Score the Best Deals: Tips for Snagging Affordable Concert Tickets

Whenever musicians unveil their tour schedules, fans rush to secure prime spots—or simply any spots at all. Among the most anticipated performers this coming summer 2025 are Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Bad Bunny. Another prominent artist many fans wish to witness is Beyoncé, as she plans to launch her Cowboy Carter Tour across North America starting from April 28 until July 14, as reported by Ticketmaster. The main query remains: Could it actually happen? get cheap concert tickets ?

The difficulty in purchasing tickets despite technological advancements lies in the fact that your primary competitor might not be an actual human being but rather a bot operating from behind a screen. Actually, over 40% of online ticket bookings are carried out by automated programs, as reported by Imperva. Due to this issue becoming quite prevalent, Congress enacted the Better Online Ticket Sales Act back in 2016, aiming to curb bots' ability to buy and resell tickets. However, the Federal Trade Commission has reportedly enforced this legislation just one time since its implementation. Rolling Stone Ticket scalping through the use of bots was considered one of the primary reasons for the 2022 fiasco surrounding tickets for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

However, if battling the bots doesn’t deter you, here are our tips for acquiring cheap concert tickets.

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Acquire Inexpensive Concert Tickets During the Presale

Pre-sales could very well be the most under-discussed tip regarding ticket purchases. Should you not already possess one, think about setting up a Ticketmaster account as it allows direct registration for an artist's pre-sale page. Access to this exclusive area is limited to those who register for the pre-sale, making it highly beneficial for dedicated fans to complete the signup process. This strategy might similarly prove advantageous on platforms such as Live Nation, which handle concert tickets too.

Presales don’t always have discounted rates for early-bird ticket purchasers, but it will at least enable you to get your tickets directly from the source as opposed to a scalper who will likely increase the total price. Here are some other ways to get in on the presale before your fellow fans.

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Become a (Super) Fan

Fan clubs aren’t merely a sweet way to express how much you adore certain artists; they serve as potent tools for obtaining early entry to concert tickets. Certain performers provide "Fan Club Bundles," which are exclusively available through buying an official fan club membership—these bundles often grant priority ticket access. However, accessing these exclusive sales typically requires a specific code, usually sent via email or digital platforms. Additionally, many bands maintain street teams made up of dedicated volunteers who promote their music by distributing flyers and sharing content online. As part of their engagement efforts, these groups sometimes distribute discounted tickets or share presale codes with members.

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Pull Out Your Credit Card

Although you should always exercise caution when signing up for and using a credit card, that remains true. small but mighty piece of plastic can sometimes be your ticket to the presale realm.

Chase, Cash App, and Citibank are among the firms that collaborate with Ticketmaster for running presales. Nonetheless, you should also verify if your credit card provider—assuming it isn’t one of these three—offers any cashback benefits for purchasing live event tickets or accessing presale events.

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Look Up Presale Codes On The Web

If obtaining a presale access code proves challenging despite your best efforts, consider turning to the web for assistance. A quick online search using "artist's name" along with "presale" should lead you to the desired information.

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Buy the Day They Drop for Cheap Concert Tickets

To purchase cheap concert tickets to your dream show during the general sale period, you need to be quick — and come prepared.

Create an Account

Before the day tickets go on sale, create a user account on whichever website you’ll be using to purchase your concert tickets. Think Ticketmaster or Live Nation. This is a good idea for any avid concert-goer, since these are the main venues (see what we did there?) for ticket sales.

Nothing slows you down more in those frantic moments between loading your cart and checking out than having to create an account and fill out all of your information.

Make a Plan

It’s always a good idea in life to have a plan. One way to do that is by scoping out the layout and seating of your concert’s venue. What are the absolute worst sections you can tolerate, just in case you’re forced to make a last-ditch decision?

Watch the Clock

Here’s a secret: artists sometimes drop tickets in phases and occasionally even a few minutes before the stated start time. So you’ll definitely want to have your alarm set for 15 minutes before the allotted time and be at your computer and at the ready.

Think of your pre-sale experience as a race. To achieve the result you desire, you must be prepared.

Speed Counts

Nobody wants their internet speed hindered by a sluggish Wi-Fi connection. Ensure you connect to the quickest network available, as this could significantly impact your experience, especially when vying with numerous others for limited resources. (Consider how challenging it was during the Eras Tour frenzy.)

