Citi presales allow cardholders early access to purchase tickets for concerts, shows, and other events before the general public. This perk provides Citi cardholders the chance to get preferred seats before they sell out. However, sometimes the Citi presale code doesn’t work or the link takes you to a page saying the presale is not yet active. There are a few common reasons why your Citi presale may not be working and some tips to troubleshoot the issues.
Have you met the requirements?
Before trying to access a Citi presale, make sure you meet the requirements:
- You have an eligible Citi credit card (Citi card eligibility can vary by event)
- Your Citi credit card account is in good standing
- The presale offer is available for the specific event you’re trying to buy tickets for
Also keep in mind that Citi presales are available for a limited time, usually 24-48 hours before the general public on-sale. Make sure the presale window is currently active before trying to access it.
Are you using the correct presale code and link?
Each Citi presale has a specific code and link that provides access. Make sure you are using the correct:
- Citi presale code – This is usually found on the Citi Entertainment website or app after logging into your account
- Presale link – This takes you to the ticket seller’s website to purchase tickets
Using an expired code or incorrect link is a common reason the presale won’t work. Double check that you have the right details unique to that event.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’ve met the requirements and have the right presale code and link but still can’t access the presale, try these troubleshooting tips:
Refresh the page and clear cookies/cache
Sometimes simply refreshing the Citi Entertainment page or the ticket seller’s website can resolve temporary glitches with the presale loading. You can also try clearing your browser cookies and cache which may help load a fresh version of the website.
Try a different web browser
There may be browser-specific issues preventing the presale from loading properly. Try accessing the Citi presale link using a different web browser like Firefox, Chrome, Safari etc to see if one works better than another.
Use a laptop or desktop instead of mobile
Mobile websites can sometimes have issues displaying presale pages. Try accessing the presale on a laptop or desktop computer instead of your smartphone if possible.
Call the customer service number
If you still can’t access the presale after trying the above tips, call the customer service number listed on the Citi Entertainment site or back of your Citi card. A customer service representative can look into the issue and confirm whether you have access to that specific presale.
Purchase normally or wait for general on-sale
As a last resort, you may need to purchase tickets normally when they go on sale to the general public. While not ideal, this at least ensures you still have a chance to get tickets instead of missing out altogether. You can also contact Citi after to inquire about reimbursement for the presale access issue.
Why Do Citi Presales Fail?
When a Citi presale code or link doesn’t work, it’s understandably frustrating. Here are some common reasons why a Citi presale may fail:
High traffic overloads the servers
With thousands of cardholders trying to access the presale at once, the traffic can sometimes overload the ticketing website and cause it to crash or freeze. Too many requests at the same time can prevent sales from going through properly.
Issues on ticket seller’s website
Problems with the ticket vendor’s website itself can also cause presales to fail. Things like bugs, glitches, maintenance downtime, or cyber attacks could make the site unusable during the Citi presale window.
Unused presale codes get shared widely
When people share an unused presale code publicly online, it makes the code essentially worthless if too many other people try using the same code. This renders the presale unusable with hundreds of people trying one code.
Bots attack the presale
Bots that automatically scan sites for presale codes and buy up tickets have also been an issue. They can purchase a large portion of tickets before real fans get access. This can freeze out Citi cardholders from getting tickets during the presale.
Presale details change last minute
If event details like the presale date or code get changed at the last minute, it can cause confusion and prevent cardholders from accessing the correct presale. Lack of updated information results in an unusable presale.
How to Use a Citi Presale Successfully
Despite potential issues, you can take steps to maximize your chances of successfully buying tickets during Citi presales:
Register your Citi card early
Link your Citi card to your account at Citi Entertainment and any ticket seller accounts well before the presale to prevent last minute snags.
Know when the presale starts
Mark your calendar for the exact date and time so you don’t miss the start of the presale window. Set reminders if needed.
Log in ahead of time
Try logging into the necessary sites like Citi Entertainment and the ticket seller about an hour before the presale begins to ensure your access works properly.
Use strong/reliable wifi
Weak internet connections can disrupt the ticket buying process. Upgrade your wifi plan or hardwire your internet access if possible.
