Are you ready to unlock exclusive access to some of the most sought-after events? If you're an American Express cardmember, you're in luck! American Express partners with Ticketmaster to offer Card Members early access to tickets through various presale programs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to snag those coveted tickets.
The Power of American Express Presales on Ticketmaster
American Express offers its cardmembers special perks when it comes to entertainment, particularly through its "Amex Experiences" and "Front Of The Line" (especially prevalent in Canada) programs. These programs give you the opportunity to purchase tickets to concerts, sporting events, theatre productions, and more before they go on sale to the general public. This can be a game-changer for high-demand events, giving you a significant advantage in securing seats.
The benefits often extend beyond just early access, sometimes including:
Amex Presale Tickets: Access to tickets before the general public.
Amex Reserved Tickets: Dedicated ticket allotments for Card Members, even during general sales.
On-site Benefits: At select events, you might find exclusive American Express entrances, lounges, or special offers.
Step 1: Confirm Your American Express Card Eligibility and Setup
Before you dive into the Ticketmaster platform, it's crucial to ensure your American Express card is ready and that you understand any specific requirements.
Sub-heading: Check Your Card's Eligibility
Not all American Express cards are equal in terms of presale access. While many Amex cards offer some level of presale access, some premium cards (like The Platinum Card® or Centurion® Card) might provide even more exclusive opportunities or better seating options. Generally, directly issued American Express cards are more likely to be eligible. Prepaid American Express cards are typically not eligible.
Verify your specific card's benefits. You can usually find information about your card's entertainment benefits on the American Express website or by contacting their customer service.
Sub-heading: Ensure Your Card is in Good Standing
Your American Express account must be in good standing to utilize presale benefits. This means no overdue payments or account issues.
Sub-heading: Set Up Your Online Accounts (if you haven't already)
American Express Online Account: If you don't already have one, create an online account with American Express. This allows you to manage your card, view benefits, and sometimes receive email updates about presale opportunities.
Ticketmaster Account: You'll definitely need a Ticketmaster account. Ensure your personal and payment information is up-to-date.
Sub-heading: Consider Connecting Your Amex Card to Ticketmaster
American Express often allows you to link your eligible Amex Card directly to your Ticketmaster account. This can streamline the presale process, as your eligibility for Amex Preferred Seating or presales may be automatically recognized when you're logged in.
To do this, navigate to your Ticketmaster account settings, look for payment options or linked accounts, and follow the prompts to connect your American Express card.
Step 2: Staying Informed about American Express Presales
Knowing when and how to access presales is key. Here's how to stay in the loop.
Sub-heading: Sign Up for American Express Entertainment Updates
American Express often has dedicated email newsletters or "Entertainment e-Updates" (like "Front Of The Line Entertainment e‑Updates" in Canada). Sign up for these! They will directly notify you about upcoming presales for various events. This is one of the most reliable ways to get timely information.
Sub-heading: Follow Artists, Venues, and Promoters
Artist Fan Clubs/Newsletters: Many artists offer their own fan club presales. While not directly Amex-related, these often happen concurrently or just before Amex presales.
Venue Newsletters: Local venues often have their own email lists and social media channels where they announce presales, including those for American Express cardmembers.
Promoter Newsletters: Companies like Live Nation and AEG also send out email alerts for their upcoming events, which might include Amex presales.
Sub-heading: Keep an Eye on Ticketmaster's "American Express Experiences" Page
Ticketmaster often has a dedicated section for American Express offers. Search for "Ticketmaster American Express" or "Amex Experiences" on their website. This page will list upcoming events with Amex presales or reserved seating.
Step 3: Accessing the Presale on Ticketmaster ️
This is where you put your preparation into action!
Sub-heading: Find the Event on Ticketmaster
Once you know an Amex presale is happening for an event you want to attend, head to the event page on Ticketmaster.
Sub-heading: Look for the American Express Presale Option
On the event's ticket selection page, you'll typically see different "offer types" or "presales" listed. Look specifically for options like:
"American Express Presale"
"American Express Front Of The Line Presale" (especially in Canada)
"American Express Preferred Seating"
"Amex Reserved Tickets"
Click on the American Express specific presale option.
