For Kpop fans in the Philippines, presales are often the only realistic chance to secure good concert tickets. If you wait for the general sale, chances are the best seats will already be gone.
One of the most common early access options for concerts organized by Live Nation Philippines is the Mastercard Presale. This presale gives Mastercard holders exclusive access to tickets before the public sale begins.
NOTE: For Live Nation Philippines Presale, go to this guide instead.
If you’re planning to attend future concerts in Manila or Bulacan, especially for major Kpop artists, understanding how this presale works can make a huge difference. I’ve personally used this process during major shows like Seventeen Follow Tour and Stray Kids DominATE Tour, and the system tends to stay the same for most Live Nation Philippines events.
Although this guide uses UnionBank card as an example, the process generally applies to most Mastercard concert presales. Depending on the event, Mastercard may partner with different banks such as UnionBank, Metrobank, or other card issuers as the official presale sponsor. The bank sponsor may change, but the ticketing process usually stays the same.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to buy tickets during the Live Nation Mastercard Presale.
Table of Content
- What Is the Mastercard Presale?
- Step-by-Step: How to Buy Tickets in the Mastercard Presale
- Quick Recap: Mastercard Presale
- FAQ
What Is the Mastercard Presale?
The Mastercard Presale is an exclusive ticket selling window for people who own a Mastercard credit or debit card.
During this presale:
- Cardholders can buy tickets before general public sales
- Seats are limited but usually include prime sections
- The presale normally lasts one day only
Most concerts promoted by Live Nation Philippines use this system, especially for large events at venues like Philippine Arena, Philippine Stadium, and SM Mall of Asia Arena. For in-demand Kpop concerts, tickets during presale can disappear in minutes, so preparation matters.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy Tickets in the Mastercard Presale
1. Know the Exact Presale Time
UnionBank Mastercard presales usually run for one day only, typically starting at 10 AM.
Because thousands of fans enter the queue the moment ticketing opens, it’s important to:
- Set calendar reminders
- Log in early
- Prepare your card details
If you’re serious about getting tickets, open the site at least 15–30 minutes before the sale begins.
2. Go to Priceless.com (Not SM Tickets First)
One mistake many fans make is going directly to SM Tickets.
For the Mastercard Presale, you must first enter through Mastercard’s official portal:
This page lists the eligible concerts. The bank name may change, but the website for the Mastercard resales is the same. From there, you will see the event link that redirects you to the correct SM Tickets page.
Skipping this step can prevent you from accessing the presale.
3. Use the First 6 Digits of Your Mastercard
To unlock the presale tickets, you’ll need to enter a promo code.
This code is simply: The first six digits of your Mastercard.
This works for both UnionBank Mastercard credit cards and UnionBank Mastercard debit cards. Even co-branded cards like the Lazada UnionBank Debit Mastercard usually work, as long as the card network is Mastercard.
4. Choose Your Seats Quickly
Once you reach the ticketing page on SM Tickets, the real race begins. Here are some tips that experienced concertgoers follow:
- Decide your sections beforehand
Having a backup section is also helpful because your first choice might sell out instantly.
- Use a stable internet connection
Ticketing queues are sensitive. Avoid switching networks while purchasing.
- Save your payment details
Typing your card information while seats disappear is stressful. Be ready.
5. Missed the Presale? Here’s What You Can Do
If you can’t get your tickets during the UnionBank presale, all is not lost. Live Nation Presale and General ticket sales will follow, but these, too, will go fast. Stay updated on the sale dates and be ready for another round of rapid clicks to grab your tickets, or fall in line in the SM Ticket Outlets during General Sale. Because in my experience, there are more tickets in the outlets than online during Gen Sales. Concerts like this don’t come around often, so take advantage of every opportunity.
Same Process for Other Live Nation UnionBank Mastercard Presales
Again, here’s another reason to remember these steps— the UnionBank Mastercard Presale is a common feature for all Mastercard-sponsored events organized by Live Nation Philippines, giving cardholders early access to tickets. And this presale also has fewer buyers compete for tickets.
Quick Recap: Mastercard Presale
Here’s the simplified checklist:
1. Mark the presale date
UnionBank Mastercard presales usually start at 10 AM.
2. Go to Priceless.com first
Visit priceless.com before ticketing opens.
3. Use your card digits
Enter the first six digits of your Mastercard as the promo code.
4. Select seats quickly
Know your preferred sections before entering the queue.
5. Try again during general sale
If presale fails, you still have another chance.
FAQ
Q: How does the Mastercard presale work?
A: The Mastercard presale allows UnionBank Mastercard cardholders to purchase concert tickets before the public sale. Fans must enter the first six digits of their card as a promo code to unlock presale access.
Q: Where do I access the Mastercard concert presale?
A: The presale usually starts through Priceless.com/, which redirects buyers to the official SM Tickets page for the event.
Q: Can I use a Visa card for presale tickets?
A: No. If the presale is labeled as a Mastercard presale, only Mastercard credit or debit cards are accepted. Even if a specific bank such as UnionBank, Metrobank, or another card issuer is listed as the sponsor, the presale is still tied to the Mastercard network, not the bank itself. This means Visa, JCB, American Express, and other card types cannot unlock the presale. To access the tickets, you must use a Mastercard issued by the sponsoring bank.
Q: What time does Mastercard presale start?
A: Most presales begin at 10 AM Philippine time and run for one day only, although schedules may vary depending on the concert promoter.
Q: Are presale tickets better than general sale tickets?
A: Presales usually offer early access to available seats, which can increase your chances of securing better sections before tickets sell out.
If you’re planning to attend more concerts, bookmark my Kpop concert ticket guide hub, where I break down presales, fanclub verification, and ticketing tips for different countries.