Have payment details saved
Make sure your payment information and shipping address are pre-saved so you don’t waste precious time entering them.
Only use the presale code once
Don’t share your code. Using it multiple times can invalidate the code.
Be ready right at the start time
Log in to the ticket site a few minutes early and refresh at the exact presale start time to improve your chances.
Contact Citi for Presale Issues
If you continue having problems accessing a Citi presale you are eligible for, contact Citi to report the issues:
- Call the number on the back of your Citi card
- Chat with a Citi representative online
- Visit a Citi branch to speak with someone in person
A Citi representative can look into what is preventing your presale access, confirm your eligibility, and file a complaint on your behalf if needed. This also provides Citi with feedback to improve the presale experience.
Be ready to provide:
- Your full name and Citi card number
- The date and time you tried accessing the presale
- What issues you encountered (site crashing, code not working etc)
Request a refund of the Citi presale fee
If you paid an upfront fee for access to the presale through Citi and were unable to use the presale at all, request a refund of the fee amount. Citi may require some documentation showing you attempted to use the presale but could not.
Ask Citi to reimburse for regular purchases
As a last resort if you end up having to buy tickets the regular way, ask Citi to reimburse you for some or all of your ticket purchase amount. They may offer a statement credit if the presale failure was confirmed to be an error on their end.
Preventing Future Citi Presale Issues
To avoid repeated presale headaches in the future, be proactive:
Give feedback directly to Citi
When you report presale problems to Citi, give detailed feedback. The more info Citi has, the better chance they can address any weaknesses or issues in the presale process.
Adjust presale practices based on past issues
Look back at any past problems you’ve had with Citi presales. Then make the appropriate changes to avoid the same issues again.
Plan ahead for presales further in advance
Give yourself plenty of lead time to prepare for any upcoming Citi presales. Sort out eligibility, codes and links, internet connection etc well before the start time.
Spread out trying different devices
Don’t attempt the presale solely on one device like your phone. Have multiple options like a computer, tablet, another smartphone etc in case one has issues.
Book backup tickets if possible
If able, try booking backup tickets through another presale, discounted outlet or general on-sale to secure your admission in case the Citi presale falls through. You can always release the unneeded ones after.
Alternatives to Citi Presales
If you continually have no luck with Citi presales, consider some alternative options for getting tickets before the general public on-sale:
Fan club or venue presales
Many bands, theaters and venues offer special presales for members of their email list or fan club. Joining these groups can provide presale code access.
Album presales
Buying an artist’s album when it first goes on sale often unlocks early ticketing access. Online stores provide presale codes with album purchases.
VIP packages
Some events sell special VIP ticket packages that bundle early ticket access with extras like premium seats, meet and greets, merchandise etc.
Resale sites
While pricier, resale sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats sell in-demand tickets to sold out events. Prices usually drop as the event date approaches.
Ticket presale platforms
Specialized presale services like Presale Password provide presale codes and opportunities for various events beyond specific credit cards.
Is it Worth Trying for Presales?
Despite the potential headaches, Citi presales remain worthwhile for several key reasons:
Tickets before general on-sale
Presales provide the earliest chance to buy tickets before the masses do. This access is crucial for high demand events.
Better seat selection
Buying earlier frequently allows picking better seats that would get snatched up fast otherwise. Good seats sell out right away.
Cheaper than resale
Presale ticket prices through Citi are generally listed at face value. This saves paying inflated resale markups down the road.
Perk of the Citi card
Access to Citi presales is a valuable perk and benefit of being a cardholder. Making use of available benefits maximizes the card’s value.
Can beat the bots
Getting tickets through presales minimizes having to compete with aggressive ticket buying bots during general on-sales.
Despite potential headaches, the huge advantage of getting tickets ahead of the public makes Citi presales well worth the effort in most cases. Persistence and troubleshooting can help overcome obstacles.
Conclusion
Trouble accessing Citi’s cardholder presales can quickly ruin your event plans. Following presale requirements precisely, double-checking codes and links, allowing ample time to troubleshoot errors, and contacting Citi for assistance can help maximize your presale success. With some savvy preparation and persistence, you can overcome presale problems and get those coveted early bird tickets.