Snag Your Ticket While You're On-the-Go

Most ticket sale sites have a mobile site or phone app, so you don’t have to miss a sale just because you can’t be tied to your home computer.

Depending on the speed of your device, it might even make sense to buy concert tickets on your phone instead of your computer, if your mobile device gets the job done faster.

Up Your Chances

It’s always a good idea to increase your odds by having two people try to buy tickets at once. It’s even better if you can set yourselves up in the same room, so you can compare notes. Worst case scenario: you both score tickets and you have an extra pair. Not a problem — sell them through a verified resale site (and resist the urge to really increase the price.)

Strength in (Smaller) Numbers

It's unfortunate but accurate: you might need to scrap your idea of sitting together if you're part of a large party. A single reserved seat by another person could disrupt things. entire The order has been cancelled. If you're looking to cut costs, you might want to think about purchasing tickets solely for your use. Seats in blocks tend to be pricier compared to individual seats since they are in higher demand; thus, arenas and ticket sellers frequently offer unconnected single seats at reduced prices.

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Look for Last-Minute Tickets

Just as websites and performers might make tickets available slightly ahead of time, they could also reserve certain tickets for release at a later date—hours, days, or even weeks after the initial drop. It’s worth checking back periodically to see if additional seats have been released.

If scalpers and resellers cannot sell all their excess tickets, they often drop the price significantly at the final moment to recover part of their original expenditure.

If you overlooked the presale opportunity, your best chance for snagging affordable concert tickets would be either the day before or the day of the event itself.

Securing your tickets at the last moment could be challenging, particularly if you're heading to the event and have to organize places to stay.

However, if you reside close to the venue and have flexibility with your schedule for that evening, opting to buy tickets at the last moment can prove to be an excellent way to secure them at a reduced price.

Ensure you purchase your tickets from reputable secondary platforms such as StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats.

You’ll still pay fees, but they’re generally cheaper than Ticketmaster’s bevy of charges.

You can also try aggregator sites, such as Ticketwood, which scan the web for the best deals from several resale sites at once.

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Alternative Methods to Obtain Affordable Concert Tickets

If you couldn't outsmart the ticketing bots, fear not; there are alternative methods to obtain affordable concert tickets — provided you're open to thinking outside the box.

Opt for Budget Seating in Affordable Urban Areas

If the priority is the performer rather than the location, think about purchasing tickets in a lesser-known city. For certain artists such as Taylor Swift, this might not make a significant difference. However, it could mean the distinction between managing to get tickets and, well, not having the opportunity at all.

And keep in mind: Some tour dates and venues have lower prices than others. If you reside within easy reach of two large metropolitan areas Check the ticket prices at both locations. For instance, you may discover that tickets are less expensive in Louisville, Kentucky, compared to those in Nashville.

Try the Box Office

You can often reduce the cost of your ticket slightly by purchasing directly from the venue’s box office. Many theaters and arenas feature their own box offices where you can acquire concert tickets without paying additional service charges to ticket sellers. Be aware though, as these box office hours tend to be restricted; ensure you verify their operating times prior to making a trip.

Work the Event

Reach out to the venue to find out if they offer complimentary tickets or special discounts for event staff or security personnel. While this might mean you can't fully enjoy being just another fan at the concert, it could help you significantly cut down ticket costs or even gain entry to an otherwise sold-out performance.

Win a Ticket

Occasionally, bands, music venues, and radio stations provide complimentary concert tickets. To secure a free pair over the airwaves, you might have to be listener number X who calls in. Stay updated with your local radio outlets and beloved musical acts on their social platforms to catch wind of any promotions or competitions happening around town.

Try Groupon

Groupon offers great deals on lots of local events and activities — including sports tickets and concerts. You can score discounted tickets on Groupon, especially for shows less than two months away.

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Elizabeth Djinis, an accomplished writer, frequently contributes articles to The Penny Hoarder, focusing particularly on strategies for selling items via social media platforms. She has also had her writings featured in publications such as Teen Vogue, Smithsonian Magazine, and the Tampa Bay Times.

Mike Brassfield, Rachel Christian, and Grace Schweizer were involved in writing this piece.