Finding reliable tickets for sold-out football matches can feel like trying to score a penalty blindfolded. You know the game is happening, but getting into the stadium is a whole different challenge. This is where secondary marketplaces step in, and Fanpass has emerged as a significant player in this competitive field. Whether you are desperate to see Manchester United at Old Trafford or catch an Arsenal game at the Emirates, Fanpass promises a solution. But is it safe? Is it reliable?
In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into everything you need to know about Fanpass. We will explore how the platform works, analyze user feedback from trusted sources like Trustpilot, and weigh the pros and cons so you can decide if it is the right choice for your next matchday experience.
What is Fanpass?
Fanpass operates as a secondary ticket marketplace, primarily focused on football and other major sporting events. Unlike primary sellers like Ticketmaster or the clubs themselves, Fanpass connects sellers—who have tickets they no longer need or want to sell for a profit—with buyers desperate to attend the event.
Think of it as the eBay for live sports experiences. Sellers list their tickets, set their prices (which can often be higher than face value), and buyers purchase them directly through the platform. Fanpass acts as the middleman, holding the money until the transaction is successfully completed to ensure security for both parties.
How Does Fanpass Work?
Fanpass keeps the buying and selling experience simple and user-friendly for everyone:
- Search: You search for the event you want to attend (e.g., “Liverpool vs. Chelsea”).
- Select: You browse available listings, comparing prices and seating locations.
- Purchase: You buy the tickets through the secure Fanpass checkout.
- Delivery: The seller sends the tickets to you, often electronically or via mobile transfer, usually 24-48 hours before the match.
The platform heavily emphasizes security, aiming to remove the shady “scalper outside the stadium” vibe that often plagues the secondary market. By digitalizing the process, Fanpass attempts to add a layer of legitimacy and safety to buying resale tickets.
The Key Features of Fanpass
When you are spending hundreds of pounds on a match ticket, you want to know exactly what you are getting. Fanpass offers several features designed to reassure fans.
1. Verified Sellers
While anyone can technically sell on secondary platforms, Fanpass uses a verification system. Sellers must provide identification and banking details, which discourages scammers who might try to sell fake tickets. If a seller fails to deliver, they don’t get paid, and they may face penalties.
2. Fanpass Guarantee
Like many reputable marketplaces, Fanpass offers a guarantee. This typically ensures that:
- Your tickets will arrive before the event date.
- The tickets will be valid for entry.
- The tickets will be the same as or better than what you ordered.
If these conditions aren’t met, Fanpass usually steps in to provide a refund or replacement tickets, though as we will see in the reviews section, experiences with this can vary.
3. Last-Minute Availability
One of the biggest selling points of Fanpass is the ability to find tickets for games that have been sold out for weeks. If you decide on a Friday that you want to see a Premier League game on Saturday, Fanpass is often one of the few places with inventory left.
4. Global Reach
Although it is very popular in the UK for Premier League matches, Fanpass isn’t limited to one region. It serves as a hub for tickets all around the world, covering Champions League fixtures, La Liga games, and other cultural events.
Is Fanpass Legit? Analyzing User Trust
The biggest question on everyone’s mind is: “Is Fanpass legit?”
Based on our analysis of Trustpilot reviews and general online sentiment, the answer is generally yes, but with caveats. Fanpass has a TrustScore of roughly 4.2 out of 5 stars based on over 8,000 reviews. This is a solid score for the secondary ticketing industry, which is notoriously difficult to manage perfectly.
The Good: What Users Love
Many users report seamless experiences. Positive reviews often highlight:
- Customer Support: Users frequently mention helpful support agents who resolve issues quickly via WhatsApp or email.
- Great Seats: Many buyers were pleasantly surprised to find their seats were better than expected.
- Reliability: The majority of transactions go smoothly, with tickets arriving 24-48 hours before kick-off as promised.
The Bad: Common Complaints
However, no platform is perfect. Negative feedback for Fanpass often revolves around:
- High Prices: Tickets are almost always sold above face value, sometimes significantly so.
- Late Delivery Anxiety: Since tickets often arrive just 24 hours before the event, this can cause major stress for fans traveling from abroad.
- Wrong Ticket Categories: Some users reported buying “Adult” tickets but receiving “Under 18” or “Junior” tickets, which can cause issues at the turnstiles.
Fanpass vs. The Competition
To help you understand where Fanpass fits in the market, let’s compare it to other ticket buying options.
| Feature | Fanpass | Official Club Website | General Marketplaces (eBay/Gumtree) |
| Ticket Validity | High (Verified Sellers) | 100% Guaranteed | Low/Risky |
| Price | Market Value (Often High) | Face Value (Fixed) | Varies wildly |
| Availability | High (Even sold out games) | Low (Often sells out instantly) | Medium |
| Customer Support | Dedicated Support | Club Support | None |
| Fees | Booking/Service Fees | minimal booking fees | None/Low |
| Refund Protection | Yes (Conditional) | Yes | None |
The Fanpass User Experience: A Walkthrough
Let’s break down what it actually feels like to use Fanpass to secure your seat.
Finding Your Match
The website is user-friendly. You can search by team (e.g., Manchester City, Arsenal) or by competition. The interface is clean, showing you the date, time, and venue clearly. Once you select a match, you are presented with a map of the stadium and a list of available tickets.
Understanding Ticket Categories
On Fanpass, tickets are usually categorized by seating sections (Shortside, Longside, VIP).
