Choosing a ticketing platform for events isn’t just about features; it’s about how much of your revenue you actually keep. Ticketing fees can vary from flat per-ticket charges to percentage-based commissions, and they can quickly eat into profits. If you’re asking which ticketing platform has the lowest fees, the answer depends on your event size, ticket price, and payment method.
In this guide, we compare the most popular ticketing platforms available, break down their fees, and help you find the solution that maximizes your revenue while keeping checkout simple for attendees.
Â
Key Takeaways:
- Ticketing platform fees typically include a combination of platform fees and payment processing fees.
- Flat-fee ticketing platforms often result in the lowest overall fees for high-volume or higher-priced events.
- Percentage-based ticketing platform fees can significantly impact revenue as ticket prices increase.
- Some platforms allow organizers to reduce fees by using alternative payment methods like Interac e-Transfers (Canada).
- The lowest ticketing platform fees depend on your event size, ticket price, and sales volume.
Â
Table of Contents
- Why Ticketing Platform Fees Matter for Event Organizers
- 1. Activity Messenger
- 2. Checkout Page
- 3. ThunderTix
- 4. TicketSpice
- 5. Eventbrite
- 6. Ticket Tailor
- 7. Humanitix
- Ticketing Platform Fees Comparison Table
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts: Choosing a Ticketing Platform with the Lowest Fees
DISCLAIMER: Activity Messenger is our product. We created it because we struggled for years with finding an event ticketing platform that works with organizations, not against them.
Why Ticketing Platform Fees Matter for Event Organizers
Ticketing platform fees directly impact your event revenue, pricing strategy, and attendee experience. While some fees may seem small on a per-ticket basis, they can add up quickly, especially for higher-priced tickets or large events.
Most ticketing platforms charge a combination of:
- Platform fees (either a flat per-ticket rate or a percentage of the ticket price)
- Payment processing fees from credit card providers or payment gateways
Higher ticketing platform fees can:
- 🚩 Reduce your net revenue per ticket
- 🚩 Force you to raise ticket prices to maintain margins
- 🚩 Create friction for attendees when convenience fees appear at checkout
Even when fees are passed on to attendees, excessive ticketing fees can lead to lower conversion rates and increased cart abandonment. Choosing a platform with transparent, predictable pricing helps organizers protect revenue while delivering a smoother checkout experience.
1. Activity Messenger
Description: A powerful all-in-one platform designed for community events, sports, schools and workshops. Offers ticketing with low platform fees.
- Fees: 1% ticketing fee. Payment processor fees apply (Stripe). No processor fees with Interac e-Transfers.
- Features:
-
- Integrates ticket sales with email marketing, Bulk SMS, and post-event surveys.
- QR code check-in for seamless attendee tracking.
- Supports the upselling of merchandise
-
- Best For: Community-focused organizers who want low ticketing fees combined with built-in communication and marketing tools, including email, SMS, surveys, and QR check-in.
Why Choose Activity Messenger: Unlike traditional platforms, it combines ticketing with robust communication tools, making it perfect for events that require follow-up or detailed attendee engagement. You may be interested in automating payments with Interac e-Transfers to further reduce ticketing fees (Canada only).
📌 Read More: Check out our other related articles, How to Sell Tickets with Seat Assignments for Events (Step‑by‑Step Guide), How to Cancel an Event, and How to Mass Import and Send Event Tickets (in bulk) for more information on making your next event the most successful one yet.
2. Checkout Page
Description: A subscription-based platform with no per-ticket fees, ideal for high-ticket events.
- Fees: $29/month; no per-ticket fees (payment processor fees apply). Monthly fees increase based on total revenue.
- Features:
-
- Customizable checkout pages.
- Supports one-time payments, subscriptions, and payment plans.
- Multi-currency support for international events.
-
- Best For: Organizers hosting high-revenue or frequent events who prefer predictable monthly costs and no per-ticket fees.
Why Choose Checkout Page:
Subscription-based pricing eliminates per-ticket fees and keeps costs stable for events with consistent sales, making budgeting easier.
3. ThunderTix
Description: A ticketing platform with flat fees per ticket and advanced tools such as interactive seating charts.
- Fees: $1 per ticket for general admission; $1.25 for reserved seating; $1.95 for white-glove seating; no percentage-based fees. You need to connect your payment processor where fees apply.
- Features:
-
- Detailed CRM capabilities.
- Advanced ticket customization.
- Low monthly minimums starting at $20.
-
- Best For: Venues or events that need flat, transparent fees with advanced seating and ticketing tools.
Why Choose ThunderTix:
Clear, per-ticket flat fees with options for interactive seating charts and CRM integration allow organizers to forecast costs and manage complex events easily.
4. TicketSpice
Description: A highly customizable platform with flat ticket fees and advanced analytics.
- Fees: $0.99 per ticket (payment processor fees apply).
- Features:
-
- Extensive customization for ticket forms.
- Robust reporting and analytics.
- Supports virtual and hybrid events.
-
- Best For: Organizers who require customizable ticketing forms and in-depth analytics for hybrid, virtual, or complex events.
Why Choose TicketSpice:
Highly flexible ticket forms, reporting, and hybrid event support make it ideal for organizers who want full control over the ticketing experience and data insights.
