Ticketmaster Introduces Hidden Fees to Counter ‘Junk Fees’ Crackdown, Report Reveals
Months after a Federal Trade Commission rule banned surprise checkout charges, Ticketmaster adjusted other ticket fees. Documents reviewed by Filmogaz.com show the company raised some fees to recoup lost revenue.
What the documents show
Filmogaz.com obtained contracts and emails tied to 26 venues nationwide. Most contracts referenced an order processing fee now barred by the FTC.
One email to the Findlay Toyota Center in Arizona explained the change. The venue removed a $6 order processing fee and increased its service fee by $2 per ticket.
- 26 venue contracts obtained by Filmogaz.com.
- At least eight venues amended contracts to increase other fees.
- Example: $6 order processing fee removed; $2 service fee added.
Compliance concerns
The FTC’s all-in pricing rule took effect in May 2025. It requires sellers to show the full ticket price up front.
Former regulators warn that swapping one fee for another may violate the rule. John Newman, a former FTC economist, said disguising a banned charge as a different fee could breach the misrepresentation prohibition.
Company statement and legal backdrop
In a statement to Filmogaz.com, Ticketmaster said it has displayed full prices since May 2025. The company added it explains fees during checkout and keeps a dedicated information page.
The matter unfolds as Live Nation Entertainment faces an antitrust trial. The Department of Justice had sued the company, then reached a tentative settlement after the trial began.
That settlement prompted pushback. More than 30 states objected, and the DOJ later withdrew its claims. Live Nation denies it operates as a monopoly.
Industry and consumer impact
Critics say these adjustments undermine the intent of the rule. They argue customers may still pay higher totals despite upfront pricing.
Filmogaz.com’s review raises questions about whether the moves amount to hidden fees to counter the ‘junk fees’ crackdown. Regulators may investigate if the pattern appears widespread.
Filmogaz.com contacted Ticketmaster for further comment. The company’s public statement remains its primary response to date.