- Shortside: Behind the goals. Usually the most affordable option and often where the most passionate atmosphere is found.
- Longside: Along the touchline. These offer the best views of the tactical play.
- VIP/Hospitality: These packages often include food, drinks, and padded seats, but come with a hefty price tag.
The Checkout Process
When you select your tickets, pay attention to the “Service Fee” and “Booking Fee” added at checkout. This is standard for resale sites but can inflate the final price. Fanpass is transparent about the total cost before you click pay, so there shouldn’t be hidden surprises on your bank statement.
The “Anxious Wait”
After purchasing, you will receive a confirmation email. However, you likely won’t get the actual tickets immediately. This is standard industry practice. Clubs often don’t release digital tickets until a few days before the match. Fanpass sellers forward them once they receive them. For many first-time users, this waiting period is the most stressful part of the Fanpass experience, but reviews suggest that tickets rarely fail to arrive.
Pros and Cons of Using Fanpass
To give you a balanced view, here is a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of using Fanpass.
Pros
- Access to Sold-Out Events: The primary benefit is access. If a game is sold out, Fanpass is a viable way to get in.
- Digital Convenience: Mobile tickets are easy to transfer and use, eliminating the need to meet strangers on street corners.
- Customer Service: Unlike buying from a tout on Twitter, you have a company to contact if things go wrong. Their Trustpilot responses show they are active in resolving disputes.
- Last Minute Options: You can often buy tickets just days before the event.
Cons
- Pricing: You will likely pay a premium. Popular matches (like a Manchester Derby) can see prices triple or quadruple.
- Delivery Timing: Receiving tickets 24 hours before a match is nerve-wracking, especially if you have booked flights and hotels.
- Ticket Category Issues: As noted in reviews, occasionally sellers mislabel tickets (e.g., sending a Junior ticket instead of an Adult one), which can lead to awkward conversations with stadium stewards.
Tips for Buying Safely on Fanpass
If you decide to use Fanpass, following these tips can help ensure a smooth experience.
1. Read the Descriptions Carefully
Don’t just look at the price. Read the listing details. Does it mention restricted views? Are the seats together? Sellers on Fanpass are usually specific, so make sure you know what you are buying.
2. Check Your Email and WhatsApp
Communication is key. Sellers often use WhatsApp to transfer digital tickets. Ensure the phone number you provide to Fanpass is correct and has WhatsApp installed, as this speeds up the delivery process significantly.
3. Plan for the “Junior” Ticket Risk
While rare, if you receive a “Junior” or “OAP” ticket, contact Fanpass support immediately. Do not wait until you are at the turnstile. Their support team can often intervene or advise on the best course of action.
4. Use a Credit Card
Whenever buying online, using a credit card offers an extra layer of protection compared to debit cards. If a service is not delivered, you may have recourse through your card issuer.
Why Choose Fanpass Over Other Resellers?
There are many sites like StubHub or Viagogo. Why choose Fanpass?
The main differentiator appears to be their focus on European football and their personalized support. While giants like StubHub cover every event imaginable, Fanpass has carved out a niche specifically for football fans. This specialization often means their support team understands the specific nuances of football ticketing (like away sections vs. home sections) better than a generalist support agent might.
Furthermore, Fanpass seems to have a more hands-on approach to seller management. Their active presence on review sites, replying to both positive and negative feedback, suggests they care about their reputation and are willing to fix mistakes.
The Verdict: Is Fanpass Worth It?
If you are an official member of a club and have enough loyalty points to buy directly, that should always be your first choice. It is cheaper and 100% risk-free.
However, for the millions of fans who don’t have memberships or for tourists visiting the UK for a weekend who want to catch a game, Fanpass provides a valuable service. It offers a legitimate, secure platform to buy tickets that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Yes, you will pay more than face value. Yes, waiting for the ticket delivery can be stressful. But generally speaking, Fanpass delivers on its promise: getting you into the stadium to see the team you love. The high volume of positive reviews on Trustpilot suggests that for the vast majority of users, the extra cost is a price worth paying for the memories of a live match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Fan pass reliable for Premier League tickets?
Yes, Fan pass is considered reliable for Premier League tickets. They have thousands of reviews confirming successful entry to major stadiums. However, tickets are resale items, so prices will be higher than face value, and delivery typically happens 24-48 hours before the match.
2. Why haven’t I received my tickets from Fan pass yet?
It is standard practice for Fan pass sellers to send tickets 1 to 3 days before the event. Football clubs often delay the release of digital tickets to prevent fraud, which means the seller cannot send them to you until they receive them from the club. Check your spam folder and ensure your phone number is correct for WhatsApp transfers.
3. What happens if my Fan pass tickets don’t work?
If you are denied entry, you should contact Fan pass support immediately. They have a guarantee in place. You will likely need to provide proof that entry was denied. While rare, Fanpass typically offers refunds in verified cases where the seller is at fault.
4. Are Fan pass tickets more expensive than buying from the club?
Yes, almost always. Fan pass is a secondary marketplace where prices are determined by supply and demand. For high-profile matches, prices can be significantly higher than face value. You are paying for the convenience and the ability to access tickets that are otherwise sold out.
5. Can I sell my own tickets on Fan pass?
Yes, Fan pass allows fans to sell tickets. You will need to register as a seller and provide identification and banking details for verification. It is a good way to recoup money if you cannot attend a match you have tickets for, but you must ensure you deliver the tickets promptly to the buyer to get paid.
