Event Ticket Refund Policies in 2026: Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats & AXS Compared

Buying event tickets has never been more expensive — and getting your money back when something goes wrong has never been more confusing. Between dynamic pricing, verified resale programs, third-party marketplaces, and fine print that varies by event, understanding your refund rights feels like decoding a legal document.

The core problem is that no two ticket platforms handle refunds the same way. Ticketmaster may issue an automatic refund for a cancelled show, but StubHub defaults to giving you 120% credit instead of cash. SeatGeek sells an optional "refundable ticket" add-on, while Vivid Seats may deduct restocking fees from your refund. AXS processes refunds to the original card only, even if that card has expired. And none of them will give you a refund just because you changed your mind.

This guide compares the refund policies of the five largest event ticket platforms in the United States: Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and AXS. We break down exactly what happens when an event is cancelled, postponed, rescheduled, or moved — and what your rights are in each scenario.

Event Ticket Refund Policies at a Glance

The table below summarizes the most common refund scenarios across all five platforms. This is the quick reference — detailed breakdowns for each platform follow later in this guide.

Ticket Platform Refund Friendliness Rankings

These scores reflect how consumer-friendly each platform's refund process is across all scenarios: cancelled events, rescheduled shows, processing speed, transparency, and unique buyer benefits. StubHub scores highest because its 120% credit offer for cancelled events is the most generous buyer benefit in the industry. Vivid Seats scores lowest due to potential restocking fees and less transparent refund terms.

Cancelled Events: Detailed Comparison

When an event is officially cancelled — not postponed, not rescheduled, but outright cancelled — all five platforms will eventually get you your money back. The differences are in how much you get, how fast, and whether cash or credit is the default.

Ticketmaster

Ticketmaster is the dominant primary ticket seller in the United States, handling ticket sales directly for most major venues, arenas, and stadiums. Because Ticketmaster is the direct seller, their refund policies are often set by the event organizer rather than Ticketmaster itself — which means the experience can vary significantly from event to event.

Refund policy overview

• All sales are final. Ticketmaster does not offer cancellations, returns, or refunds for change of mind under any circumstances.
• Cancelled events: Automatic refund to the original payment method within 14-21 business days. No action is required on your part. The refund includes the ticket price and most service charges.
• Rescheduled events: Tickets remain valid for the new date. The event organizer may offer a refund option, but this is not guaranteed. If a refund is offered, processing takes 5-7 business days.
• Postponed events: Tickets remain valid. The event organizer determines whether refunds are available.
• Moved events (venue change): Tickets are valid for the new venue. The organizer determines if refunds are available.
• Weather-affected events: No refunds unless the event is officially cancelled or rescheduled. Rain delays, extreme heat, or other weather conditions that do not result in cancellation do not qualify.

Exceptions and special cases

• MLB games, Masters, US Open Tennis: These events have their own refund policies and may not follow Ticketmaster's standard cancellation refund process.
• Verified Resale tickets: Resale tickets purchased through Ticketmaster's verified resale program follow the same refund rules as primary tickets.
• Fan Club memberships and shipped merchandise: Non-refundable under all circumstances.
• Upsells (VIP Club, parking, Fast Lane): Refunded only if the event organizer approves.
• Partial refunds: Not allowed. You must choose a refund or credit for the entire order — you cannot get a partial refund for some tickets in an order.

How to request a refund on Ticketmaster

1. Log in to your Ticketmaster account at ticketmaster.com
2. Navigate to "My Tickets" and find the event
3. Look for a "Request Refund" button — this only appears when the event organizer has authorized refunds
4. Select your refund method (original payment or, in some cases, a credit)
5. If no button appears, refunds are not yet available for that event
6. For additional help, visit help.ticketmaster.com

StubHub

StubHub is one of the largest secondary ticket marketplaces, connecting buyers and sellers rather than selling tickets directly. Their FanProtect Guarantee is the headline feature, and their 120% credit offer for cancelled events is the most generous standard benefit among all ticket platforms.

Refund policy overview

• All sales are final. You cannot cancel or return tickets after purchase for any reason other than a cancelled event.
• Cancelled events (not rescheduled): You have two options:
  • 120% credit in your StubHub Wallet (valid for 1 year) — this is the default
  • Cash refund to your original payment method within 10 business days — you must actively request this
• Postponed or rescheduled events: Tickets remain valid for the new date. No refunds are available. You can resell the tickets on StubHub's marketplace.
• Sellers are not paid for cancelled event sales and must not deliver tickets for cancelled events. In rare cases, sellers may need tickets back from the buyer.

