It’s no secret that American Express issues some of the best credit cards in Canada. Their cards include American Express Front Of The Line, which allows card members to access presale tickets and reserved seating for major entertainment events like concerts, theatre performances, sporting events, and exclusive restaurant experiences.
We’ll explain how to get started (and which Amex cards to use) so you never miss an opportunity to have a great time out.
Key Takeaways
- Front Of The Line gives Amex cardmembers presale access to concerts, sports events, theatre performances, in-demand restaurants, and more.
- All American Express cardholders automatically have access to Front Of The Line.
- You must pay with your Amex when purchasing Front Of The Line tickets.
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What is American Express Front Of The Line?
Front Of The Line is an Amex card benefit that gives cardholders reserved seats or pre-sale access to events like:
- Concerts
- Sports events
- Theatre performances
- Exclusive dining experiences
To participate in Front Of The Line, you can purchase reserved seats for Amex card members or be notified about exclusive pre-sale opportunities. Front Of The Line also sends emails about upcoming events for which you can buy pre-sale tickets (before the general public).
Scoring tickets to amazing events has never been easier.
How does Amex Front Of The Line work?
Front of the Line is quite simple to use if you have an eligible American Express credit card. First, sign up so you get email notifications about access to ticket presales and reserved seating through Ticketmaster.
You can also head to this Ticketmaster page to see upcoming events with presales.
How to get reserved seating
On the Ticketmaster website, choose the show you're interested in seeing and click on "See Tickets."
On the seating chart, you can choose the ticket type you want (like standard, front row, or ultimate VIP package).
This is where you'll find the "Front Of The Line by American Express Invites Reserved Tickets" option, if available.
Options will be filtered and available Front Of The Line seats will be dark blue.
Once you've chosen your tickets, you can checkout and pay with your American Express credit card. Note that you must charge the full amount to your Amex card.
How to access ticket presales
Ticketmaster lists concerts that are available for presales under the American Express section. Simply click on the "Presale Tickets" section to see a list of the eligible events.
Once you choose the event you'd like to attend, you can click on "Find Tickets."
Before you choose your presale seats, enter a password/code, which is the customer service phone number on the back of your card. Then, you can filter the tickets with the "Front Of The Line by American Express Invites Presale Tickets" option. The tickets that are available for you to choose from will turn dark blue.
You also have to pay with an American Express credit card, or else you won't be able to proceed.
How to redeem points for tickets
If you have an American Express credit card that earns Membership Rewards, you can conveniently turn your points into tickets through Ticketmaster.
Here's how it works:
Once you're at the checkout, you can select "Membership Rewards Points from American Express" as the payment method.
Enter your credit card information and 4-digit security code to verify your point balance.
After your purchase is completed, you can use your points to pay for all (or part of) your purchase. There's a minimum point redemption of 2,000. Each point is worth 1 cent when used towards a Ticketmaster purchase.
Although your card will be charged for the full amount, a statement credit for the points redeemed will be applied to your account within 48 hours.
Pro tip: Front Of The Line Entertainment e-Updates is an email subscription service that sends you exclusive invites and offers for a variety of events directly to your inbox.
Simply sign-up for the newsletter and check your inbox often to be on top of all the hottest events.
Pros and cons of Amex Front Of The Line
As with any program, there are advantages and disadvantages. Here are our highlights and criticisms of Front Of The Line.
Pros:
- No income requirement credit cards: You don’t have to have a high income to get a premium credit card to access Front Of The Line - even the no-income requirement Amex cards come with the benefit.
- Works with Amex Offers: Amex Offers is another reward program that helps you search for rewards from select merchants. Fortunately, this is a great way to find qualifying offers at Front Of The Line events.
- Cardmember entrance: Select festivals and events have designated American Express Cardmember entrances, so you can get in faster.
- Amex lounge access: Some concerts and events have Amex lounges where cardholders can unwind and grab something to eat and drink. Just flash your card and you’re in!
Cons:
- Limited options once you buy the tickets: Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and you can’t sell them. So, once you buy tickets through Front of the Line, you’re stuck with them.
- You aren’t guaranteed better seats: Don’t assume that Front Of The Line gives you the best seats in the house. You’ll typically have the same seat access as other pre-sale offers.
- You have to charge the whole purchase to your Amex: Since this is an Amex benefit, you have charge any Front Of The Line tickets in full to your Amex Card.
How to get Front Of The Line access
Of course, the only way to get Front Of The Line perks is to have an American Express credit card. But which ones are the best?
American Express Cobalt card
×8 Award winner 
$100 GeniusCash + Transfer points to Aeroplan and 7 other travel partners with Canada's #1 credit card.*
GC: $100
8x Award winner The
Plus, the points earned are Membership Rewards points, so you can use them to pay for tickets through Ticketmaster. This card is a must for frequent event-goers.
Pros:
- Best credit card in Canada
- Get up to 15,000 welcome bonus points
- Earn up to 5 points per $1 spent on purchases
- 4 ways to redeem points for high value
- 10 types of insurance included
- Annual fee paid monthly ($12.99 per month)
Cons:
- Lower acceptance as an American Express
American Express Green card
If you're looking for a no-fee option, the
While that may not seem like much, when you consider that each point is worth up to 2 cents, it can lead to an amazing return of up to 2% on everything.
Pros:
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases
- Points worth up to 2 cents
- 4 ways to redeem points for high value
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Lower acceptance as an American Express
- Minimal insurance included
Scotiabank Gold American Express
×1 Award winner GC: $100
1x Award winner If you’re a Scotiabank fan, take a look at the
Pros:
- Up to 6 points per $1 spent on select purchases
- 4 ways to redeem points for high value
- 12 types of insurance
- No foreign exchange fees
Cons:
- Lower acceptance as an American Express
- High annual fee of $120
It's not the only Amex card Scotiabank offers – here are the other 2 you can take a look at.
Marriott Bonvoy American Express
If you want some free hotel nights, the
Pros:
- Get up to 50,000 welcome bonus points
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on at Marriott properties
- 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Annual free night certificate worth 35,000 points
- Automatic Silver Elite status
Cons:
- Lower acceptance as an American Express
- Lower insurance coverage amounts compared to similar premium cards
FAQ
What does Front of the Line by American Express mean?
Front Of The Line is a program offered by Amex to its cardholders. Cardholders buy presale or reserved tickets to concerts, stand-up performances, sports events, in-demand restaurants and more.
How do I get American Express presale on Ticketmaster?
Head to Ticketmaster, sign in, and find the event you want tickets for. Select "Ticket Type" at the top and choose “American Express Card Member Presale.” Then, choose your exact tickets and check out. Simple!
Are Amex presale tickets transferable?
No, Amex imposes rules and restrictions on presale tickets. You can’t transfer them and the tickets are non-refundable. We probably don’t have to mention this, but you’re also prohibited from selling the tickets.
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