Ticketmaster's refund policy depends on who is selling the tickets and what reason you have for the return
Ticketmaster itself does not decide whether tickets are refundable. The artist, venue, or promoter who lists the event sets the refund terms before tickets go on sale. Once you buy, Ticketmaster shows you what that policy is, but Ticketmaster cannot override it. If the event organizer says non-refundable, Ticketmaster will not refund you — even if you change your mind the next day.
The only time Ticketmaster will refund tickets regardless of the stated policy is if the event is cancelled, postponed, or significantly changed (such as a venue move or a major artist dropping out). In those cases, you can request a refund through your Ticketmaster account, and the refund goes back to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- The event organizer, not Ticketmaster, decides whether tickets are refundable or non-refundable before the sale begins.
- Ticketmaster will refund you only if the event is cancelled, postponed, or substantially changed — not if you straightforward change your mind.
- You can check the refund policy on the event's ticket page before you complete your purchase.
- If an event is cancelled or postponed, you can request a refund through your Ticketmaster account under "My Events" or contact Ticketmaster customer service.
- Refunds typically take 7 to 10 business days to appear in your account after approval.
How to find the refund policy before you buy
The refund policy appears on every event's ticket page on Ticketmaster.com or the Ticketmaster app. Scroll down past the seating map and ticket options — you will see a section labeled "Event Info" or "Details." The refund policy is listed there in plain language, usually as either "Refundable" or "Non-Refundable" with any conditions attached.
Some events offer a middle ground: refundable up to a certain date (for example, "refundable until 48 hours before the event"), or refundable only if you use Ticketmaster's resale platform. Read this section carefully before you click "Checkout," because once you complete the purchase, you are bound by whatever policy was posted.
If you do not see a refund policy listed, contact Ticketmaster customer service before buying. You can reach them through the "Help" section on Ticketmaster.com or call the number on your confirmation email.
When Ticketmaster will refund you without asking
Ticketmaster automatically processes refunds when the event organizer cancels the show, postpones it to a different date, or makes a major change to the event. Major changes include moving to a different venue, removing a headlining artist, or significantly changing the event format. A small lineup adjustment (one opening act replaced with another) typically does not trigger an automatic refund.
If your event falls into one of these categories, you will receive an email from Ticketmaster notifying you of the change and your refund options. You can usually choose between a refund or a credit toward future purchases. If you want the refund, log into your Ticketmaster account, go to "My Events," find the cancelled or postponed show, and select "Request Refund." The money returns to your original payment method.
What happens if you want to return non-refundable tickets
If the tickets are marked non-refundable and the event has not been cancelled or changed, Ticketmaster will not refund your money. Your options are to attend the event, give the tickets to someone else, or sell them through Ticketmaster's resale platform (if the organizer allows resale).
Ticketmaster's resale platform lets you list tickets at any price you choose. Ticketmaster takes a percentage of the sale, and the buyer pays Ticketmaster directly. You receive the proceeds minus fees. This is not a refund, but it is a way to recover some or all of your money if you cannot attend.
If you believe the event organizer made a material misrepresentation — for example, the artist cancelled but the show is still happening with a replacement, or the venue changed without notice — you can contact Ticketmaster customer service to discuss your options. They cannot override a non-refundable policy, but they may be able to help you understand whether the change qualifies as a "significant change" under the policy.
Refunds for events postponed due to weather or emergencies
If an event is postponed because of weather, illness, or another emergency, the refund policy depends on what the organizer decides. Some organizers automatically refund tickets for postponed shows. Others require you to use your ticket for the rescheduled date, with no refund option.
When an event is postponed, Ticketmaster sends you an email with the new date and your refund options. If a refund is offered, you will see a "Request Refund" button in your account under "My Events." If no refund option is listed, the organizer is requiring you to attend the rescheduled date or forfeit your ticket.
How to request a refund through your Ticketmaster account
Log into Ticketmaster.com or open the Ticketmaster app and go to "My Events" (on the website, this is in the top menu; on the app, it is in the bottom menu). Find the event you want a refund for and tap or click on it. If a refund is available, you will see a "Request Refund" button. Click it and follow the prompts to confirm.
After you request a refund, Ticketmaster sends you a confirmation email. The refund is processed to your original payment method — the card or account you used to buy the tickets. Refunds typically appear within 7 to 10 business days, though some banks take longer to post the credit to your account.
If you do not see a "Request Refund" button, the event organizer has not made refunds available for that event. You can contact Ticketmaster customer service to ask whether the event qualifies for a refund under their policy, but they cannot override the organizer's decision.
Contacting Ticketmaster if you have a refund problem
If you believe you are may have access to to a refund and cannot find the option in your account, contact Ticketmaster customer service. On Ticketmaster.com, go to "Help" at the bottom of the page and select "Contact Us." You can choose to chat with an agent, call, or email. Response times vary, but chat and phone support are usually faster than email.
Have your order confirmation number ready — it appears in your confirmation email and in your "My Events" section. Explain what happened (the event was cancelled, postponed, or significantly changed) and ask for a refund. If Ticketmaster agrees that you may have access to, they will process the refund and give you a reference number.
If Ticketmaster denies your refund request, ask them to explain which part of the refund policy your situation does not meet. If you believe they made an error, you can escalate the case by asking to speak with a supervisor or by filing a complaint with your state's attorney general or the Better Business Bureau.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return tickets if I just changed my mind about going?
No, not if the tickets are marked non-refundable. Ticketmaster only refunds tickets if the event is cancelled, postponed, or substantially changed by the organizer. If you want to get rid of the tickets, you can try selling them through Ticketmaster's resale platform or giving them to someone else.
What if I bought tickets with a credit card and want to dispute the charge?
You can contact your credit card company and file a dispute, but this should be a last resort. Ticketmaster and your card issuer will investigate, and Ticketmaster will explain that you agreed to the refund policy when you bought the tickets. If the event was not cancelled or changed, your dispute will likely be denied. Try requesting a refund through Ticketmaster first.
Do I get a refund if the artist reschedules to a date I cannot attend?
That depends on the organizer's policy. Some allow you to refund tickets if you cannot make the new date. Others require you to use your ticket for the rescheduled show or forfeit it. Check the email Ticketmaster sends when the new date is announced — it will tell you whether a refund option is available.
How long does it take to get a refund after I request one?
Ticketmaster processes refunds within 7 to 10 business days. The money goes back to the payment method you used to buy the tickets. Your bank or credit card company may take an additional 1 to 3 business days to post the credit to your account.
Can I get a refund if I lost my tickets or they were stolen?
No. Ticketmaster does not refund lost or stolen tickets. If your tickets were stolen, contact Ticketmaster customer service when ready to see if they can cancel the tickets and issue new ones to a different email address. If the tickets have already been used, there is no refund available.