Ticketmaster refunds depend on the event organizer's policy, not Ticketmaster itself

Ticketmaster does not decide whether you get your money back — the person or organization that put the event on does. Ticketmaster is the seller and the payment processor, but the event organizer (a band, sports team, theater, or promoter) sets the refund rules. You will need to contact them first, not Ticketmaster customer service, because Ticketmaster cannot override a "no refunds" policy.

The exception is if Ticketmaster made an error — charged you twice, sold you the wrong tickets, or failed to deliver them. In those cases, Ticketmaster's refund department can step in. But for a standard "I changed my mind" or "I can't go" request, you are asking the event organizer, and Ticketmaster is just the middleman processing the transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • The event organizer (not Ticketmaster) decides the refund policy, which is usually printed on the event page at the time you bought the ticket.
  • If the event is canceled or postponed, the organizer typically offers a refund or credit toward a future date, though some may not.
  • If Ticketmaster made an error — double-charged you, delivered the wrong tickets, or failed to deliver — contact Ticketmaster's refund team directly.
  • You will need your order number and the email address you used to buy the tickets to start any refund request.
  • Refund timelines vary: event organizers may take weeks to process, and your bank may take another 3 to 5 business days to credit your account.

How to find the event organizer's refund policy

Before you request anything, check what the policy actually says. Go to the event page on Ticketmaster where you bought the ticket. Scroll down to the event details section — most events list "Refund Policy" or "Terms" near the bottom. Read it carefully, because some events say "no refunds under any circumstances" and others say "refunds available up to 48 hours before the event."

If you cannot find the policy on the Ticketmaster page, look for the event organizer's own website. A band's website, a sports team's ticketing page, or a theater's box office site often has the full policy. The policy you see at the time you buy is the one that applies to your ticket, even if it changes later.

Requesting a refund from the event organizer

Contact the event organizer directly — not Ticketmaster. Look for a "Contact Us" link on their website, or call their box office number. Tell them you want to request a refund and have your order number ready. They will ask for proof of purchase, which is usually your order confirmation email from Ticketmaster.

Be clear about why you are requesting the refund. If the event was canceled or postponed, say that. If you are requesting a refund for a personal reason and the policy allows it, say that too. Some organizers will offer you a credit toward another event instead of a cash refund — ask whether that is an option if you are interested.

The organizer will tell you whether your request is approved and how long it will take. This can range from a few days to several weeks. If they approve it, they will usually process the refund through Ticketmaster, and Ticketmaster will send it back to your original payment method.

When Ticketmaster itself made the error

If Ticketmaster double-charged you, sold you tickets for the wrong date or venue, or failed to deliver your tickets at all, contact Ticketmaster's customer service directly. Go to Ticketmaster.com, scroll to the bottom, and click "Contact Us." You can chat, email, or call — chat is usually fastest.

Have your order number, the email address on the account, and a description of what went wrong. Ticketmaster can issue a refund directly for their own errors without waiting for the event organizer. They will usually process it within 3 to 5 business days, though it may take longer depending on your bank.

What happens if the event is canceled or postponed

When an event is canceled outright, the organizer is usually required by law to offer a refund or a credit toward a rescheduled date. Ticketmaster will send you an email notification, and the event page will update with the organizer's plan. You may have the choice to accept a credit or request a refund — read the email carefully, because there is often a deadline to choose.

If the event is postponed to a new date, the organizer may not offer a refund at all — they may only offer the option to keep your ticket for the new date. If you cannot attend the new date and the organizer will not refund you, your only option is to resell the ticket through Ticketmaster's resale platform or a third-party marketplace.

Refund timelines and payment methods

Once the organizer approves your refund, Ticketmaster processes it back to your original payment method. If you paid with a credit card, debit card, or bank account, the refund usually appears in 3 to 5 business days, though some banks take longer. If you paid with a gift card or Ticketmaster credit, the refund goes back to that account immediately.

Do not assume the refund failed if it does not show up right away. Banks sometimes hold refunds for a few extra days, especially if the original charge was recent. If more than a week has passed and you still do not see it, contact your bank to ask whether the refund is pending.

Reselling your ticket if a refund is not available

If the event organizer will not refund you and you cannot attend, you can resell your ticket through Ticketmaster's resale platform. Log into your Ticketmaster account, find the event, and look for a "Resell" or "Transfer" option. Ticketmaster will take a percentage of the sale price, but you will recover some of your money.

You can also list the ticket on third-party resale sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, or Vivid Seats, though each charges a fee and has its own rules. Resale prices depend on demand — if the event is popular, you may recover most of what you paid, but if demand is low, you may get less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I just changed my mind?

Only if the event organizer's policy allows it. Most events say "no refunds for change of mind," but some allow refunds up to a certain date before the event. Check the policy on the event page when you bought the ticket — that is the one that applies to you.

What if Ticketmaster's website says the event is sold out but I still have a ticket?

That is not an error on Ticketmaster's part — it just means all tickets have been distributed. You still own your ticket and can attend or resell it. If you want a refund, you would need to contact the event organizer and ask, though they are unlikely to refund a ticket for an event that is sold out.

How long does it take to get a refund after I request one?

It depends on the organizer. Some process refunds within a few days; others take two to three weeks. Once the organizer approves it, Ticketmaster sends it to your bank, which usually takes 3 to 5 more business days. If the organizer has not responded after two weeks, contact them again.

Can I get a refund if I lost my ticket or forgot the date?

No. Losing access to your ticket or forgetting when the event is does not may have access to you to a refund. Your ticket is tied to your Ticketmaster account, so you can always retrieve it by logging in. If you truly cannot attend, your only option is to resell it.

What if the event organizer is not responding to my refund request?

If you have waited two weeks with no response, contact Ticketmaster customer service and explain that you requested a refund from the organizer but have not heard back. Ticketmaster cannot force a refund, but they can sometimes escalate the request or provide you with another contact method for the organizer.