Yes, Ticketmaster purchases count as entertainment for Chase credit cards in 2024. Chase cardholders earn bonus rewards when buying tickets through Ticketmaster for most live events, concerts, and sports games.
Chase Cards Entertainment Category Benefits
The Chase Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited offer 5% cash back on live entertainment purchases through Ticketmaster from July 1 to September 30, 2024. This bonus applies to your first $1,500 in combined purchases across gas stations, movie theaters, and select live entertainment.
Chase Sapphire cards also reward entertainment spending. The Sapphire Preferred gives you 3x points on dining and select entertainment purchases. The Sapphire Reserve takes it further with premium perks at select venues.
Most Chase credit and debit cards qualify for entertainment benefits. Cards starting with numbers 6 or 7 may face restrictions on presale access and preferred seating options.
Ticketmaster Purchases with Chase Cards
Ticketmaster accepts all major Chase credit and debit cards for ticket purchases. You can pay with:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Chase Freedom Flex
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Chase business credit cards
- Chase debit cards with credit logos
The purchase must come directly from Ticketmaster. Third-party sellers, hotel concierges, or travel package deals won’t count toward entertainment rewards.
You can’t split payment between multiple cards on Ticketmaster. The full purchase needs to go on one eligible Chase card to earn the entertainment category bonus.
Chase Preferred Seating on Ticketmaster
Chase cardholders get exclusive access to preferred seating sections through Ticketmaster. These seats often include prime viewing spots for concerts, sports games, and theater shows.
To book Chase Preferred Seats:
- Select “Chase Cardholder Access” under Event Type
- Choose your preferred event
- Pay with your Chase card
- Enter the first 6 digits of your card if prompted
Preferred seat locations change for each event and venue. The earlier you book, the better your seating options.
Chase Entertainment Venue Benefits
Madison Square Garden offers special perks for Chase cardholders:
- Access to the Chase Lounge 2 hours before events
- $5 off $30+ concession purchases
- $20 off $100+ team store purchases
- Free shipping on online orders
- Season ticket holder exclusive offers
Radio City Music Hall provides:
- Chase Preferred Seating access
- 20% off food and drinks
- Early ticket access for select shows
Arthur Ashe Stadium benefits include:
- Mobile Chase Pass for exclusive offers
- Free drink during Chase Happy Hours
- Access to Chase Lounge and Terrace
- Free mobile charging stations
Chase Entertainment Festival Perks
Chase cards unlock special benefits at major music festivals:
- Lollapalooza
- Outside Lands
- Boston Calling
- Sea.Hear.Now Festival
- Roots Picnic
- Dreamville Music Festival
Festival benefits include:
- Fast lane access
- Discounted phone charging
- Food and drink discounts
- Early ticket access
- VIP experiences for Sapphire members
Maximizing Chase Rewards on Ticketmaster
The Freedom Flex offers the highest entertainment rewards in Q3 2024. You’ll earn 5% cash back on:
- Concert tickets
- Sports events
- Theater shows
- Museum admissions
- Amusement parks
- Tourist attractions
- Zoos and aquariums
Buy tickets for future events during bonus periods. The purchase date determines your reward rate, not the event date.
Group ticket purchases help reach bonus category limits faster. Buy tickets for friends and family, then get reimbursed.
Chase Entertainment Category Exclusions
Some venues and purchases don’t qualify for entertainment rewards:
- Bowling alleys
- Horse racing tracks
- Casinos
- Dance halls
- Night clubs
- Hotel concierge purchases
- Travel package tickets
Ticket purchases must be direct through Ticketmaster. Third-party resellers won’t earn bonus points.
Points Posting and Processing
Chase rewards typically post within a few days of purchase. Entertainment category bonuses may take 1-2 billing cycles to appear.
Check your rewards dashboard to track bonus category spending. Switch cards after reaching quarterly limits to maximize points.
International cards work on Ticketmaster’s desktop site. Mobile app purchases need U.S. or Canadian billing addresses.
Chase Presale Ticket Access
Chase cardholders get early ticket access up to 7 days before public sales. To access presales:
- Click “Filters” on Ticketmaster
- Select “Chase Sale” under Ticket Types
- Enter first 6 digits of your Chase card
- Complete purchase with same card
Presale inventory varies by event. Popular shows may sell out during presales.
Music Festival Benefits 2024
Summer festivals offering Chase perks:
- Ohana Festival – Dana Point
- III Points – Miami
- High Water – Charleston
- Dreamville – Raleigh
- Boston Calling – Boston
- Lollapalooza – Chicago
- Sea.Hear.Now – Asbury Park
Benefits vary by festival but often include:
- VIP viewing areas
- Exclusive lounges
- Meet and greet chances
- Food and drink discounts
- Early entry access
Theater and Venue Partnerships
Chase partners with major entertainment venues:
- Madison Square Garden
- Radio City Music Hall
- Arthur Ashe Stadium
- The Theater at MSG
Each venue offers unique Chase cardholder perks:
- Exclusive lounges
- Food discounts
- Premium seating
- Early entry
- Special event access
Seasonal Bonus Categories
Chase updates Freedom card bonus categories quarterly. Entertainment rewards peak in summer months.
Q3 2024 bonus categories include:
- Gas stations
- EV charging
- Movie theaters
- Select live entertainment
Maximize rewards by planning entertainment purchases during bonus periods. Buy future event tickets when earning rates peak.
Additional Entertainment Benefits
Chase cards unlock more than just ticket perks:
- Concert venue lounge access
- Sports stadium exclusive areas
- Theater concession discounts
- Festival fast-track entry
- Event merchandise savings
Many benefits need advance registration. Check Chase’s entertainment portal before events.
Tips for Maximum Entertainment Rewards
Stack rewards by:
- Buying group tickets
- Planning future purchases
- Using quarterly bonuses
- Combining card benefits
- Booking during presales
Track spending toward category limits. Switch cards after reaching quarterly caps.
Entertainment Category Updates
Chase regularly updates entertainment benefits. Recent additions include:
- EV charging rewards
- Digital ticket delivery
- Mobile venue passes
- Contactless payments
- Virtual event access
Check Chase’s website for current entertainment perks and eligible purchases.
Ticketmaster continues counting as entertainment for Chase cards in 2024. Smart planning and the right card choice unlock maximum rewards on ticket purchases.
Remember to activate quarterly bonuses and register for venue benefits. Entertainment rewards add significant value to Chase cards when used strategically.
