Do you want to snag tickets to that sold-out concert, a hot Broadway show, or a major sporting event before anyone else even knows they're available? If you're an American Express Cardmember, you're in luck! American Express offers an exclusive benefit that allows you to purchase tickets during a presale period, often before they go on sale to the general public. This can significantly increase your chances of getting those coveted seats.
Ready to dive in and learn how to master the art of American Express presales? Let's get started!
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility and Card Type
The first and most crucial step is to ensure your American Express card is eligible for presale access. Not all Amex cards offer the same level of benefits, and some prepaid cards are explicitly excluded.
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| How Do I Get American Express Presale Tickets Online |
Amex Presale Eligibility
Generally, most American Express credit and charge cards are eligible for presale access. This often includes:
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The Platinum Card®: Known for its extensive travel and lifestyle benefits, Platinum Cardmembers often get access to premium seating and exclusive experiences.
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The Gold Card®: A popular choice for dining and groceries, Gold Cardmembers also enjoy a good range of presale opportunities.
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Green Card®: Even the Green Card can grant access to special ticket opportunities.
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Centurion® Card (Black Card): The highest tier, offering the most exclusive access and benefits.
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Co-branded American Express Cards: Many airline, hotel, or retail co-branded Amex cards also participate.
However, prepaid American Express cards are typically NOT eligible for presale access. Always double-check the specific terms and conditions for your card on the American Express website or by calling the number on the back of your card.
Verifying Your Card
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Check the back of your card: The phone number on the back of your card can connect you to customer service who can confirm your presale benefits.
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Visit the American Express Experiences website: American Express maintains a dedicated portal for Cardmember experiences, including presales:
americanexpress.com/experiences
Step 2: Find Out About Upcoming Presales
Being informed is key! You need to know when and where presales are happening.
Subscribing to American Express Alerts
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Sign up for Amex emails: Ensure your American Express account preferences are set to receive marketing and special offer emails. American Express frequently sends out notifications about upcoming presales for concerts, sporting events, and theater.
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Check the American Express Experiences website regularly: This is your central hub for all things Amex presales. They list upcoming events and details on how to access tickets.
Checking Ticketing Partner Websites
American Express partners with major ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster and Live Nation.
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
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Visit Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com: These sites often list events with "American Express Presale" as an option. You can filter events by presale type.
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Follow artists/teams on social media: Artists, bands, sports teams, and venues will often announce presale dates and times on their official social media channels.
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Sign up for venue newsletters: Many venues offer their own presales, and sometimes these align with Amex presales.
Important Presale Details to Note:
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Presale Date and Time: Presales have a very specific start and end time. Missing this window means you'll have to wait for the general public sale.
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Presale Code/Password: This is often the first 4 digits of your American Express card number, or the 10-digit customer service number on the back of your card (without spaces or dashes). Sometimes, for specific events, there might be a unique code provided by American Express or the event promoter.
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Ticket Limits: Be aware that presales often have strict ticket limits per cardmember to ensure fair access.
Step 3: Accessing the Presale Online
Once you know about an upcoming presale and have your eligible card ready, it's time to act!
Using Ticketmaster for Amex Presales
Ticketmaster is one of the most common platforms for American Express presales.
Sub-step 3.1: Log In and Find the Event
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Log in to your Ticketmaster account: If you don't have one, create it in advance. Make sure your American Express card is saved as a payment method for a smoother checkout.
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Navigate to the event page: Search for the specific concert, show, or game you're interested in.
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Look for the "American Express Presale" option: On the event page, you'll typically see various presale options listed. Select the one designated for American Express.
Sub-step 3.2: Enter the Presale Code
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Enter your presale code: When prompted, enter the American Express presale code. This is usually the first 4 digits of your American Express Card number. For some events, it might be the 10-digit customer service number from the back of your card (no spaces or dashes).
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Unlock tickets: After entering the code, the presale tickets should become available for selection.
Sub-step 3.3: Select Tickets and Checkout
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Choose your seats: Select the desired number of tickets and your preferred seating location. Act quickly, as good seats go fast!
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Proceed to checkout: Ensure you're paying with an eligible American Express card. This is mandatory to complete the presale purchase.
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Complete the transaction: Follow the prompts to finalize your purchase. You'll receive a confirmation email once the transaction is successful.
Using Live Nation for Amex Presales
Live Nation, similar to Ticketmaster, also hosts Amex presales. The process is very similar.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Sub-step 3.1: Access the Event and Presale
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Log in to your Live Nation account: Or create one if you haven't already.
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Find the event: Navigate to the event you want tickets for.
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Select the American Express Presale: Look for the specific presale option on the event page.
Sub-step 3.2: Input the Code
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Enter the presale code: Again, this is typically the first 4 digits of your Amex card or the 10-digit customer service number.
