Want concert presale access? Don’t be loyal to one bank
Editor's Note
Receiving VIP access and other entertainment perks from credit cards isn't new. However, past ticket presales for Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have highlighted the importance of having the right credit card in your wallet. In some cases, it can be the difference between snagging the perfect tickets and spending your afternoon crying in the office bathroom.
And if you've been keeping up, you probably noticed that different concerts offer presale perks for different cardholders, like Citi cardholders getting exclusive early access to Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour. That means that your favorite credit card may not be enough to get you into the shows you're dying to see.
Let's break down why you should keep at least one card from each of the major issuers in your wallet so that you never miss a chance to get the concert ticket of your dreams.
Why you need cards from all of the major issuers
To make sure you always have VIP and presale ticket access, carry at least one card each from the four major issuers:
Every issuer offers its own set of entertainment benefits and access, so having at least one card from each of them will ensure you never miss out on a specific event or presale.
For example, Taylor Swift presale tickets were (supposedly) available to any Capital One cardholder. Similarly, you needed a Citi card to register for early access to Beyoncé's tour.
If you can collect at least one card from every issuer, you'll improve your chances of getting access to tickets for major concerts and festivals.
Related: What's the difference between a network and an issuer?
Our favorite no-annual-fee cards from each issuer
Of course, many popular cards from these issuers come with annual fees — some of which are nearly $700. However, if you're looking to save money but still enjoy access to tickets, you can get no-annual-fee cards from each one so you can cover your bases. Then, when the perfect presale presents itself, you're likely to be covered.
If you're starting from scratch, we always recommend prioritizing Chase cards to ensure you're in good standing for the bank's 5/24 rule and thus eligible for a new card from them. After that, you can go on to collect cards from the other issuers in any order.
Here are our favorite cards with no annual fee from each issuer:
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why we like it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) earns 5% back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% on all other purchases.
In addition to getting you access to Chase Entertainment, this card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, so you'll earn more on whatever tickets you're buying than you would with most cards.
For more details, check out our full review of the Freedom Unlimited.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Welcome bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why we like them: This card pulls double duty: You'll get VIP access through Capital One Entertainment and earn bonus rewards on your entertainment purchases. You'll earn 8% cash back on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 3% bonus cash back on all other entertainment purchases, making this one of the best cards for buying concert and other live entertainment tickets.
It even has no foreign transaction fees on purchases outside the U.S. — a relative rarity for a no-annual-fee credit card.
For more details, check out our full card review of the Savor.
Learn more: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
Welcome bonus: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees)
Why we like it: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express an impressive 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, at U.S. supermarkets and at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases for each category, then 1%), making this an excellent go-to card for daily spending in addition to unlocking access to many Amex Experiences.
Cash back is received in the form of reward dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday.
Apply here: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
Citi Double Cash Card
Welcome bonus: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees)
Why we like it: The Citi Double Cash® Card earns 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay), so you'll earn a solid return on all your spending as well as gain access to all that Citi Entertainment has to offer. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal.
For more details, check out our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
Apply here: Citi Double Cash
Bottom line
Having the right credit card can make you the hero (or envy) of your friend group. Keep at least one card from each of the four major issuers in your wallet and never again miss a concert ticket presale again.
Related: How my credit card got me face-value Taylor Swift tickets
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday, click here.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
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- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.