach out to their customer service department for additional troubleshooting help. You can contact them via:
- Online chat on the Ticketmaster website
- Email at [email protected]
- Phone at +1 800 653-8000
Provide all relevant details about the code, your order, and steps you already tried. Their team can take a closer look at your specific account situation and attempt to manually apply the code if a technical issue is preventing it from working properly.
Find Alternatives Options if Your Code is a Bust
In the worst case where your Ticketmaster promo code simply will not work no matter what you try, it may be time to cut your losses. Look for alternative special offers you can take advantage of instead, like:
- Other working promo codes you can find
- Discounts for new Ticketmaster account sign-ups
- Deals on ticket resale sites like StubHub
- Sales and price drops leading up to the event
While frustrating when they don’t apply, don’t waste too much time fighting with invalid promo codes. Ultimately it’s just one potential discount, and other savings options are likely available with a little searching.
Code Worked Before But Not Now?
If you had success using a Ticketmaster promo code previously but find it’s later not working, there are a couple possible explanations:
You Already Used It
Nearly all codes are one-time use only. Just because it worked on your last Ticketmaster order doesn’t mean you can use the same code again. Check your order history – if you see where the code was already applied, that’s why it’s now invalid for your new order.
It Expired
Similarly, just because a code worked previously doesn’t mean it will still work forever. Most expire after a set promotional timeframe, like one month. If your new order is after that expiration date, that makes the code void.
It Reached Usage Limits
Codes only remain active until a certain number of customers utilize them. Yours may have already reached that limit based on other orders placed after your initial use.
Bottom line – do not assume you can keep using the same Ticketmaster promo code over and over. There are several reasons it may stop working after an initial success.
Can You Redeem Expired Codes?
Once a Ticketmaster promo code has passed its printed expiration date, unfortunately it is permanently void and cannot be redeemed anymore. There is no way to reactivate or extend the validity of an expired code.
Ticketmaster’s system will automatically reject any code attempt after the expiration timestamp. An expired code simply will not work. Do not waste time attempting to contact their customer support and plead for an expired code to still be honored. They cannot make exceptions.
Instead, your only option is to search for a brand new active code that is still within its valid timeframe when you place your ticket order.
Stacking Multiple Promo Codes
It is only possible to apply one single Ticketmaster promo code per order. You cannot enter multiple codes at checkout to try and get added discounts stacked.
Ticketmaster’s system will only recognize the most recent valid code it identifies. Having multiple codes does not provide any extra benefit or savings.
In fact, attempting to stack codes will often just confuse the system, and prevent any codes applied from actually taking effect. Only aim to use one promo code per order for best results.
Code Won’t Apply to Bundled Items
Another common issue is finding that your Ticketmaster promo code only discounts part of your total order. This happens when you have bundled add-on items that are not covered by the code’s terms.
For example, a general ticket code may give 15% off the base ticket prices. But additional fees like shipping, service charges, or VIP upgrades may not count as eligible ticket purchases. So while the code applies for the tickets, it doesn’t discount the full bundled order amount.
There’s no way around this. It’s just how the codes are designed. Make sure to read the full details and note which parts of your order will or will not see savings from a promo code before purchase.
Can’t Apply Code for Resale Tickets
Ticketmaster strictly prohibits using any promo codes when purchasing ticket resales, like through their TicketExchange platform.
This applies to both season ticket holders reselling their seats, or speculators reselling hot tickets. The codes only work when buying tickets directly from Ticketmaster’s primary market.
If you try to apply a code during checkout on a resale ticket purchase, you’ll get an error. Read the resale listing closely to confirm if any codes can be used – nearly always they cannot be.
Codes Don’t Apply Retroactively
Promo codes must be entered properly during the initial order checkout process to have any effect. You cannot add a code later retroactively to gain a discount on past completed orders.
For example, finding a great code the day after you bought tickets and then trying to get in touch with customer service to add it will not work. Refunds or credits will not be issued in those situations.
Similarly, applying a code after a purchase redirects to the standard order confirmation page. It will not adjust your original order in any way. Codes must be active at the time you finalize checkout to impact your total pricing.
Can’t Use Expired Codes for Rescheduled Events
If an event you originally purchased tickets for gets rescheduled or postponed, your existing ticket is still valid for the new date. However, that does not mean any expired promo code you initially used will become reusable again.
Your original order details stand – even if the event date changes. Expired codes remain expired. You cannot suddenly reuse them for rescheduled events just because the date changed. Only finding a brand new active code at time of re-purchase lets you discount a new order.
Codes Usually Don’t Apply to VIP or Package Deals
Another common pitfall is trying to use a general ticket promo code when buying premium VIP, Platinum, or other package deals for an event. Most codes are exclusively meant for normal ticket purchases only.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, assume a Ticketmaster promo code will not give any discount for upgraded experience packages, club access, suites, etc. Those are specialized inventory not eligible for normal codes in most cases.
Carefully review the full code terms and eligible inventory before attempting to redeem. Don’t expect package deals above standard single tickets to have any promo savings, as they usually will not.
Bottom Line
Ticketmaster promo codes can provide great discounts – when they work properly. Understanding the reasons they may not apply and avoiding common mistakes is the key to saving money on your next Ticketmaster order. With the right valid code and order eligibility, the savings will come through seamlessly.