Maximize your benefits at international events and concerts with your credit card in 2024

This series on credit cards, travel points, and budgeting for travel is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy. Advertiser Disclosure: This article may contain references to products from our advertisers. We may earn compensation when you click on these links. Terms apply to the offers mentioned. This relationship may influence how and where links appear on this site, which does not encompass all financial companies or available financial offers. All information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, American Express® Corporate Gold Card, and Citi credit cards has been gathered independently by Dinogo Planet and is not available through Dinogo Planet. Terms may apply to American Express benefits and offers, which may require enrollment. For more details, visit americanexpress.com.

After years of pandemic restrictions, the desire for live events has skyrocketed. Big names like Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and Ed Sheeran are filling arenas globally, while sports venues are once again bustling with fans. Ticket availability has tightened, and prices have surged compared to the pre-pandemic era. The Taylor Swift-Ticketmaster incident highlighted just how challenging and costly it can be for fans to attend the concerts they've long anticipated.

Fortunately, you can secure tickets to your favorite events while saving money—if you have the right credit card. Recognizing the appeal of live entertainment, credit card issuers have partnered with various venues and events to create programs that offer cardholders access to premium experiences. Many banks provide entertainment portals where members can find discounts and presale tickets for global events. Just make sure you have a qualifying credit card to enjoy these exclusive benefits.

Whether you're a music enthusiast or a sports fan, you'll likely use a credit card to purchase your tickets. If you carry the right card, you could score better seats and make your budget stretch further. Here’s how to unlock valuable perks at international events and concerts using your credit card:

Getting started with travel points and airline miles

American Express Experiences

American Express Experiences is a premium program offering cardholders exclusive access to a variety of curated events, including entertainment, travel, dining, and more. This program is available to select American Express cardholders, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, and The American Express® Gold Card*, among others.

A highlight of American Express Experiences is the 'By Invitation Only' initiative, available to Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders. This program provides select cardholders with access to highly coveted events, including VIP packages for Wimbledon, art exhibitions, and exclusive culinary experiences.

The top travel credit cards

A significant feature is the 'Card Member Access,' which allows cardholders to purchase tickets for popular concerts, Broadway shows, and sporting events often before they go on sale to the general public. Currently, Card Member Early Access events include the acclaimed Hamilton on Broadway, Katy Perry’s PLAY residency in Las Vegas, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway.

How to create a travel budget using points and miles

Additionally, 'Card Member Access' provides exclusive entry to various experiences and perks at partner venues. This includes VIP lounge access, preferred seating, complimentary beverages, discounted concessions, dedicated entrances, and other exclusive benefits.

With Preferred Access Seating, cardholders can enjoy premium seats at many of the previously mentioned events. You don't necessarily need a Platinum or Gold card to gain access to these seats; they're also available to members with the following cards:

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

• American Express® Gold Card

• American Express® Business Gold Card

• American Express® Corporate Gold Card*

• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

Traveling to Europe using points and miles

Capital One Entertainment

Last year, Capital One Entertainment made waves as the exclusive pre-sale partner for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. With eager Swifties rushing to secure coveted concert tickets, Capital One set aside a special allotment of seats exclusively for its cardholders on the Capital One Entertainment portal.

This ticketing platform is open to Capital One rewards cardholders and offers access to tickets for concerts, sports events, theater productions, dining experiences, and more. Cardholders can purchase tickets using their credit cards, redeem points, or a combination of both.

Eligible Capital One credit cards for accessing Capital One Entertainment include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Spark Miles for Business, Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards, and Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card. The Savor Cash Card stands out for Capital One Entertainment purchases, earning 4% cash back on dining entertainment services and 8% on bookings through Capital One Entertainment. With other qualifying cards, you still earn 2 miles per dollar spent, which is quite generous.

Best travel credit cards for foodies

Chase Experiences

Chase Experiences is a booking service provided by Chase Bank, giving eligible customers access to a variety of exclusive perks and experiences in categories like travel, entertainment, sports, dining, and more. Qualifying cardholders can enjoy early access or reserved seating at concerts, shows, sports events, and other entertainment activities.

It's essential to understand that the specific benefits and offerings of Chase Experiences can differ based on the type of Chase credit card an individual holds. For instance, United MileagePlus cardholders can reserve unique vacation packages, culinary experiences, and preferred seating at select concerts through United Card Events.

In addition, Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can purchase tickets to select events and gain access to exclusive lounges via Reserved by Sapphire. Chase Sound Check offers special festival benefits like expedited entry, discounts on food and merchandise, and early ticket offers. Cardholders can also access Chase lounges at Madison Square Garden and the Chase Center in San Francisco, enjoying preferred seating, dining, and merchandise discounts at both venues.

Exploring Japan with points and miles

Citi Entertainment

The Citi Entertainment portal operates similarly to other credit card event platforms we've discussed. It offers Citi cardholders access to presale and preferred tickets for popular music, theater, sports events, and more. Currently, Citi Entertainment is featuring presale tickets for Usher’s residency in Las Vegas and preferred tickets for the Lauryn Hill & The Fugees tour.

Citi Entertainment is accessible to nearly all Citi credit card holders, including those with the Citi Premier® Card, Citi Double Cash Card, Citi Rewards+, Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, and Citi Custom Cash® Card. The Custom Cash Card offers 5% cash back in your top spending category each month, including entertainment, making it a fantastic option for bookings through Citi Entertainment.

Traveling to Spain with points and miles

Final thoughts

From exclusive lounges to discounts on concessions and VIP packages, credit cards offer numerous ways to enjoy significant perks. They can provide access to VIP experiences and presale tickets that might otherwise be unattainable. With the right card, you can enjoy early ticket access and even exclusive meet-and-greets with your favorite performers. While American Express is renowned for its extensive global events platform, it's far from the only option available.

You likely have a qualifying credit card that can unlock access to one of these portals. Just remember to opt in for notifications, so you’ll be informed when your entertainment portal releases exclusive tickets or premium packages for events you love.

Traveling to Hawaii using points and miles

*Eligibility and benefits may vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For further details, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain. These entities have not reviewed or endorsed this content.