Tips for Securing Tix: How to Buy Concert Tickets Online

Every so often, international and local artists hold concerts, fan meets, and reunion gigs. As a loyal fan, you feel it’s your sworn duty to attend them. But there’s one challenge: getting tickets. 

Admittedly, purchasing concert tickets is a cutthroat competition. But with the right preparation, you’ll definitely be able to secure your slot. 

Whether you’re a new concertgoer or a veteran, here’s how to buy concert tickets online in the Philippines. 

What to Do Before the Ticket Sale

Excited to see your favorite musicians or K-Pop idols in person? Here's what you need to do before the tickets go on sale: 

👉 Set a Budget 

Concert tickets don’t come cheap. If you have limited funds at the moment, set your concert budget around it. Go for lower-tier seats if you have to—don't blow cash you don't have on tickets. 

But if you want the best experience, you need to save up. Months before the anticipated concert, do the following: 

• Set aside a portion of your salary in a high-interest savings account. 
• Cut corners (bring your own baon, take public transport instead of booking a GrabCar every day, avoid online shopping, etc.).
• Get a part-time gig.
• Sell things you don’t need anymore (clothes, books, toys, and collectibles).  

👉 Get a Credit Card

Can you buy concert tickets with a credit card? Yes! Online ticketing platforms list credit cards as one of their payment methods. 

Use a credit card to pay for your purchase in installments that are easier on the wallet. Plus, some credit card providers allow access to pre-sales and even discounts. 

Check out the best credit cards for concert tickets: 

UnionBank Rewards Credit Card

• No annual fee (if you get approved within the promo period and meet the spending requirement)
• 3x rewards points when you shop and dine locally and abroad
• 3x rewards points on online shopping
• 1 non-expiring rewards point for every ₱30 spend 

Metrobank Platinum Mastercard

• Up to 50% discount on premium dining offers
• 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend 
• eCommerce purchase protection worth up to US$200

HSBC Red Mastercard

• 4x reward points on dining, shopping, online transactions, and overseas spend
• 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend
• 6% rebate on your first Caltex fuel purchase and 3% rebate all year round

Security Bank Gold Mastercard

• No annual fee for the first year
• 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend
• Exclusive promos and rewards all year round 

BPI Amore Platinum Cashback Card

• 4% cashback on dining and online deliveries
• 1% cashback on supermarket and department store purchases
• 0.3% cashback on other local and international retail spend
• Low forex conversion rate at 1.85%
• Access to exclusive promos and deals at Ayala Malls nationwide

👉 Join the Mailing List

Get updates on concert ticket sales by subscribing to the organizer’s mailing list. You’ll also get notifications on exclusive announcements and programs, some of which will enhance your concert experience. 

👉 Follow the Artist and the Organizer's Official Social Media Pages 

Both artists and organizers maintain social media pages to easily disseminate news about their concerts or events. You can even post inquiries on these pages and receive answers from the community managers. 

👉 Get to Know the Ticket Sellers

Where to buy concert tickets online? In the Philippines, the leading online ticketing platforms include SM Tickets,^[1] Ticketworld, and Ticketnet. 

Note that most ticketing platforms require customers to create an account before they can buy tickets, so sign up well before the date. Familiarize yourself with the process, so you’ll know what to do on the day of ticket sale. Bookmark the said online platforms as well, so you can easily access them when the date comes. 

👉 Make Sure You Have a Reliable Internet Connection 

Remember, you’re buying your concert ticket online. And on the day of the sale, you’ll be competing against thousands—if not millions—of people. See to it that your internet connection^[2] is stable to avoid interruptions and slowdowns. 

Read more: Prepare Your Wallet: Concerts and Fan Meetings in the Philippines

During the Sale: How to Buy Concert Tickets Online in the Philippines

The procedure may vary from one ticketer to the other. Nevertheless, you usually have to follow these steps:  

Step 1: Go to the Ticket Outlet’s Online Website

Visit your preferred online ticketing platform. Log into your account with your credentials. 

Step 2: Choose Your Desired Concert 

Once you’ve accessed your account, check the list of concerts and events. Pick your preferred event and read the details.

