StubHub Refund Policy Explained: Are StubHub Tickets Refundable and How to Get Your Money Back

Buying event tickets online is incredibly convenient, but what happens if plans change or an event gets canceled? StubHub is one of the most popular platforms for buying and selling tickets to concerts, sports events, theater performances, and more. But how does the StubHub refund policy work? Are StubHub tickets refundable under all circumstances? This comprehensive blog post will walk you through the ins and outs of the StubHub ticket refund policy, how to request a refund, and what alternatives exist if a refund isn’t available.

Understanding StubHub’s Role as a Marketplace

Before diving into the refund policy, it’s important to understand that StubHub is a ticket resale marketplace, not a primary ticket seller. This means most tickets are listed by individual sellers or brokers rather than venues or official ticket providers. StubHub facilitates the transaction but doesn’t control the ticket prices or availability.

Because of this structure, refunds and guarantees work differently compared to primary sellers like Ticketmaster. Let’s take a closer look.

StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee: What It Covers

StubHub offers a FanProtect Guarantee, which promises buyers:

• Valid tickets that will arrive in time for the event.
• Replacement tickets or a full refund if something goes wrong (e.g., tickets are invalid or don’t arrive).
• A full refund if the event is canceled and not rescheduled.

This guarantee provides a layer of protection, but it doesn’t mean StubHub tickets are refundable for any reason. Let’s break down what qualifies.

Are StubHub Tickets Refundable?

The simple answer is: StubHub tickets are refundable only under certain conditions.

Here are the main situations where you can get a StubHub ticket refund:

1. The Event Is Canceled
   
   • If an event is completely canceled and not rescheduled, StubHub will issue an automatic refund.
     
   • Refunds may be given as cash (to your original payment method) or StubHub credit, depending on your country or account settings.
     
2. The Tickets Are Invalid
   
   • If you arrive at the venue and are denied entry because the tickets were fraudulent or already used, StubHub will offer a full refund or comparable replacement tickets under their FanProtect Guarantee.
     
3. Delivery Issues
   
   • If the tickets are never delivered or don’t arrive on time for the event, StubHub will either replace them or issue a refund.
     
4. Rescheduled Events (Limited Cases)
   
   • If an event is rescheduled, refunds may not be guaranteed.
   • Buyers should check with StubHub or the event organizer. In some cases, refunds are available upon request, especially if the new date is inconvenient.

When StubHub Tickets Are Not Refundable

In many scenarios, StubHub operates with an “all sales are final” policy. You will not be eligible for a refund if:

• You changed your mind or can no longer attend the event.
  
• You bought the wrong tickets or entered incorrect information.
  
• The event is rescheduled and the new date is acceptable to the event organizer.
  
• You lost access to the email where the tickets were delivered.
  
• You missed the event due to personal reasons (illness, travel issues, etc.).
  

Understanding these limitations is crucial before purchasing, especially for high-priced or non-transferable events.

How to Request a StubHub Refund

If your situation falls within StubHub’s refund policy, here’s how to request a refund:

1. Log in to Your StubHub Account
   
   • Go to the “My Tickets” section.
     
2. Find the Event
   
   • Select the ticket order related to the canceled or problematic event.
     
3. Click “Contact Us”
   
   • You may see an option to request a refund if the event was canceled.
     
   • If not, use the live chat, call customer support, or submit a help request.
     
4. Provide Details
   
   • Include order number, event details, and explanation of the issue.
     
5. Follow Up
   
   • Refunds may take 5–10 business days to process.
     
   • You’ll receive an email once the refund is approved or denied.

StubHub Refund vs StubHub Credit: What’s the Difference?

Depending on your location and StubHub’s terms, you may be offered a credit instead of a cash refund. Here’s the difference:

• Cash Refund: Funds are returned to your original payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.).
  
• StubHub Credit: A balance you can use on future StubHub purchases, often valid for 12 months.
  

In some countries, StubHub defaults to issuing credit unless you specifically request a refund.

What Happens If the Event Is Rescheduled?

If an event is rescheduled, StubHub usually does not offer automatic refunds. Instead:

• Your ticket is valid for the new date.
  
• You can try to resell your ticket on StubHub if you can’t attend.
  
• You may request a refund, but approval depends on the seller and event organizer’s terms.
  

For events with high demand, resale may even allow you to recover more than you originally paid.

How to Resell Your Tickets on StubHub

If your StubHub ticket refund request is denied, selling your ticket may be the next best option:

1. Go to “My Tickets”
   
   • Select the order and click “Sell.”
     
2. Set Your Price
   
   • StubHub will show average selling prices to help you choose competitively.
     
3. Confirm Ticket Type
   
   • Ensure delivery method (mobile transfer, PDF upload) is correctly listed.
     
4. Publish the Listing
   
   • Your ticket will be listed for buyers on StubHub.
     

Once sold, you’ll be paid via PayPal or direct deposit.

StubHub Refund Policies During COVID-19 and Emergency Situations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, StubHub altered its refund policy by initially switching from refunds to credits for canceled events, which led to some customer dissatisfaction. Since then, StubHub has largely returned to its standard refund policy, but it’s worth checking for updates during emergencies or natural disasters.

Contacting StubHub Customer Support

If you’re unsure about whether you’re eligible for a refund, or if you want to escalate a ticket issue, you can reach StubHub via:

• Live Chat: Available through their website and app.
  
• Phone Support: Available in most regions.
  
• Help Center: Offers self-help articles and issue-specific contact options.
  

When contacting them, have your order number and email address ready for faster support.

Pro Tips for Avoiding Refund Hassles

1. Read the Event Terms Carefully
   
   • Know if your ticket is refundable or transferable before purchasing.
     
2. Use Reliable Payment Methods
   
   • Paying with credit cards may offer an extra layer of protection (e.g., chargebacks).
     
3. Monitor Event Status
   
   • Keep an eye on event changes, and act quickly if cancellation or rescheduling occurs.
     
4. Save Confirmation Emails and Receipts
   
   • These will be essential if you need to claim a refund or prove purchase.

Conclusion

So, are StubHub tickets refundable? Yes—but only under specific circumstances like event cancellations, invalid tickets, or delivery failures. If you simply can’t attend or made an error, you likely won’t be eligible for a refund. However, StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee offers a safety net for many common issues, and their platform provides tools for reselling if you can no longer use your ticket.

Whether you’re a frequent event-goer or just an occasional concert attendee, understanding the StubHub refund policy can save you time, money, and frustration. Always review event terms carefully and contact StubHub support promptly when problems arise.