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Unlock ticket access: The system will verify your card's eligibility and unlock the presale inventory.
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Sub-step 3.3: Purchase Your Tickets
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Choose your tickets: Select your seats and quantity.
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Pay with your Amex card: Crucially, you must use an eligible American Express card for payment to complete the purchase.
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Confirm your order: Finalize the transaction and await your confirmation.
Step 4: Tips for Success
Securing presale tickets can be competitive. Here are some pro tips to increase your chances:
Be Prepared and Punctual
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Set reminders: Mark your calendar and set alarms for the exact presale start time. Presales often begin precisely at the announced minute.
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Log in early: Be logged into your Ticketmaster or Live Nation account at least 5-10 minutes before the presale starts.
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Have your card handy: Even though it might be saved, having your American Express card physically near you can save precious seconds if you need to re-enter details.
Optimize Your Setup
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Strong internet connection: A stable and fast internet connection is crucial. Consider using a wired connection if possible.
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Avoid multiple devices/tabs: Trying to open multiple tabs or use multiple devices for the same account can sometimes lead to issues or even get your attempts flagged as suspicious. Stick to one streamlined process.
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Disable VPNs: Some ticketing sites can get confused by VPNs, potentially blocking your access.
Understand the "Virtual Waiting Room"
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Patience is key: For highly anticipated events, ticketing sites often implement a "virtual waiting room." Don't refresh your browser while in the waiting room; you'll lose your place in line.
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Don't give up immediately: Even if it looks like tickets are gone at first, keep trying for a few minutes. Sometimes tickets are released in batches, or others' transactions fail.
Step 5: Understanding Different Amex Presale Types
American Express offers a few different types of exclusive ticket access. While the general process is similar, understanding the nuances can be helpful.
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
American Express Presale Tickets™
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This is the most common type. It grants early access to tickets before the general public sale. These tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible Cardmembers.
American Express Reserved Tickets™
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For certain events, American Express reserves a block of tickets specifically for Cardmembers. These tickets might become available during the general public sale period, even if general inventory is sold out. This provides another opportunity to snag tickets.
Preferred Access
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Some events might offer "Preferred Access" which is also exclusive to Amex Cardmembers, often for specific seating sections or experiences. The code is usually the 800-number on the back of your card (no dashes/spaces).
On-Site Benefits and Experiences
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Beyond just tickets, American Express sometimes offers additional perks at select venues, such as dedicated entrances, fast lanes, or even statement credits on qualifying concession purchases. Always check the Amex Experiences website for details on specific events and venues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find out which American Express cards are eligible for presales?
You can verify your card's eligibility by visiting the official American Express Experiences website (
How to find the presale code for American Express tickets?
For most American Express presales, the code is either the first 4 digits of your American Express Card number or the 10-digit customer service phone number on the back of your card (without spaces or dashes). Specific events may occasionally have unique codes, which would be communicated by Amex or the event promoter.
How to use American Express presale on Ticketmaster?
Log in to your Ticketmaster account, navigate to the event, select the "American Express Presale" option, and when prompted for a code, enter the first 4 digits of your American Express Card number. Then, proceed to select your tickets and complete the purchase using an eligible Amex card.
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
How to use American Express presale on Live Nation?
Similar to Ticketmaster, log in to your Live Nation account, find the event, choose the American Express presale, enter the appropriate Amex presale code (usually the first 4 digits of your card), select your tickets, and complete the purchase with your American Express card.
How to know when American Express presales are happening?
The best ways are to sign up for email alerts from American Express (via your account settings), regularly check the American Express Experiences website (
How to increase my chances of getting presale tickets?
Be prepared by knowing the exact presale start time, logging in early, having your Amex card details handy, and using a strong internet connection. Don't refresh during waiting room periods. Act quickly as tickets are often limited and sell out fast.
How to get American Express Reserved Tickets?
American Express Reserved Tickets are a specific allocation of tickets held for Amex Cardmembers. These might become available during the general public sale or at other designated times. Look for the "American Express Reserved Tickets" option on the ticketing website and use your eligible Amex card for purchase.
How to get help if my Amex presale code isn't working?
First, double-check that you're entering the correct code (first 4 digits of your card or 10-digit customer service number without spaces/dashes). Ensure the event is currently in its Amex presale window. If issues persist, contact American Express customer service using the number on the back of your card.
How to get American Express presale benefits for an additional cardholder?
Generally, additional cardholders on an eligible American Express account can also access presale benefits, as long as they use their linked American Express card for the purchase.
How to get exclusive Amex experiences beyond just tickets?
American Express often offers additional benefits at select venues as part of their "Events with Amex" or "Venue Collection" programs. These can include dedicated entrances, fast lanes, or statement credits on concessions. Check the Amex Experiences website for specific events and venues where these perks are available.
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