The FanProtect Guarantee

StubHub's FanProtect Guarantee covers every order:

• If you do not receive your tickets in time for the event, StubHub will find comparable or better tickets at no extra cost, or give you a full refund
• If there is an issue with your tickets and you cannot get in, StubHub will try to replace them or issue a full refund
• If the event is cancelled and not rescheduled, you get 120% credit or a full cash refund

Important details

• Physical tickets: Keep them for 30 days after cancellation — the seller may need them back in rare cases
• Quebec residents: Full refund is available for postponed or rescheduled events upon request (a provincial consumer protection law)
• Seller payment timing: For rescheduled events, sellers are paid 5-8 business days after the rescheduled event date, not the original date
• StubHub Wallet credit: The 120% credit is valid for 1 year from the date it is issued and can be used toward any event on StubHub

SeatGeek

SeatGeek operates as both a primary seller and a secondary marketplace, and their refund policy is relatively straightforward. They are the only major platform that offers a paid refundable ticket add-on, which is a notable differentiator.

Refund policy overview

• All sales are final. No cancellations or returns after purchase.
• Cancelled events: Refund for the purchase price of tickets, typically returned to the original payment method.
• Postponed or rescheduled events: Tickets remain valid. No refunds unless required by state law. You can resell tickets on the SeatGeek marketplace.
• Partial refunds: Not allowed. The refund policy applies to the entire order — you cannot get a partial refund for individual tickets within a multi-ticket order.

The Refundable Ticket add-on

SeatGeek is the only major ticket platform that offers a Refundable Ticket option at checkout:

• Available as a paid add-on service during the purchase process
• Allows you to return tickets up to 48 hours before the event for any reason
• You receive a refund of the ticket price
• The service charge for the Refundable Ticket add-on itself is non-refundable, except when the Buyer Guarantee applies (e.g., the event is cancelled)
• This is essentially an insurance product built into the checkout flow

Buyer Guarantee

SeatGeek's Buyer Guarantee covers:

• Cancelled events with a refund to your original payment method
• Tickets that are not delivered in time for the event
• Tickets that are invalid or do not match the listing description
• Customer support to resolve issues with your order

Vivid Seats

Vivid Seats is a secondary ticket marketplace with one of the more restrictive refund policies among major platforms. The possibility of restocking fees on cancelled event refunds and the company's discretion over refund method make it important to understand the fine print before buying.

Refund policy overview

• All sales are final. No cancellations or changes after purchase under any circumstances.
• Cancelled events: Refund of the purchase price, which may include delivery charges but could be reduced by possible restocking fees. Alternatively, Vivid Seats may offer a credit for future purchases instead of a cash refund — the choice is at Vivid Seats' discretion.
• Must return physical tickets: If you received physical tickets, you must return them within 2 weeks of receiving the cancellation notice. Failure to return physical tickets may affect your refund.
• Postponed or rescheduled events: No refunds or compensation, except where required by law.
• California consumers: California Business and Professions Code Section 22507 provides additional protections, including the right to a refund for postponed events in certain circumstances.

Event Ticket Protector insurance

Vivid Seats offers Event Ticket Protector insurance at checkout through Allianz Global Assistance:

• Covers unforeseen circumstances that prevent you from attending the event
• Contact Allianz directly at 1-888-497-6993 to file a claim
• Typical covered reasons include illness, injury, severe weather preventing travel, military deployment, and jury duty
• Does not cover change of mind or scheduling conflicts

Reselling unwanted tickets

If you cannot attend an event and your tickets are not covered by a refund policy or insurance, you can list them for resale on the Vivid Seats marketplace. The listing process is integrated into your account, and Vivid Seats takes a commission on the sale.

AXS

AXS (formerly AEG Live's ticketing platform) is a primary ticket seller that handles sales directly for venues and events, particularly those associated with AEG-owned properties. Their refund policy is similar to Ticketmaster's in structure but with some key differences in processing time and flexibility.

Refund policy overview

• All sales are final. No voluntary refunds for change of mind.
• Cancelled events: Automatic refund to the credit card used for the original purchase. Processing typically takes up to 30 business days — the slowest among the five platforms compared here.
• Cannot redirect refunds. AXS cannot submit a refund to an alternate card. However, if your card number has changed (e.g., you received a replacement card), the refund should still process through your bank as long as the account is still active.
• Box office purchases: If you bought tickets at the venue box office, you must return the tickets directly to the box office for a refund. The box office handles these refunds independently of AXS's online system.
• Rescheduled events: Original tickets usually remain valid for the new date. AXS does not typically offer refunds for rescheduled events.