5. Eventbrite
Description: One of the most well-known ticketing platforms, offering advanced features but higher fees.
- Fees: 3.7% + $1.79 per ticket; 2.9% payment processing fee per order.
- Features:
-
- Powerful marketing tools.
- Integrations with social media platforms.
- Global audience reach.
-
- Best For: Large-scale, public, or high-profile events that benefit from wide marketing reach and global discoverability.
Why Choose Eventbrite:
Eventbrite’s extensive marketing integrations, social media tools, and broad audience exposure make it a go-to for events that prioritize visibility over cost.
📌 Read More: This article highlights the key differences between Eventbrite and Activity Messenger for Canadian organizations.
6. Ticket Tailor
Description: A subscription-based platform with no per-ticket fees, offering affordable monthly pricing.
- Fees: Need to purchase credits. 0.28$ to 0.75$ per ticket sold. Payment processor fees apply.
- Features:
-
- Customizable ticketing pages.
- Supports unlimited events.
- Integration with marketing tools like Mailchimp.
-
- Best For: Small to medium organizers managing multiple recurring events at a low cost.
Why Choose Ticket Tailor:
Subscription or credit-based pricing keeps ticket costs predictable while allowing organizers to run numerous events without breaking the budget.
7. Humanitix
Description: A socially conscious platform donating booking fees to educational charities.
- Fees: 1% to 2.1% + $0.99 per ticket; payment processing fees apply.
- Features:
-
- Customizable event pages.
- Real-time analytics and reporting.
- Supports multi-day and recurring events.
-
- Best For: Nonprofits and socially conscious organizations looking to turn ticket fees into charitable contributions.
Why Choose Humanitix:
Part of every booking fee is donated to educational charities, letting organizers host events, reduce costs, and make a social impact simultaneously.
Ticketing Platform Fees Comparison Table
| Platform | Ticketing Platform Fees | Best For | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity Messenger | 1% platform fee (processor fees apply; no processor fees with Interac e-Transfers) | Community events, schools, sports, workshops | Low ticketing platform fees with built-in email, SMS, surveys, and QR check-in |
| Checkout Page | $29/month; no per-ticket fees (processor fees apply) | High-volume events with consistent sales | Predictable monthly pricing with flexible payment options |
| ThunderTix | $1–$1.95 per ticket | Venues and reserved seating events | Flat, transparent fees with advanced seating tools |
| TicketSpice | $0.99 per ticket | Highly customized events | Flexible ticket forms and detailed reporting |
| Eventbrite | 3.7% + $1.79 per ticket + processing fees | Large-scale, public events | Strong marketing reach and brand recognition |
| Ticket Tailor | $0–$1 per ticket (credit-based) | Small to medium recurring events | Cost-effective for multiple events |
| Humanitix | 1%-2.1% + $0.99 per ticket + credit processing fees | Charity-focused events | Supports social impact through fee donations |
Want to lower your ticketing platform fees without sacrificing features?
Book a demo with Activity Messenger to see how we can help your events run smoothly.
Book a demoFrequently Asked Questions
What ticketing platform has the lowest fees?
The ticketing platform with the lowest fees depends on your pricing model. Platforms with flat per-ticket fees or low percentage-based commissions typically offer the lowest overall costs, especially for high-volume events.
Are flat-fee ticketing platforms cheaper than percentage-based fees?
Flat-fee platforms are often cheaper for events with higher ticket prices or large attendance, while percentage-based fees may be more cost-effective for smaller events with lower-priced tickets.
How does Activity Messenger compare to other ticketing platforms in terms of fees?
Activity Messenger charges a low 1% ticketing platform fee, which is significantly lower than many percentage-based platforms. Organizers can further reduce costs by using Interac e-Transfers, avoiding traditional payment processing fees in Canada.
Do ticketing platform fees include payment processing fees?
In most cases, ticketing platform fees do not include payment processing fees. Credit card processors such as Stripe or PayPal charge separate transaction fees that apply regardless of the ticketing platform used.
Can ticketing fees be passed on to attendees?
Yes, many ticketing platforms allow organizers to pass ticketing platform fees to attendees. However, higher fees can increase cart abandonment and reduce ticket sales.
Are there ticketing platforms with no per-ticket fees?
Some ticketing platforms offer subscription-based pricing with no per-ticket fees, though monthly costs and payment processing fees still apply.
Is Activity Messenger suitable for Canadian events?
Yes. Activity Messenger is built for Canadian organizations, offering Canadian data hosting and payment options like Interac e-Transfers, making it a strong alternative to international ticketing platforms.
Final Thoughts: Choosing a Ticketing Platform with the Lowest Fees
Ticketing platform fees can significantly impact both your event revenue and your attendees’ experience. While some platforms focus on reach and brand recognition, others prioritize transparent pricing, predictable costs, and tools that help organizers do more with less.
If your goal is to minimize ticketing platform fees while simplifying communications and follow-up, platforms like Activity Messenger stand out by combining low-cost ticketing with built-in email, SMS, surveys, and QR check-in, eliminating the need for multiple tools.
Compare your expected ticket volume, pricing, and payment methods to choose the solution that delivers the lowest total cost and the best experience for your audience.
💡 Ready to reduce ticketing platform fees while simplifying event communications? Book a demo with Activity Messenger to see how low-cost ticketing and built-in tools work together.
