Few things are more frustrating than finding a ticket at a price you are happy with, only to watch the total climb at checkout as fees are added one by one. Hidden fees -- or more accurately, fees that are revealed late in the purchase process -- are one of the most common complaints among ticket buyers. While you cannot always eliminate fees entirely, you can learn to spot them early and take steps to minimise them.
Common fees that catch buyers off guard
Understanding the types of fees you might encounter is the first step to avoiding surprises:
Service or booking fees
The most common additional charge. This covers the ticketing platform's operational costs and is typically a percentage of the face value or a flat amount per ticket. It is usually shown during checkout but not always prominently displayed alongside the advertised price.
Per-order processing fees
A one-off charge applied to the entire order rather than per ticket. This means buying more tickets in a single order can be more efficient than making separate purchases.
Delivery fees
If you choose postal delivery, you will pay for it. E-tickets and mobile tickets are usually free. Always select digital delivery unless you specifically want a physical ticket as a keepsake.
Ticket protection or insurance
Some platforms add ticket protection to your basket by default. This optional insurance covers you if you cannot attend due to illness or other specified circumstances. It is worth considering, but make sure you are not paying for it unintentionally. Check your basket carefully and remove it if you do not want it.
Facility fees
Charged by the venue and added to the ticket price. You cannot avoid these, but being aware they exist helps you budget accurately.
Payment processing fees
Some platforms charge a small additional fee for certain payment methods. Credit cards, for instance, sometimes incur a higher processing charge than debit cards. Check whether the payment method you plan to use attracts any additional cost.
Strategies for keeping fees down
While some fees are unavoidable, these strategies can help you minimise what you pay:
Buy from the venue box office
Many venues waive booking fees for tickets purchased directly from their box office, either in person or by phone. If the venue is convenient for you, this is often the cheapest way to buy. Theatre box offices are particularly good for this, and many process phone orders at reduced fees compared to online platforms.
Choose e-tickets
Selecting electronic delivery avoids postal fees entirely. Most platforms now default to e-tickets, but if you are given a choice, always opt for digital unless you have a specific reason not to.
Buy all tickets in one order
If the platform charges a per-order processing fee, buying all your tickets in a single transaction means you only pay that fee once. This is especially relevant for group bookings.
Compare the total cost, not just the face value
Different platforms charge different fees. If the same event is available through multiple sellers, go through to the checkout on each one and compare the final totals. A platform with a slightly higher face value but lower fees might still be cheaper overall. Our guide to comparing prices across platforms explains how to do this systematically.
Look for all-in pricing
Some platforms and events use all-in pricing, where the advertised price includes all mandatory fees. DICE is one platform that has adopted this approach, and some promoters insist on all-in pricing regardless of the platform. When you see an all-in price, what is advertised is what you pay.
Remove optional add-ons
Before completing your purchase, review your basket carefully. Look for any items that have been added by default, such as ticket protection, merchandise bundles, or charity donations. These are optional, and you should only pay for them if you actively want them.
Check for loyalty or membership benefits
Some platforms offer reduced fees for members, subscribers, or frequent buyers. If you use a particular platform regularly, it may be worth checking whether they have a loyalty programme that could save you money on fees over time.
What the law says about drip pricing
The practice of gradually revealing fees through the checkout process is known as "drip pricing." Under UK consumer protection law, specifically the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, businesses must not engage in misleading commercial practices. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has specifically addressed drip pricing in the ticketing industry, stating that mandatory fees should be included in the headline price or clearly displayed alongside it.
If you feel a platform is being deliberately misleading about its pricing, you can report it to your local Trading Standards office or to the CMA directly.
When fees are worth paying
Not all fees are unreasonable. Running a ticketing platform costs money: servers, security, payment processing, customer support, and fraud prevention all have real costs. The issue is not that fees exist but that they should be presented transparently and proportionately.
A small booking fee on a platform that offers good customer service, secure ticket delivery, and genuine buyer protections can be money well spent. The frustration comes when fees are excessive, opaque, or feel disconnected from any obvious value.
For a deeper understanding of what fees pay for, read our guide to booking fees and surcharges. If you are looking for ways to access cheaper tickets in general, our guide to student and young person discounts covers a range of options. And for tips on spreading the cost of tickets, see our piece on using Klarna and Clearpay.
Curious how tickts compares? See our side-by-side comparison of tickts vs DICE: fees, payouts, and features for UK organisers.