Customer service

• Support portal: support.axs.com
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM CST; Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM CST
• AXS does not have 24/7 phone support, which can be frustrating for last-minute issues

Primary vs. Secondary Market: Why It Matters for Refunds

Understanding whether you bought from a primary or secondary seller fundamentally changes your refund experience.

Primary sellers (Ticketmaster, AXS)

Primary sellers issue tickets directly from the venue or event organizer. When you buy from Ticketmaster or AXS:

• Tickets are sold at face value (plus service fees)
• The refund policy for cancelled, postponed, and rescheduled events is determined by the event organizer, not the ticketing platform
• Refunds for cancelled events are typically automatic and include most fees
• You are the original ticket buyer, which simplifies the refund process
• Price is generally lower because there is no resale markup

Secondary marketplaces (StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats)

Secondary marketplaces connect buyers with sellers who are reselling their tickets. When you buy from StubHub, SeatGeek, or Vivid Seats:

• Tickets may be priced significantly above (or occasionally below) face value
• The marketplace's guarantee policy applies rather than the venue's policy
• Refunds for cancelled events come from the marketplace, not the venue
• Delivery is handled by the marketplace (digital transfer, barcode delivery, or physical shipping)
• Each marketplace has its own dispute resolution process

Tips for Maximizing Your Chance of a Refund

Before you buy

1. Buy from the primary seller first. If tickets are available on Ticketmaster or AXS, buy there. Primary sellers offer automatic refunds for cancelled events and avoid resale markups.

2. Consider the Refundable Ticket add-on on SeatGeek. If you are unsure about attending, paying an extra 5-15% for the ability to cancel up to 48 hours before the event is cheaper than losing the entire ticket price.

3. Buy Event Ticket Protector insurance on Vivid Seats. If you are buying from Vivid Seats, the Allianz insurance (1-888-497-6993) covers illness, injury, severe weather, and other unforeseen circumstances that prevent attendance.

4. Use a credit card, not a debit card. Credit cards offer chargeback rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act if a platform fails to deliver a refund you are owed. Debit cards have weaker protections and the money has already left your account.

5. Screenshot everything. Save your order confirmation, ticket details, and the platform's refund policy at the time of purchase. Policies can change, and having documentation of the terms at the time you bought protects you.

When an event is cancelled

1. Wait for automatic refunds first. Ticketmaster and AXS process cancelled event refunds automatically. Do not panic if the money does not appear immediately — wait the full processing window (14-21 days for Ticketmaster, up to 30 business days for AXS) before contacting customer service.

2. Actively request cash on StubHub. StubHub defaults to 120% credit in your wallet. If you want cash, you must log in and request the cash refund. Do this promptly — the credit option is applied automatically.

3. Return physical tickets promptly. On Vivid Seats and other platforms that shipped physical tickets, you must return them within 2 weeks of the cancellation notice. Delaying this step can delay or void your refund.

4. Check for the "Request Refund" button. On Ticketmaster, refunds for rescheduled or postponed events may require you to click a button in your account. If the event organizer has authorized refunds, this button will appear under "My Tickets."

When an event is postponed or rescheduled

1. Know your state's laws. Several states have consumer protection laws that override platform policies. California's B&P Code 22507 is the most notable, requiring refunds for postponed events in certain circumstances. Other states may have similar protections.

2. Resell if you cannot attend. If the event is rescheduled to a date you cannot make, list the tickets for resale on the same platform where you bought them. You may not recover the full price, but it is better than losing everything.

3. Document any communication. If you contact customer service about a refund, keep records of every conversation — chat transcripts, email confirmations, and the names of representatives you spoke with. This documentation is essential if you need to escalate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I simply change my mind about attending an event?

No. All five major ticket platforms — Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and AXS — treat all sales as final. None of them offer refunds for change of mind. The only exception is SeatGeek's Refundable Ticket add-on, which is a paid service at checkout that allows returns up to 48 hours before the event for any reason. Without that add-on, your only option is to resell the tickets on the platform's marketplace.

What happens if an event is cancelled?

All five platforms will refund you for cancelled events, but the details differ. Ticketmaster and AXS process automatic refunds to your original payment method (14-21 days and up to 30 business days respectively). StubHub defaults to 120% credit in your StubHub Wallet, but you can request a cash refund instead. SeatGeek refunds the purchase price to your original payment method. Vivid Seats refunds the purchase price but may deduct restocking fees and may choose to issue credit instead of cash.

Do I get a refund if an event is rescheduled to a different date?