Details usually include ticket prices, dates, and the seat layout. For the latter, consider things like barriers, your distance from the stage, and the acoustics. That way, you’ll be able to book the seat that offers the best concert experience. 

Step 3: Pay for Your Purchase 

After selecting the date and the seat, proceed to payment. Popular payment methods include debit card, credit card, and digital wallet (e.g., GCash and GrabPay). Choose the most convenient option for you. 

Step 4: Check Your Email for the Confirmation 

Check your email to see the confirmation of your transaction. Keep in mind that this isn’t your concert ticket yet. 

Some ticketing platforms will require you to print the ticket voucher and get the actual ticket at accredited redemption centers. Make sure to bring your credit card and valid ID. 

On the other hand, some ticketing platforms may allow you to print your ticket at home. 

Step 5: Keep Your Ticket Safe 

Once you have your ticket, keep it safe. Store it in a place that won’t be reached by water or moisture. Make sure that it doesn't get wrinkled, too. 

Read more: The Stage is Ready: Musical and Theater Plays in the Philippines

More Tips on How to Buy Concert Tickets Online 

Increase your chances of getting your desired seats and protect yourself with the following tips:

✔️ Get Tickets During the Pre-Sale

Event organizers usually hold a pre-sale. This is a special ticket-selling period reserved for specific groups of people, such as fan club members and credit cardholders. If you’re part of either of these groups, by all means, use that privilege to score tickets. 

✔️ Be Early

On the day of the sale, log into your ticketing account at least ten minutes before the tickets are released. This will give you a head start and an edge over concertgoers who log in late. 

✔️ Be Quick

When buying tickets online, the platform usually has a time limit per transaction. If you aren’t able to complete your transaction within the said limit, the ticket will be made available for others in the queue. Knowing this, you need to be quick with your fingers. 

Pro tip: Once you’re in the queue, don’t refresh your page. Doing so will likely place you at the end of the line, thus making it hard for you to secure a ticket.

✔️ Prepare Alternatives

If your preferred seats are already sold out, you need to get the second-best ones. Consider your alternatives and backup choices beforehand.

This way, you don't waste time hesitating—and end up losing ticket slots. Book them right away!

✔️ Enlist the Help of Your Friends

Usually, ticket sales allow you to buy a specific number of tickets per transaction. You and your friend may try to get tickets for the same date. Once one of you secures the tickets, you’ll just need to pay each other back. 

✔️ Check the Ticket’s Refund Policy 

Before you finalize your ticket purchase, check the online platform’s refund and exchange policy.^[3] Read through specific scenarios, such as cancellations, delays, and weather-related issues. 

✔️ Keep Checking Back 

If the tickets are already sold out, don’t lose hope. The artist and the organizer may add new shows to accommodate the demand. See to it that you’re subscribed to the event organizer’s or artist’s social media page for such announcements. 

✔️ Go Local 

Certain concert tickets may be cheaper abroad. However, there are other factors you need to take into account—and all of them require money. These include plane tickets, accommodation, and pocket money. 

In that case, it’s still cheaper to watch a concert locally. 

✔️ Avoid Scalpers

Concerts attract scalpers, or those who buy tickets at regular prices and then sell them at higher ones for profit. They take advantage of desperate fans who are willing to pay exorbitant amounts. 

Don’t transact with them to avoid overpaying for tickets. Plus, you never know if you’re dealing with scammers!

Read more: Long Weekend at Last! 10 Ideas for Spending Rest Days with Your Family

Final Thoughts 

Knowing how to buy concert tickets online will help you easily secure a slot at your idol’s event. It’s a convenient option since you can do it in the comfort of your home. 

However, remember that the competition can get wild at times. You can avoid the hassle by being prepared and employing smart strategies, such as the ones above. 

Sources: 

• ^[1] SM Tickets Website
• ^[2] Philippines Still Lags in Mobile Internet Speed (The Philippine Star, 2024)
• ^[3] Fine Print: What It Is, How It Works, Criticism (Investopedia, 2023)