There are a few potential reasons why you may see a “transfer unavailable” message when trying to transfer tickets on Ticketmaster:
The event does not allow ticket transfers
Some events explicitly prohibit ticket transfers as part of their ticket policies. This is usually done to discourage scalping and ensure tickets end up in the hands of genuine fans. If ticket transfers are not allowed for a particular event, you’ll get a “transfer unavailable” message when trying to transfer those tickets on Ticketmaster.
The tickets are mobile-only tickets
Mobile-only tickets cannot be transferred or sold, as they are tied specifically to the Ticketmaster account and mobile device they were purchased with. If you purchased mobile-only tickets, the tickets will display “non-transferable” and you will be unable to transfer them to someone else.
The transfer deadline has passed
Most events have a designated ticket transfer deadline, usually 24-48 hours before the event start time. This is the cutoff for when tickets can be transferred to a new buyer. If you try to transfer tickets after the set transfer deadline has passed, the transfer function will be disabled and you’ll see the “transfer unavailable” message.
The original ticket purchaser has payment plan installments remaining
If the original ticket buyer purchased tickets using a Ticketmaster payment plan that has yet to be paid in full, ticket transfers will be unavailable until the payment plan is complete. This prevents someone from transferring and selling tickets that have not yet been fully paid for.
The ticket holder has already transferred the ticket
Tickets can only be transferred once on Ticketmaster. If the ticket has already been transferred previously, further transfers will be restricted and disabled.
There are RESALE restrictions in place
In some cases, there may be limitations in place that restrict reselling tickets above or below face value. Trying to transfer tickets against the resale conditions will result in the transfer being blocked.
The ticket transfer price exceeds the allowed threshold
Ticketmaster allows ticket holders to set a custom ticket transfer price, however it cannot exceed a certain percentage above the original face value. If the requested transfer price is too high, the transfer will fail and you’ll receive the “transfer unavailable” message.
How to troubleshoot “Transfer Unavailable” errors
If you receive a “transfer unavailable” error on Ticketmaster, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot:
- Double check the event transfer policy – some events prohibit all transfers
- Ensure mobile tickets are not being transferred
- Check if the transfer deadline has passed
- Verify the original ticket purchaser does not have payment plan installments remaining
- Confirm the ticket has not already been transferred
- Review the resale policy and ensure transfer price is within limits
- Contact Ticketmaster Fan Support for further assistance as needed
When are Ticketmaster tickets transferable?
Ticketmaster tickets can be transferred under the following conditions:
- The event allows ticket transfers
- The tickets are not mobile-only tickets
- The tickets have not already been transferred
- The original purchaser has paid in full (no payment plan installments remaining)
- The transfer is requested before the transfer deadline
- The transfer price does not exceed resale value limits
As long as those criteria are met, you should be able to successfully transfer your Ticketmaster tickets to a new buyer up until the set transfer deadline.
Does transferring tickets on Ticketmaster avoid fees?
Using Ticketmaster’s official ticket transfer process does avoid some fees compared to reselling tickets. When you transfer tickets directly to someone on Ticketmaster, you avoid:
- Ticket resale marketplace fees
- Shipping fees (transfers are electronic)
- Credit card processing fees
However, Ticketmaster does charge a ticket transfer fee, usually around 5% of the ticket value. So while not completely fee-free, transferring tickets on Ticketmaster can be cheaper than using a resale marketplace.
Can mobile tickets be transferred on Ticketmaster?
No, mobile tickets cannot be transferred on Ticketmaster. Mobile tickets are tied specifically to the Ticketmaster account and mobile device they were purchased on. The only person able to use the mobile ticket is the original ticket buyer. Mobile-only tickets are always non-transferable.
Does Ticketmaster notify the original buyer of transfers?
Yes, Ticketmaster will send a confirmation email to the original ticket buyer when their tickets are transferred. The email notification will confirm details of the transfer including:
- Date and time of transfer
- Event name
- Seat details
- Number of tickets transferred
- Price tickets transferred for
- Info of the person tickets transferred to
This keeps the original ticket purchaser informed and provides them a record in case they need to dispute a transfer in the future.
Can I list my Ticketmaster tickets for sale on a resale site?
In most cases, yes you can list Ticketmaster tickets for resale on secondary marketplaces like StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek etc. However, it’s important to first check the original ticket’s terms and conditions as some may prohibit resale.
To list your Ticketmaster tickets on a resale site you will need to:
- Retrieve the ticket transfer barcode from your Ticketmaster account
- List the tickets for sale on the resale platform, specifying the original barcode
- Once sold, you will transfer the Ticketmaster tickets to the buyer via Ticketmaster’s transfer process
- You keep the resale profits, less any marketplace fees
This allows you to leverage the exposure and buyer demand of resale marketplaces, while still utilizing Ticketmaster to officially change ticket ownership.
Conclusion
In summary, some of the main reasons you may get a “transfer unavailable” error on Ticketmaster include event restrictions, mobile tickets, expired deadlines, payment plans, prior transfers, and resale limits. Always carefully review the transfer criteria before attempting to transfer your tickets. For further assistance, contact Ticketmaster Fan Support.