Hey there, fellow entertainment enthusiast! Are you tired of missing out on tickets to your favorite concerts, shows, and sporting events? Do you dream of snagging those prime seats before they even go on sale to the general public? Well, if you're an American Express Card Member, you're in luck! American Express offers an incredible perk: presale access to a wide variety of sought-after events. This means you get a head start on securing your spots, often before tickets are released to the masses.
Ready to dive in and unlock this fantastic benefit? Let's get you set up to master the art of American Express presales!
Your Ultimate Guide to American Express Presale Access
Getting access to American Express presales is generally straightforward, but knowing the steps and understanding the nuances can make all the difference.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility (The Most Crucial First Step!)
Before you get too excited about front-row seats, the very first thing you need to do is confirm that your American Express Card is eligible for presale access. While many American Express cards offer this benefit, it's always good to double-check.
Sub-heading: Which Cards are Generally Eligible?
Most U.S.-issued American Express Cards, including consumer, business, and corporate cards, are generally eligible. This often includes:
The Platinum Card®
The Gold Card®
Various Delta SkyMiles® Platinum and Reserve Cards
Blue Cash Everyday® Card
Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
However, American Express Prepaid Cards are typically NOT eligible for presale purchases.
Sub-heading: How to Verify Your Card's Eligibility
Check Your Card Benefits Guide: When you received your American Express card, it likely came with a guide detailing all its benefits. Look for sections on "Entertainment," "Experiences," or "Presale Tickets."
Visit the American Express Website: Head to the official American Express website (americanexpress.com) and navigate to the "Benefits" or "Experiences" section. You can usually find detailed information there about presale access tied to specific card types.
Call American Express Customer Service: If you're still unsure, the quickest way to get a definitive answer is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. They can confirm your card's eligibility for presales.
Once you've confirmed your card is good to go, you're ready for the next exciting step!
Step 2: Create or Log in to Your Online Ticketing Accounts
American Express doesn't directly sell the tickets; they provide the access. The actual ticket purchase happens through third-party ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, Live Nation, AXS, and others.
Sub-heading: Why This Step is Important
Having your accounts set up and ready to go before the presale begins is critical. Imagine the frustration of finding your dream tickets only to be held up by account creation or password resets!
Sub-heading: Actions to Take:
Identify the Ticketing Platform: When an event announces an American Express presale, they will usually specify which ticketing platform is handling the sales. This information is typically found on the artist's official website, the venue's website, or the American Express Experiences page.
Create an Account: If you don't already have an account on the relevant ticketing platform (e.g., Ticketmaster), create one well in advance.
Make sure your profile information is accurate.
Link your eligible American Express card as a payment method. This is absolutely crucial for a smooth checkout process.
Verify Login Details: If you already have an account, log in and ensure you remember your password. Even better, stay logged in on the device you plan to use for the presale.
Step 3: Find Out About Upcoming Presales
This is where you stay ahead of the curve! Knowing when and where presales are happening is key to securing tickets.
Sub-heading: How to Discover Presale Opportunities
American Express Experiences Website: The official Amex Experiences page (often found at
americanexpress.com/entertainment americanexpress.com/experiences Artist/Team/Venue Official Websites: Always check the official websites of the artist, sports team, or venue you're interested in. They will announce tour dates and often specify presale details, including American Express presales.
Sign Up for Email Alerts:
American Express Marketing Emails: Ensure you're opted into marketing communications from American Express. They often send out emails announcing exclusive presale opportunities.
Ticketing Platform Alerts: Sign up for email alerts from Ticketmaster, Live Nation, AXS, etc., for your favorite artists or venues.
Artist/Fan Club Mailing Lists: Many artists have fan clubs or mailing lists that provide early notification of presales.
Social Media: Follow American Express, your favorite artists, venues, and even specific ticketing platforms on social media. Presale announcements are frequently made there.
Presale News Sites: There are many blogs and news websites dedicated to concert and event news that often compile presale information.
Pro-tip: Set up calendar reminders for presale dates and times! These go fast!
Step 4: Understand the "Presale Code" (or Lack Thereof!)
This is where a lot of confusion can arise. Unlike many other presales that require a specific alphanumeric code, American Express presales often work differently.
Sub-heading: The Common American Express Presale "Code"
For many American Express presales, your "code" is simply the 10-digit customer service phone number located on the back of your eligible American Express Card.
You will typically enter this 10-digit number (without spaces or dashes) into the "promotional code" or "password" field on the ticketing website.
