What is a ticket transfer and how does it work?
How a transfer works
A transfer moves a ticket from your ticketing account to another person's account. You start it in your account by entering the recipient's email or phone number.
The recipient gets an email or text with a link to accept. Once they accept, the ticket appears in their account with a new barcode, and your copy is voided.
Transfers are usually free, but some artists or venues charge a fee. The process can take minutes or up to 48 hours, depending on the platform.
When transfers are allowed
Not all tickets can be transferred. Some artists, venues, or sports teams lock transfers until a certain date, often 24 to 72 hours before the event.
Others block transfers entirely. If the transfer button is grayed out, check the event's rules in your account or contact the platform's support.
For paper tickets, a transfer is just handing over the physical ticket. For mobile tickets, you must use the official transfer tool.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a screenshot of a mobile ticket works as a transfer—it usually doesn't because the barcode is dynamic.
- Assuming you can transfer a ticket after the event has started; many platforms cut off transfers hours before showtime.
- Believing a transfer is the same as a resale; a transfer is a gift or sale between individuals, while a resale goes through a platform's marketplace.
