Ticketmaster's refund policy depends on the event type and the reason you want to return your tickets

Ticketmaster does not offer refunds for most events straightforward because you change your mind. The company's standard policy is that all ticket sales are final. However, refunds are possible in specific situations: if the event is cancelled, if it is postponed and you cannot attend the new date, if the venue or artist changes significantly, or if Ticketmaster made an error in your order.

The process and timeline for getting money back vary by reason. A cancelled event usually triggers an automatic refund within a set number of days. A postponed show requires you to contact Ticketmaster directly to request a refund rather than accept the new date. Errors on Ticketmaster's side—such as charging you twice or selling you tickets that should not have been available—are handled case by case.

Your refund goes back to the original payment method. If you paid by credit card, the card issuer processes the credit, which can take 5 to 10 business days to appear. If you paid by debit card or bank transfer, the timeline may be longer depending on your bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Ticketmaster refunds cancelled events automatically, but you must claim the refund within the important date stated in their cancellation notice.
  • If an event is postponed to a date you cannot attend, you can request a refund by contacting Ticketmaster, but you must do so before the new event date.
  • Refunds for venue or artist changes, or for Ticketmaster errors, require you to contact customer service with documentation of the change or error.
  • Refunds return to your original payment method and typically take 5 to 10 business days for credit cards, longer for debit or bank transfers.
  • Tickets purchased through a reseller (not directly from Ticketmaster) are refunded by the reseller, not by Ticketmaster.

Cancelled events and automatic refunds

When an event is cancelled, Ticketmaster sends a notification to the email address on your account. The email includes a important date—usually 30 days from the cancellation date—by which you must claim your refund. If you do nothing by that important date, Ticketmaster may convert your refund into a credit toward future ticket purchases instead of returning cash to your card.

To claim the refund, log into your Ticketmaster account, go to "My Events," find the cancelled event, and select the refund option. You will see the refund amount and the payment method it will return to. Once you confirm, the refund enters the processing queue. Ticketmaster aims to process refunds within 30 days of the cancellation, though the actual time depends on your bank.

If you do not receive a cancellation email, check your spam folder or log into your Ticketmaster account directly. You can also call Ticketmaster's customer service line to verify whether an event has been cancelled and to request a refund manually if the online option is not available.

Postponed events and your refund window

A postponed event is treated differently from a cancellation. Ticketmaster does not automatically refund postponed shows. Instead, your tickets remain valid for the new date. If you cannot attend the rescheduled date, you must contact Ticketmaster to request a refund.

The critical detail is timing. Most venues and promoters set a important date—often 10 to 30 days after the new date is announced—by which you must decide whether to keep your tickets or request a refund. Once that important date passes, you typically lose the right to a refund and are stuck with tickets to a show you cannot attend. Check your email and your Ticketmaster account when ready after a postponement is announced to see what important date applies to your event.

To request a refund for a postponed event, contact Ticketmaster through their website's customer service form or by phone. Have your order number and the event details ready. Explain that you cannot attend the new date and request a refund. Ticketmaster will verify your request and process the refund if you are within the important date.

Venue or artist changes that may may have access to for a refund

If the venue changes significantly—for example, the show moves from an arena to a much smaller theater—or if the artist or lineup changes substantially, you may be may have access to to a refund. What counts as "significant" or "substantial" is not always clear and varies by event. A headliner being replaced by a different artist is usually grounds for a refund. A supporting act being added or removed typically is not.

When a major change occurs, Ticketmaster or the promoter usually sends a notification. If you believe the change is significant enough to warrant a refund, contact Ticketmaster's customer service with details of what changed and why you no longer want to attend. Include your order number and any documentation of the change (such as a screenshot of the updated lineup or venue information). Ticketmaster will review your request and decide whether the change meets their refund criteria.

This process is not automatic and can take several days or longer. There is no may provide of approval. If Ticketmaster denies your request, you can escalate by asking to speak with a supervisor or filing a complaint with your credit card company if you believe the change was material enough to warrant a chargeback.

Errors in your order or billing

If Ticketmaster charged you twice for the same order, sold you more tickets than you requested, or made another billing error, contact customer service when ready with your order number and a description of the error. Ticketmaster will investigate and issue a refund if the error is confirmed.

Billing errors are usually resolved within 5 to 10 business days once confirmed. Keep copies of your order confirmation email and your bank or credit card statement showing the duplicate or incorrect charge. This documentation speeds up the investigation.

If Ticketmaster disputes the error or does not respond within a reasonable time, you can file a dispute with your credit card company or bank. Provide them with your order confirmation and bank statement as evidence. Your card issuer can reverse the charge while the dispute is investigated.

Resold tickets and third-party refund policies

If you bought your tickets through Ticketmaster's resale platform (Ticketmaster Resale) or through a third-party reseller like StubHub or SeatGeek, Ticketmaster's refund policy does not explore. Instead, you must follow the reseller's policy.

Most resellers have their own no-refund policies or allow refunds only under specific conditions. StubHub, for example, offers refunds only if the event is cancelled; if it is postponed, you keep the tickets for the new date. Check the reseller's terms before you buy, and contact the reseller directly if you need a refund—not Ticketmaster.

The one exception is if the reseller is part of Ticketmaster's official resale network. In that case, the refund rules may align with Ticketmaster's, but you still submit the refund request through the reseller's platform, not through Ticketmaster directly.

How to contact Ticketmaster for a refund

The fastest way to request a refund is through Ticketmaster's website. Log into your account, go to "My Events," find the relevant event, and look for a refund or support option. If the event qualifies for a refund, you will see a button or link to start the process.

If the online option is not available or you need to discuss your situation, call Ticketmaster's customer service line. Wait times vary, especially around major event announcements or cancellations. Have your order number, email address, and event details ready before you call.

You can also submit a request through Ticketmaster's online contact form on their website. Fill in your order number, the reason for your refund request, and any relevant details. Ticketmaster typically responds within 2 to 5 business days, though during high-volume periods (such as widespread cancellations) it may take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I just don't want to go anymore?

No. Ticketmaster's policy is that all sales are final for change-of-mind situations. Your only option is to resell your tickets through Ticketmaster Resale, StubHub, or another resale platform, though you may sell them for less than you paid.

What if I miss the refund important date for a cancelled event?

If you miss the important date, Ticketmaster typically converts your refund into a credit toward future ticket purchases. Contact customer service to ask whether they will make an exception and process a cash refund anyway, but there is no may provide they will.

How long does it take to see a refund on my card?

Ticketmaster processes refunds within 30 days, but the time it takes to appear on your card depends on your bank. Credit cards usually show the refund within 5 to 10 business days. Debit cards and bank transfers can take 10 to 15 business days or longer.

Can I get a refund if the show is rescheduled to a time I can't attend?

Yes, but only if you request it before the important date set by the promoter or venue. This important date is usually 10 to 30 days after the new date is announced. Contact Ticketmaster when ready after learning of the postponement to request a refund.

What should I do if Ticketmaster denies my refund request?

Ask to speak with a supervisor or request an explanation in writing. If you believe the denial is unfair, you can file a dispute with your credit card company or bank and provide them with documentation of your refund request and Ticketmaster's response.