How To Avoid Ticketmaster Fees
Avoiding Ticketmaster fees entirely can be tricky, as they’re often built into the platform’s pricing model. However, there are legitimate strategies to minimize or bypass these fees in many cases:
🎟️ 1. Buy Tickets at the Venue Box Office
- Best way to avoid all service fees.
- Most box offices sell tickets without the convenience fees Ticketmaster adds.
- Call or check the venue’s website to confirm hours and availability.
🏟️ Tip: This works especially well for popular concerts, sports games, or comedy shows.
💻 2. Use Other Authorized Sellers
- Some artists, venues, or teams also sell through:
- AXS
- Eventbrite
- Etix
- SeatGeek (primary events)
- These platforms often have lower fees or different pricing structures.
🎁 3. Look for Presales, Fan Club, or Artist Websites
- Many artists or promoters sell presale tickets via their websites or fan clubs.
- These often use alternate ticketing platforms with fewer fees.
👯 4. Buy from Resale Platforms with Transparent Pricing
- Ticketmaster’s resale section still charges fees, but competitors like:
- TickPick (no hidden fees)
- Gametime
- Vivid Seats (watch for promotions)
- These sometimes offer better deals with upfront pricing.
📱 5. Use Discount Codes or Promotions
- Search for promo codes or follow Ticketmaster social media for occasional fee-reduction events.
- Credit card perks (e.g., American Express Preferred Access) may also waive fees for certain events.
🏦 6. Use Group or Corporate Discounts
- Some companies or alumni groups have bulk or discounted tickets that avoid retail platform fees.
- Check workplace perks programs or entertainment portals.
🧾 7. Compare Total Costs Before Buying
Ticketmaster often adds fees at the final checkout page—always check the full total before purchasing. Sometimes, third-party sites appear more expensive up front but end up cheaper after fees.
🚫 What Not to Do
| ❌ Avoid This | Why It’s a Bad Idea |
|---|---|
| Buying from scalpers | High risk of fraud or invalid tickets |
| Using bots or shady plugins | May violate terms and cause account bans |
| Relying on screenshots | Most events use scannable barcodes that rotate |
✅ Summary: Best Ways to Avoid Ticketmaster Fees
| Method | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Buy from box office | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (usually no fees) |
| Use alternative ticket sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fan clubs/presales | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Look for fee-free promos | ⭐⭐ |
| Use credit card partnerships | ⭐⭐ |