Generally, no. When an event is rescheduled (not cancelled), your tickets remain valid for the new date and no refund is automatically available. Ticketmaster may offer a refund option if the event organizer authorizes it, but this is not guaranteed. StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and AXS do not offer refunds for rescheduled events. Your best option is to resell the tickets if you cannot attend the new date. However, California and some other states have consumer protection laws that may entitle you to a refund for rescheduled events in certain circumstances.

How long does a ticket refund take to process?

Processing times vary significantly by platform. Ticketmaster processes cancelled event refunds in 14-21 business days. StubHub processes cash refunds within 10 business days. AXS takes up to 30 business days — the longest among major platforms. SeatGeek and Vivid Seats' processing times vary by payment method but are generally comparable to StubHub and Ticketmaster. If you have not received your refund after the stated processing window, contact the platform's customer service.

What is StubHub's 120% credit and is it worth taking?

When an event is cancelled on StubHub, you receive 120% of the ticket price as credit in your StubHub Wallet, valid for 1 year. On a $200 ticket, that means $240 in credit. If you attend events regularly and are confident you will use the credit within a year, it is a good deal — you get 20% more value. However, if you rarely buy event tickets or are unsure about future events, request the cash refund instead. The credit expires after 12 months with no extension.

Can I get a refund if bad weather affects an outdoor event?

It depends on whether the event is officially cancelled. On Ticketmaster, no refunds are given for weather-affected events unless the event is officially cancelled or rescheduled. Rain delays or early endings that do not result in official cancellation do not qualify for a refund. This is standard across all five platforms — weather alone does not trigger a refund unless the event organizer officially cancels the event.

What if the event venue changes but the date stays the same?

When an event is moved to a different venue, your tickets are typically valid for the new location. On Ticketmaster, the event organizer determines whether refunds are available for venue changes. On other platforms, venue changes are generally treated similarly to rescheduled events — tickets remain valid and refunds are not offered unless required by law.

Are resale tickets (verified resale) refunded the same way as primary tickets?

On Ticketmaster, yes — verified resale tickets follow the same refund rules as primary tickets. On secondary marketplaces (StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats), all tickets are essentially resale tickets, so the platform's standard guarantee and refund policies apply regardless of the ticket's origin. The key difference is not whether the ticket is a resale, but whether you bought it from a primary or secondary platform.

What should I do if a platform refuses to refund a cancelled event?

If a platform refuses to refund a cancelled event, take these steps in order: First, contact customer service and cite the platform's own policy. Second, file a dispute with your credit card issuer under the Fair Credit Billing Act — most cards allow disputes within 60 days of the charge. Third, file a complaint with your state's Attorney General's office or consumer protection division. Fourth, for Ticketmaster and AXS, you can also contact the venue directly, as they may be able to process a refund independently.

Does Quebec really get special refund rules on StubHub?

Yes. Quebec's consumer protection laws require that residents be offered a full refund for postponed or rescheduled events upon request. StubHub explicitly acknowledges this exception in their policy. If you are a Quebec resident and an event you bought tickets for on StubHub is postponed or rescheduled, you can request a full cash refund regardless of StubHub's standard "no refund for postponed events" policy.

The Bottom Line

Event ticket refund policies in 2026 are still heavily tilted in favor of the platforms and event organizers, not the consumer. All five major platforms treat sales as final and none offer refunds for change of mind (with the paid exception of SeatGeek's Refundable Ticket add-on). When an event is cancelled, you will eventually get your money back — but the how, how much, and how fast varies significantly.

Here is the quick summary:

• Most generous on cancellations: StubHub — 120% credit is the best deal if you attend events regularly
• Most straightforward refund: Ticketmaster and AXS — automatic refunds for cancelled events with no action required
• Best for uncertain plans: SeatGeek — the Refundable Ticket add-on is the only "cancel for any reason" option in the industry
• Most restrictive: Vivid Seats — possible restocking fees and the platform chooses between cash refund and credit
• Slowest refund processing: AXS — up to 30 business days, with limited customer service hours
• Your strongest protection: Always buy from the primary seller (Ticketmaster or AXS) when possible, and use a credit card for purchase protection

The single most important thing to understand is that none of these platforms will refund you for change of mind. If you buy a ticket and your plans change, your only options are to resell the ticket or, in SeatGeek's case, to have paid for the Refundable Ticket add-on at checkout. Plan accordingly.

For detailed refund processes for specific venues and events, visit our refund guides — we track policy changes across platforms so you do not have to.

All refund policy information was last verified on April 10, 2026. Platform policies may change — always check the official policy page for the most current terms.