Sub-heading: Entering the Presale Code (if required)
This is a crucial point: Sometimes an American Express presale will require a code, and sometimes it won't.
No Code Required (Common with linked accounts): If you've linked your American Express card to your Ticketmaster account and the system recognizes your eligibility, the Amex presale tickets might automatically unlock for you when you select the Amex offer type.
Code Required (The 10-Digit Customer Service Number): For many American Express presales on Ticketmaster (especially outside North America or if your card isn't linked), the presale code is often the 10-digit customer service number found on the back of your American Express card (without any dashes or spaces).
For UK Cardmembers, it's typically the 11-digit UK Customer Service phone number.
For non-UK Cardmembers, it might sometimes be the first two digits of your card number.
Always check the specific event details or the Amex presale announcement for the exact code or instructions.
Sub-heading: Select Your Tickets and Checkout
Once you've successfully accessed the presale, you'll be able to view and select the available tickets.
Important: You MUST pay for the tickets using an eligible American Express card. The transaction will not go through if you try to use a different payment method during an Amex presale.
Complete the purchase process as you normally would on Ticketmaster.
Step 4: Troubleshooting and Tips for Success ✨
Presales can be fast-paced, so here are some extra tips.
Sub-heading: Be Ready at Go-Time
Presales often begin at a specific time. Be logged into your Ticketmaster account and on the event page a few minutes before the sale starts.
Have your American Express card details readily available.
Sub-heading: Internet Connection and Device
Use a reliable internet connection.
Consider using a desktop or laptop rather than a mobile device for a smoother experience, though Ticketmaster's mobile app is increasingly robust.
Sub-heading: Patience and Persistence
If you encounter errors or "no tickets available" messages, don't give up immediately. Keep refreshing the page or trying again. Tickets can be released in batches, or other users' carts might expire.
If a specific presale isn't working, double-check the code, your card eligibility, and the event's specific terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to know if my American Express card is eligible for Ticketmaster presales?
Check the American Express website's "Experiences" or "Benefits" section, or contact Amex customer service to confirm your card's specific entertainment perks. Most directly issued Amex cards offer some form of presale access.
How to find the American Express presale code for Ticketmaster?
Often, the presale code for American Express is the 10-digit customer service number on the back of your card (without spaces or dashes). However, for some events, especially if your Amex card is linked to your Ticketmaster account, no code might be needed, and tickets will unlock automatically.
How to link my American Express card to my Ticketmaster account?
Log into your Ticketmaster account, go to "Account Settings" or "Payment Options," and look for an option to add or link a credit card. Follow the prompts to add your American Express card and save it for future use.
How to get notified about upcoming American Express presales?
Sign up for American Express Entertainment e-Updates or "Front Of The Line" emails, and subscribe to newsletters from your favorite artists, venues, and Ticketmaster itself.
How to use American Express Membership Rewards points for Ticketmaster tickets?
On the Ticketmaster payment page, if you have an eligible Amex card enrolled in Membership Rewards, you might see an option to use points for your purchase. You'll need to verify with your 4-digit security code.
How to get American Express Preferred Seating on Ticketmaster?
Look for "American Express Preferred Seating" as an offer type on the Ticketmaster event page. Your linked Amex card or the customer service number as a code will grant you access to these reserved seats.
How to deal with "no tickets available" during an Amex presale?
Keep refreshing the page and trying again, as tickets can be released in batches or become available if other users' carts expire. Persistence is key!
How to ensure my payment goes through during an Amex presale?
Make sure you use your eligible American Express card for the purchase, as other payment methods will be declined during an Amex-specific presale. Ensure your card details are correct and your account is in good standing.
How to get access to American Express lounges at events?
At select events and venues, present your valid American Express card at the designated Amex Cardmember Entrance or Lounge. Access is subject to capacity and venue policies.
How to find out which events offer American Express presales?
Visit the "Amex Experiences" or "Front Of The Line" section on the American Express website, or check Ticketmaster's dedicated American Express promotions page. Signing up for email alerts from both Amex and Ticketmaster is highly recommended.