Then, you must complete the purchase using that same eligible American Express Card. This is the ultimate verification.
Sub-heading: When a Specific Code Might Be Used
While less common for standard Amex Presales, some events, especially those designated as "American Express Preferred Access" or special partner promotions, might have a specific word or phrase as a code (e.g., "INGOLD"). This will usually be clearly stated on the American Express Experiences page or the event's ticketing page. Always read the specific instructions for each presale.
Step 5: Be Ready on Presale Day!
The moment of truth! Being prepared when the presale goes live significantly increases your chances of success.
Sub-heading: Before the Presale Starts:
Log In Early: Log in to your chosen ticketing platform account at least 10-15 minutes before the presale is scheduled to begin.
Have Your Card Handy: Keep your eligible American Express Card with its 10-digit customer service number readily accessible.
Stable Internet Connection: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection. A dropped connection can mean lost tickets.
One Device is Best: While it might be tempting to open multiple tabs or use multiple devices, this can sometimes lead to issues or even disqualify your attempts on certain ticketing systems. Stick to one browser tab on one device.
Disable VPNs: Some ticketing sites can flag VPN usage as suspicious activity, potentially blocking your access.
Sub-heading: When the Clock Strikes Go:
Refresh (if necessary): If the tickets don't appear exactly at the start time, try a quick refresh of the page.
Enter the "Code": When prompted, enter the 10-digit customer service number from the back of your Amex card (or the specific code if provided).
Select Your Seats Quickly: Tickets often disappear in seconds, especially for high-demand events.
Know your preferred seating areas or price points in advance.
If an interactive map is available, act swiftly.
Be prepared to accept "best available" if your preferred seats are gone.
Proceed to Checkout: Once you've selected your tickets, move to the checkout page immediately.
Use Your American Express Card: This is mandatory. The purchase must be completed using the American Express Card that grants you presale access. If you try to use another card, your transaction will likely be declined.
Review and Confirm: Double-check all details (event, date, time, quantity, total price) before confirming your purchase.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Tickets!
Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the American Express presale process and secured your tickets.
Sub-heading: What Happens Next?
Confirmation Email: You'll receive a confirmation email from the ticketing platform. Keep this safe.
Ticket Delivery: Depending on the event, your tickets might be digital (mobile tickets), print-at-home, or mailed. Follow the instructions provided by the ticketing platform for ticket delivery.
Mark Your Calendar: Add the event to your personal calendar so you don't miss out!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my American Express card is eligible for presales?
You can check your card's benefits guide, visit the American Express Experiences section on their official website, or call the customer service number on the back of your card.
How to find out about upcoming American Express presales?
Regularly check the American Express Experiences website, sign up for Amex marketing emails, subscribe to email alerts from major ticketing platforms (Ticketmaster, Live Nation, AXS), and follow relevant artists/venues on social media.
How to get the American Express presale code?
For most American Express presales, the "code" is the 10-digit customer service phone number on the back of your eligible American Express Card. Enter this number without spaces or dashes when prompted.
How to use my American Express card for presale purchases?
After entering the 10-digit customer service number as the presale code, you must complete the ticket purchase using the same eligible American Express Card.
How to purchase tickets if I don't have an American Express Card?
If you don't have an eligible American Express Card, you won't be able to access the Amex presale. You'll need to wait for the general public on-sale or look for other presale opportunities you might be eligible for.
How to avoid issues during an American Express presale?
Log in to your ticketing account early, have your Amex card details handy, ensure a stable internet connection, avoid using multiple devices, and double-check all purchase details before confirming.
How to tell the difference between "Amex Presale" and "Amex Reserved Tickets"?
"Amex Presale Tickets" offer access to tickets before the general public on-sale. "Amex Reserved Tickets" provide access to dedicated ticket allotments exclusively for Card Members, which may be available during the general on-sale period or other times.
How to know if a specific event has an American Express presale?
Check the official artist, venue, or promoter websites. They typically announce all presale details. The American Express Experiences website is also a good resource.
How to handle a technical issue during a presale?
If you encounter a technical issue with the ticketing platform, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache. If the problem persists, contact the ticketing platform's customer support. For issues related to your Amex card or presale eligibility, contact American Express customer service.
How to get the best seats during an Amex presale?
Act quickly as soon as the presale begins. Have your preferences for seating sections or price ranges in mind. Be flexible and consider "best available" if prime seats are snatched up immediately.