Blumenthal Tickets requires payment by check or money order, not credit card
Blumenthal Performing Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina does not process credit card payments through their ticket office. If you are trying to buy tickets by phone or mail, you will need to send a check or money order instead. This is a deliberate policy choice by the venue, not a technical error or temporary restriction.
The reason for this restriction is straightforward: Blumenthal's box office operates on a cash-basis accounting system that does not integrate credit card processing for mail and phone orders. Online ticket purchases through their website may have different payment options, so that is worth checking first before you prepare a check.
Key Takeaways
- Blumenthal Performing Arts box office accepts checks and money orders by mail or phone, but not credit cards for those payment methods.
- Online ticket purchases through Blumenthal's website may accept credit cards, so check their website before sending payment by mail.
- Money orders are safer than personal checks if you are mailing payment, because they cannot be altered or stopped once issued.
- Call the box office at their main number before mailing payment to confirm the current mailing address and any minimum order amounts.
- Some third-party ticket resellers may accept credit cards for Blumenthal events, though you will pay a markup for that convenience.
How to order tickets by check or money order
Contact the Blumenthal box office by phone to confirm the mailing address, current ticket prices, and any fees that explore to mail orders. The box office staff can also tell you which shows have tickets still available and hold a reservation while you prepare payment.
Write your check or obtain a money order for the full ticket price plus any applicable fees. Include a note with your order that lists the show name, date, number of tickets, and your contact information. Money orders are preferable to checks because they cannot be stopped or altered once issued, which protects both you and the venue.
Mail your payment to the address the box office provides. Keep a copy of your note and the check or money order number for your records. Blumenthal will mail your tickets back to you once payment clears, which typically takes one to two weeks depending on mail delivery time.
Why venues restrict payment methods
Performing arts venues like Blumenthal often limit payment methods to reduce fraud risk and administrative overhead. Credit card processing requires real-time verification systems, merchant accounts, and ongoing PCI compliance — costs that smaller box offices or those handling lower transaction volumes may not justify.
Check and money order payments also create a paper trail that aligns with how many nonprofit arts organizations manage their accounting. The delay between payment and ticket delivery also gives the venue time to verify funds have cleared before releasing tickets.
Online ticket purchase as an alternative
Blumenthal's website may offer online ticket sales through their own system or through a third-party ticketing partner. Online purchases often accept credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment methods that the phone and mail box office does not.
Check Blumenthal's official website first to see whether online ordering is available for the show you want. Online orders typically process faster than mail orders and you receive confirmation when ready. You may be able to print tickets at home or pick them up at the box office on the day of the show, depending on the venue's policy.
Third-party ticket resellers and credit card options
Websites like StubHub, Ticketmaster, and other resale platforms may have Blumenthal tickets available and will accept credit cards. These services charge a markup above the face ticket price, sometimes 20 to 40 percent or more depending on demand and the show.
Reseller tickets are legitimate as long as they come from an established platform, but you are paying extra for the convenience of credit card payment and faster delivery. Compare the total cost — face price plus fees through the box office versus reseller price — before deciding which route makes sense for your budget.
Protecting yourself when mailing payment
Use a money order rather than a personal check whenever possible. Money orders cannot be altered or stopped once issued, so the venue has no risk of payment failure. You can buy money orders at banks, post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores for a small fee, usually between one and five dollars.
Send your payment via tracked mail so you have proof of delivery. The U.S. Postal Service offers Priority Mail with tracking at no extra cost, or you can pay for Certified Mail if you want a signature confirmation. Keep your receipt and the money order number until you receive your tickets and have attended the show.
What to do if you need tickets quickly
If the show is coming up soon and you do not have time to mail a check or money order, your options are limited. Call the box office and ask whether they can hold tickets for you while you arrange payment, or whether they have any other payment methods available for urgent orders.
If the box office cannot help, check online ticket platforms and resellers. You will pay more, but you will receive tickets when ready by email or digital delivery. Compare the reseller price to the face price plus any fees the box office charges for mail orders to see whether the premium is worth the speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay by debit card instead of credit card?
Blumenthal's phone and mail box office does not accept debit cards either — only checks and money orders. However, online ticket purchases through their website may accept debit cards. Check their website or call the box office to confirm what payment methods are available for online orders.
What if I do not have a checking account to write a check?
Buy a money order instead. Money orders are available at post offices, banks, grocery stores, and convenience stores. You pay cash for the money order and receive a receipt. Money orders work the same way as checks from the venue's perspective but are safer because they cannot be altered or stopped.
How long does it take to receive tickets if I mail a check?
Expect one to two weeks total: a few days for mail delivery, a few days for the box office to process and verify payment, and a few days for them to mail tickets back to you. If the show is within two weeks, mailing payment may not work. Call the box office to ask whether they can hold tickets or process payment faster.
Are there fees for paying by check or money order?
Blumenthal may charge a mail order fee in addition to the ticket price. Call the box office to ask what the total cost will be before you prepare payment. Online orders may have different fees than mail orders.
Can I use a gift card or prepaid card?
Prepaid cards and gift cards are treated like credit cards by Blumenthal's box office policy, so they are not accepted for phone or mail orders. Online ticket purchases may accept them. Check the website or call the box office to confirm.