What Ticketmaster's refund policy actually covers
Ticketmaster will refund your money if the event is cancelled, but not if you straightforward change your mind or can't attend. The refund goes back to your original payment method within 30 days of the cancellation. If the event is rescheduled to a different date, Ticketmaster treats your tickets as valid for the new date — you don't automatically get a refund just because the timing changed.
The venue or promoter, not Ticketmaster, decides whether an event gets cancelled. Ticketmaster processes the refund once that decision is made. If a performer cancels but the promoter books a replacement act, Ticketmaster will not refund you unless the promoter chooses to offer refunds as part of their own policy.
Refunds for cancelled events are automatic if you bought directly through Ticketmaster's website or app. If you bought through a reseller, a box office, or a third-party vendor, you'll need to contact that seller, not Ticketmaster, because Ticketmaster has no record of that transaction.
Key Takeaways
- Ticketmaster refunds only cancelled events; rescheduled events keep your tickets valid for the new date unless the promoter offers refunds.
- Refunds process to your original payment method within 30 days of cancellation, but you must have bought directly from Ticketmaster.
- If you bought tickets through a reseller, box office, or third party, contact that seller for refunds, not Ticketmaster.
- Ticketmaster does not refund for personal reasons, schedule conflicts, or changes in your plans.
- The venue or promoter decides whether to cancel; Ticketmaster only processes the refund once that decision is made.
How to request a refund for a cancelled event
Log into your Ticketmaster account and go to "My Events" or "My Tickets." Find the cancelled event in your list. If the event shows a cancellation notice, a refund button or link will appear on that event's page. Click it to start the refund process.
If you don't see a refund option, the event may not have been officially cancelled yet, or Ticketmaster may still be processing the cancellation. Check back in 24 hours. You can also call Ticketmaster's customer service line — the number is on your confirmation email or on the Ticketmaster website — to confirm the cancellation status and ask when the refund will appear.
Refunds typically show up in your bank account or credit card within 5 to 10 business days after you request them, though some banks take longer to post the credit. If 30 days have passed since the cancellation and you haven't received your money, contact Ticketmaster again with your order number.
Rescheduled events and your ticket options
When an event moves to a new date, your ticket automatically transfers to the rescheduled show. You don't need to do anything. Ticketmaster sends you an email confirming the new date and time, and your ticket remains valid.
Some promoters choose to offer refunds even when they reschedule. If that option is available, Ticketmaster will show a refund button alongside the new event details. You can then choose to keep your ticket for the new date or request a refund. Once you request a refund for a rescheduled event, you lose your seat — you cannot change your mind and keep the ticket later.
If the event moves to a date you absolutely cannot attend and the promoter has not offered refunds, your only option is to sell the ticket through Ticketmaster's resale platform or a secondary market. Ticketmaster itself will not refund you for a rescheduled event unless the promoter has explicitly made that choice.
Refunds for tickets bought through resellers and third parties
If you bought your ticket through StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, Facebook Marketplace, or any other reseller, Ticketmaster has no record of your purchase. You must contact the reseller directly for a refund, not Ticketmaster. Each reseller has its own refund policy, and many do not refund cancelled events at all.
Check the reseller's website or app for their cancellation policy before you contact them. Some resellers require you to request a refund within a certain number of days of the cancellation announcement. Others may refund you as a credit toward future purchases rather than returning money to your original payment method.
If you bought tickets at the venue's box office or through a phone number listed on the event's official website, contact that box office or phone line directly. They will tell you whether refunds are available and how to receive yours.
When Ticketmaster won't refund you
Ticketmaster does not refund tickets because you changed your mind, got sick, had a schedule conflict, or no longer want to go. These are personal reasons, and Ticketmaster's policy does not cover them. Your only option in these cases is to sell your ticket through Ticketmaster's resale platform or a secondary market.
If the event is rescheduled and you don't want to attend the new date, Ticketmaster will not refund you unless the promoter has chosen to offer refunds as part of their rescheduling decision. Again, resale is your option.
Ticketmaster also will not refund you if the performer or team plays but you believe the show was poor quality, shorter than expected, or not what you hoped for. Once an event takes place, refunds are not available for any reason related to the performance itself.
Refunds for service fees and delivery charges
When Ticketmaster refunds a cancelled event, the refund includes your ticket price plus all service fees and delivery charges you paid. You don't lose money on the fees. The full amount you paid comes back to your original payment method.
If you bought a physical ticket and paid for shipping, the shipping cost is included in the refund. If you bought a digital ticket (mobile or print-at-home), there are no delivery charges, so you only get back the ticket price and service fees.
What to do if your refund doesn't arrive
Refunds typically appear within 5 to 10 business days, but your bank or credit card company may take additional time to post the credit. Check your bank account or credit card statement to see if the refund has posted. If you paid with a debit card, the refund may show as a pending credit before it becomes available to spend.
If 30 days have passed since you requested the refund and the money has not appeared, contact Ticketmaster's customer service with your order number and the date you requested the refund. Have your bank statement ready to show that the refund has not posted. Ticketmaster can investigate whether the refund was sent and, if necessary, reissue it.
If you paid with a gift card or Ticketmaster credit, the refund goes back to your Ticketmaster account as a credit balance. You can use this credit to buy tickets to future events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a refund if the event is postponed but not cancelled?
No. A postponement means the event will happen on a different date, and your ticket transfers to that new date automatically. Ticketmaster does not refund postponed events unless the promoter chooses to offer refunds as part of their postponement announcement. Check your confirmation email or the event page to see if refunds are available.
What if the performer cancels but a replacement act is announced?
Ticketmaster will not refund you automatically. The promoter decides whether to offer refunds when they book a replacement performer. If refunds are available, you'll see that option on your event page. If not, your ticket is valid for the replacement act, and you can sell it if you prefer not to attend.
Can I get a refund if I bought tickets as a gift and the recipient doesn't want them?
No. Ticketmaster does not refund tickets for personal reasons, including gifts that weren't wanted. You can transfer the ticket to someone else through Ticketmaster's transfer feature, or you can sell it through Ticketmaster's resale platform or a secondary market.
How do I know if my event has been cancelled?
Ticketmaster sends an email to the address on your account when an event is cancelled. You can also log into your Ticketmaster account, go to "My Events," and look for a cancellation notice next to the event name. If you're unsure, call Ticketmaster's customer service line with your order number.
What if I bought tickets through my credit card's rewards program or a travel website?
Contact the credit card company or travel website first, because they may have their own refund process. They can tell you whether to request a refund through them or through Ticketmaster directly. Some third-party sellers have different policies than Ticketmaster's standard refund terms.