How we review ticketing platforms

Checkstickets is an independent verification publication. We don't buy rankings and we're not a reseller. Here, in full transparency, is the framework we apply to review a ticketing platform before we give you a verdict.

Reviewed on 2026-06-11 · 2 min read

Our principle

A good ticketing platform should be understandable before you pay: a visible final price, clear conditions, secure payment and explained ticket delivery. We check these points one by one, from the buyer's point of view.

Our approach, step by step

  1. 1

    Identity and presence

    Who publishes the platform, since when, on which markets? A clear, verifiable presence is a first trust signal.

  2. 2

    Fee transparency

    Is the final price, fees included, shown before confirmation? Hidden fees are the main cause of disputes in ticketing.

  3. 3

    Payment and security

    A secure connection, recognised payment methods, and no unusual requests (direct transfer, gift cards), which are warning signs.

  4. 4

    Ticket delivery

    When and how does the buyer receive their tickets? Is the ticket type (electronic, named, transferable) indicated?

  5. 5

    Conditions and recourse

    Refund terms, customer service, and clarity on what falls to the event organiser.

Trust signals

  • A final price visible before payment
  • Accessible terms of sale
  • Secure payment and recognised methods
  • Explained ticket delivery
  • A verifiable presence and identity

Points to check

  • A price that rises at the last step
  • Fees discovered at payment
  • A request to pay by transfer or gift card
  • No clear legal notice
  • Artificial pressure (“only 2 tickets left”)

FAQ

Is Checkstickets independent?
Yes. We don't sell tickets and we don't monetise our verdicts. Some pages may contain links to platforms we analyse, without that changing our verification framework.
Are your ratings final?
No. A platform evolves: we reassess our reviews over time. The update date is shown at the top of each page.
Why insist so much on fees?
Because hidden fees are the number-one cause of disappointment in online ticketing. A reliable platform shows the total to pay before you confirm the order.