Are you ready to unlock exclusive access to some of the most sought-after events and experiences? If you're an American Express Card Member, you're holding a powerful key to presales on Ticketmaster! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you're ready to snag those coveted tickets before the general public even gets a peek.
The Magic of American Express Presales: Why It Matters
Imagine this: your favorite artist announces a new tour, or a highly anticipated sporting event is coming to town. The general on-sale date is weeks away, but thanks to your American Express card, you could be securing your tickets right now. That's the power of American Express presales on Ticketmaster.
American Express has a long-standing partnership with Ticketmaster, offering Card Members various benefits, including:
Amex Presale Tickets™ (formerly American Express Early Access): This gives you the opportunity to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public. This is your prime chance to get the best seats and avoid the mad rush.
Amex Reserved Tickets™ (formerly American Express Access): Even after the general sale begins, American Express often has a dedicated allotment of tickets reserved exclusively for Card Members. This can be a lifesaver if you miss the initial presale.
Other Perks: Depending on your specific Amex card and the event, you might also find benefits like dedicated entrances at venues, discounts on concessions, or even access to exclusive fan experiences.
Ready to dive in and get those tickets? Let's go!
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility & Get Prepared (Don't Skip This!)
This is the most crucial first step, so pay close attention! Before you can even think about buying tickets, you need to ensure your American Express card is eligible and you're set up for success.
Sub-heading: Check Your Card's Eligibility
Not all American Express cards offer the same presale benefits. Generally, most personal and business American Express Credit and Charge Cards are eligible for Amex Presale and Amex Reserved tickets. However, prepaid Amex cards are typically not eligible.
Action: Take a moment to visit the official American Express Entertainment website (
americanexpress.com/entertainment
Sub-heading: Ensure Your Ticketmaster Account is Ready
You'll need a Ticketmaster account to purchase tickets. If you don't have one, create it now!
Action: Go to Ticketmaster.com and either log in or sign up.
Create an Account: Make sure you use an active email address, as Ticketmaster will send you important updates and confirmations.
Update Payment Information: Crucially, you'll need to have your eligible American Express card saved as a payment method in your Ticketmaster account. This streamlines the checkout process during the presale. Ensure all your card details are accurate.
Connect Your Card (Optional but Recommended): American Express allows you to link your Amex card to your Ticketmaster account for easier access to Preferred Seating. While not strictly necessary for presales, it can simplify future purchases. You can often find this option within your Ticketmaster account settings under "Payment Options" or "Wallet."
Sub-heading: Do Your Homework: Find the Presale Information
Knowing when the presale starts and what code to use (if any) is paramount.
Action:
Artist/Event Websites & Social Media: The most common place to find presale announcements and codes is directly from the artist's official website, social media channels (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook), or the event promoter's site. Follow them diligently!
American Express Entertainment Website: As mentioned, the Amex Entertainment portal often lists upcoming presales for which Amex Card Members have access. You can filter by genre (music, sports, theater).
Ticketmaster Event Page: Once an event is announced, navigate to its specific page on Ticketmaster. Look for a section that says "Presales" or "Offers." Here, you'll often see "American Express Presale" listed, along with the start time and sometimes a hint about the code.
Email Alerts: Sign up for email alerts from Ticketmaster for your favorite artists or venues. They often send out presale notifications directly to your inbox.
Step 2: Understanding the American Express Presale Code (or Lack Thereof)
This is where it can get a little tricky, but we'll demystify it!
Sub-heading: When a Code IS Required
For many American Express presales, a specific code is needed to "unlock" the presale tickets. This code is almost always the Customer Service phone number on the back of your American Express card.
Important Note: Enter the number without any spaces or dashes. So, if your number is 1-800-555-1234, you'd enter 18005551234.
Action: Before the presale begins, locate your American Express card and note down the customer service number on the back. Have it ready to paste or type quickly.
Sub-heading: When No Code is Required (Automatic Unlock)
Sometimes, particularly for "Amex Reserved Tickets" or "Preferred Seating," the presale is automatically unlocked when you are logged into your Ticketmaster account with an eligible American Express card saved as your payment method. In these cases, you won't need to enter a separate code.
Action: Always check the event details on Ticketmaster or the Amex Entertainment website. If no specific code is mentioned for the American Express presale, assume it's an automatic unlock.
Step 3: The Day of the Presale: Execution is Key!
The presale starts, and it's time to act fast! This is where preparation pays off.
Sub-heading: Be Punctual and Prepared
Presales can sell out very quickly, especially for popular events. Treat it like a race.
Action:
Log In Early: Log into your Ticketmaster account at least 10-15 minutes before the presale officially begins.
Open the Event Page: Navigate to the specific event page on Ticketmaster.
Refresh at Go-Time: As the clock ticks down to the presale start time, refresh the page precisely at the announced time. Do not refresh too early or too late.
