How to Get Presale Codes in 2026: The Complete Guide

The difference between getting tickets and missing out often comes down to presale access. For major tours like Bruno Mars, Metallica, or Oasis, presale windows can sell out the best seats before general sale even opens. Here is how to get codes for every type of presale.

1. What is a presale?

A presale is an early ticket sale window that opens before the general public on-sale. Events typically run multiple presale waves over several days, each accessible with a different code or qualification. The order usually follows this pattern: artist/fan club presale first, then Spotify or platform presale, then credit card presale, then venue presale, and finally general sale.

Presales matter because the best seats and best prices are available during these early windows. By the time general sale opens on Friday, the premium sections are often already sold or selling fast.

2. Artist and fan club presales

This is typically the earliest and best access. Most major artists run their own presale for registered fans. Here is how to get access:

Sign up for the artist's mailing list. Visit the artist's official website and subscribe to their email newsletter. When a tour is announced, registered fans receive a presale code by email 24-48 hours before the presale window opens. This is free and works for most artists.

Join the fan club. Some artists operate paid fan clubs (sometimes called "verified fan" programmes) that offer exclusive presale access. Examples include Metallica's "Fifth Member" club (free), BTS's Weverse membership, and various artists using Ticketmaster's "Verified Fan" system. Fan clubs typically offer the very first presale window and sometimes exclusive meet-and-greet packages.

3. Spotify and Apple Music presales

Streaming platforms have become a major presale channel. Ticketmaster's integration with Spotify means that top listeners of an artist may receive exclusive presale access.

How it works: Ticketmaster identifies your Spotify listening history. If you are among an artist's top listeners in your region, you may be offered early access through the Ticketmaster app or via email. There is no code to enter — it is linked to your Ticketmaster account.

How to improve your chances: Stream the artist regularly (not just on repeat — genuine listening patterns matter), follow the artist on Spotify, and make sure your Spotify and Ticketmaster accounts use the same email address. Save the artist's songs to your library and add them to playlists.

Apple Music runs similar presale programmes for select events, though these are less common in Europe than Spotify presales.

4. Credit card presales

Major credit card networks partner with promoters to offer exclusive presale windows. The main ones in Europe are:

American Express — The most extensive presale programme. Amex Presale typically opens 1-2 days before general sale for hundreds of events per year. Simply pay with an Amex card at checkout. No code needed.

Mastercard — Offers "Priceless" presale access for selected events. Check priceless.com for eligible events.

Visa — Runs presale programmes for selected tours and festivals, typically in partnership with local promoters.

O2 Priority (UK) — O2 mobile customers in the UK get 48-hour presale access to thousands of events through the O2 Priority app. This is one of the most generous presale programmes available.

5. Venue and promoter presales

Individual venues and promoters often run their own presales for people on their mailing lists. If you frequently attend shows at a specific venue (like the O2 Arena, Accor Arena, or Olympiahalle), sign up for that venue's email list. Many venues offer a 24-hour presale window to their subscribers.

National promoters like Live Nation, AEG, and FKP Scorpio also run their own presale programmes. Live Nation's "Live Nation Presale" is accessible through a free account on livenation.com or the Live Nation app.

6. Typical presale timeline

7. Winning strategy

Layer your presale access. Do not rely on a single presale — sign up for multiple. If the artist presale sells out, you still have the Spotify presale, then the credit card presale, then the venue presale as backup windows.

Be ready 10 minutes early. Presales open at exactly the listed time and popular shows sell their best sections within minutes. Have your browser open, logged in, and payment details saved.

Use multiple devices. Open the ticket page on your phone, laptop, and tablet simultaneously. Queuing systems are per-device, so multiple devices give you multiple chances.

Know what you want. Decide on your preferred section and maximum budget before the presale opens. Hesitating during checkout costs you tickets.