When a major concert or event is announced, the general on-sale can feel like a lottery. Thousands of fans competing for tickets at the same moment, pages crashing, and the dreaded "no tickets available" message. Pre-sales offer a way to get ahead of that rush, giving you access to tickets before the general public. But how do they work, and where do you find the codes?
What is a pre-sale?
A pre-sale is an advance window during which a specific group of people can buy tickets before the general on-sale date. Pre-sales typically open one to five days before the main sale and are restricted to people who have a valid pre-sale code or who meet certain criteria (such as being a fan club member or a credit card holder with a particular bank).
Pre-sales exist for several reasons. They reward loyal fans, generate early revenue for promoters, and help spread demand across multiple on-sale windows rather than concentrating it in a single frantic moment. For fans, they represent the best chance of securing tickets to high-demand events.
Types of pre-sale
Not all pre-sales are the same. Understanding the different types helps you know where to look:
Artist or fan club pre-sale
Many artists offer early access to fans who have signed up to their official mailing list, fan club, or membership programme. This is often the earliest pre-sale window. Some are free to join; others require a paid membership. The code is usually sent by email a day or two before the pre-sale opens.
Venue pre-sale
Venues sometimes offer their own pre-sale to people on their mailing list. This is common with theatres, arenas, and concert halls that want to reward their regular audience. Sign up to newsletters from venues you visit often.
Credit card or bank pre-sale
Certain banks and credit card providers have partnerships with ticketing platforms that give their cardholders exclusive early access. You do not usually need a code for these. You simply need to pay with an eligible card during the pre-sale window. Barclays, American Express, and O2 Priority are among the providers that frequently offer these.
Platform pre-sale
Ticketing platforms sometimes run their own pre-sales. For example, Ticketmaster's "Verified Fan" programme uses registration and algorithms to give pre-sale access to genuine fans rather than bots. You register in advance and are notified if you have been selected.
Promoter pre-sale
Concert promoters like Live Nation or AEG may offer early access through their own mailing lists or apps. These pre-sales are less widely publicised, which can work in your favour since fewer people know about them.
Where to find pre-sale codes
The key to getting pre-sale codes is being signed up to the right mailing lists before events are announced. Once a show is announced, it is often too late to join a fan club and receive the code in time. Here is where to look:
- Artist's official website -- sign up to the mailing list and check for fan club membership options
- Venue newsletters -- register with the venues you attend most often
- Ticketing platform accounts -- create accounts and opt in to notifications on platforms like Ticketmaster, See Tickets, AXS, and DICE
- Social media -- artists sometimes share pre-sale codes on their official accounts, though this is less common for major tours
- Spotify and Apple Music -- streaming platforms occasionally partner with artists to offer pre-sale access to top listeners
- Your bank or credit card provider -- check whether your card offers any entertainment pre-sale benefits
How to make the most of your pre-sale access
Having a pre-sale code does not guarantee tickets. Popular events can sell through their pre-sale allocation quickly. To give yourself the best chance:
- Log in early -- be logged into the ticketing platform at least 15 minutes before the pre-sale opens
- Have your code ready -- copy and paste it rather than typing it manually to avoid errors
- Know what you want -- decide on your preferred section, number of tickets, and budget before the pre-sale starts
- Have your payment details saved -- the faster you can complete checkout, the better your chances
- Use a reliable connection -- a stable wired internet connection is more dependable than Wi-Fi or mobile data
- Try multiple devices -- have the pre-sale page open on your phone and computer for two chances at the queue
Common pre-sale pitfalls
A few things to watch out for when using pre-sale codes:
Codes have limits. Most pre-sale codes have a maximum number of tickets you can buy per transaction (commonly two, four, or six). Plan accordingly if your group needs more tickets.
Codes expire. Pre-sale windows are time-limited. If your code is valid from 10am Wednesday to 10am Thursday, it will not work after that window closes. Set a reminder so you do not miss it.
Not all seats are available. Pre-sales typically release a portion of the venue's capacity, not the full allocation. If you do not get the exact seats you wanted in the pre-sale, the general on-sale may release additional sections.
For more on securing tickets to popular events, read our guide to buying tickets for sold-out events. If you want to understand what you will pay on top of the ticket price, our breakdown of booking fees and surcharges is worth a read. And for a look at waiting lists and other backup options, see our guide to ticket waiting lists and how they work.
Curious how tickts compares? See our side-by-side comparison of tickts vs DICE: fees, payouts, and features for UK organisers.