Sub-heading: Entering the Presale Code (If Applicable)
Once the presale begins, you'll typically see a prompt to enter a presale code.
Action:
Locate the "Unlock Tickets," "Enter Offer Code," or similar button/field on the event page.
Carefully enter the American Express customer service number (without spaces or dashes) that you noted down in Step 2.
Click "Unlock" or "Submit."
Sub-heading: Selecting Your Tickets
Once the presale is unlocked, you'll be able to see the available tickets.
Action:
Choose Your Seats/Quantity: Select your desired seating area and the number of tickets you wish to purchase. Be mindful of any ticket limits – exceeding them can get your order canceled.
Act Fast: The longer you hesitate, the higher the chance someone else snags those tickets.
Review Your Order: Double-check your chosen tickets and total cost.
Step 4: Completing Your Purchase with Your American Express Card
This is the final hurdle to securing your tickets.
Sub-heading: Proceed to Checkout
Once you've selected your tickets, you'll be directed to the checkout page.
Action: Click the "Proceed to Checkout" or "Buy Tickets" button.
Sub-heading: Payment Confirmation
This is the critical step where your American Express card comes into play.
Action:
Ensure American Express is Selected: Make sure your eligible American Express card is selected as the payment method. Since you pre-saved it in Step 1, it should be readily available.
Enter CVV/Security Code: You'll likely need to enter the 3 or 4-digit security code (CVV) from the back of your American Express card.
Finalize Purchase: Review all details one last time – ticket quantity, price, fees, and seating. Then, click the "Place Order" or "Confirm Purchase" button.
Payment with Membership Rewards (Optional): If your Amex card is enrolled in the Membership Rewards program, you might have the option to pay with points, either partially or fully. This option will appear during checkout if available.
Step 5: Confirmation and What's Next!
Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the American Express presale on Ticketmaster.
Sub-heading: Confirmation Email & Tickets
Immediately after your purchase, you should receive a confirmation email from Ticketmaster.
Action:
Check your inbox (and spam folder!) for this email. It's your proof of purchase.
Your tickets will usually be available in your Ticketmaster account under "My Tickets" or "My Orders." Depending on the event, they might be digital (accessible via the Ticketmaster app), or you might have print-at-home options.
Sub-heading: Enjoy the Event!
You've done the hard work, now enjoy the anticipation of the event!
Variety of Styling in Action:
Throughout this guide, you've seen various styling elements in use. For instance:
Bold text for emphasis on key terms and instructions.
Italicized text to highlight important nuances or benefits.
Code-like formatting(though not directly used for actual code in this response, it's a common styling for specific inputs like codes).Underlined text (not explicitly used here, but another option for emphasis).
This variety helps break up the text, makes it easier to scan, and draws attention to critical information, enhancing the user experience and ensuring the most important parts stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about using American Express presales on Ticketmaster, with quick answers:
How to find out about upcoming American Express presales on Ticketmaster?
Check the official American Express Entertainment website, follow artists/venues on social media, and sign up for email alerts from Ticketmaster.
How to know if my American Express card is eligible for presales?
Most American Express Credit and Charge Cards are eligible; check the Amex Entertainment website or your card benefits within your online Amex account. Prepaid cards are typically not eligible.
How to get the American Express presale code for Ticketmaster?
For most Amex presales, the code is the customer service phone number on the back of your American Express card, entered without spaces or dashes.
How to enter the Amex presale code on Ticketmaster?
On the event's Ticketmaster page, look for an "Unlock Tickets" or "Enter Offer Code" field and type in your Amex customer service number.
How to ensure I get good seats during an Amex presale?
Be logged into your Ticketmaster account well before the presale starts, have your Amex card details saved, and refresh the page precisely at the presale start time. Act quickly when selecting tickets.
How to use Membership Rewards points for Ticketmaster purchases with Amex?
If your card is enrolled, the option to pay with Membership Rewards points (partially or fully) may appear during the checkout process on Ticketmaster.
How to deal with a "no tickets available" message during an Amex presale?
Presales can sell out quickly. Keep trying to refresh, as tickets may become available due to abandoned carts. Also, check for "Amex Reserved Tickets" if the general sale has begun.
How to tell the difference between Amex Presale Tickets and Amex Reserved Tickets?
Amex Presale Tickets offer early access before the general public sale. Amex Reserved Tickets are a dedicated allotment of seats after the general sale has started.
How to link my American Express card to my Ticketmaster account?
Log into your Ticketmaster account, navigate to "Payment Options" or "Wallet," and add your Amex card details. Some users may also see an option to directly "connect" their Amex card for preferred seating benefits.
How to contact American Express or Ticketmaster for presale issues?
For card-related inquiries, contact American Express customer service. For issues with the Ticketmaster website or a specific event, contact Ticketmaster support.
