Booking your movie tickets online is convenient, especially for big releases or prime-time showings. But that convenience often comes at a cost—many ticketing platforms charge service or convenience fees, adding $1 to $2 or more per ticket. Fortunately, there are ways to reserve your seats without those extra charges.

Here’s how to avoid ticketing fees while still getting the seats and showtimes you want.

Use the Theater’s Official App or Website

The simplest way to avoid third-party fees is by booking directly through the theater’s platform. Many chains waive online booking fees for loyalty members or don’t charge them at all when using their native app.

Avoid Third-Party Ticketing Sites for Standard Bookings

Platforms like Fandango and Atom Tickets charge convenience fees per ticket, even for standard seats. While these services offer flexibility, mobile ticketing, and movie reviews, they often don’t provide savings unless you’re stacking offers or promotions.

If you do use a third-party site, look for coupon codes or app-specific promotions to help reduce or offset the fees.

Use Loyalty Programs to Your Advantage

Joining a theater’s free or paid loyalty program can help eliminate fees and give you early access to popular releases:

• AMC Stubs Premiere: $15/year; includes waived online ticketing fees, priority lines, and bonus points.
  
• Cinemark Movie Club: $9.99/month includes one ticket per month, 20% off concessions, and waived fees.
  
• Regal Unlimited: Monthly subscription for unlimited movies (with surcharges for premium formats), but added perks reduce costs over time.
  

Save on Tickets with Discounted Gift Cards

Even when booking online, you can pay with a gift card to offset your total cost. For example:

• Get cashback at AMC when you pay with a digital gift card from Fluz
  
• Earn cashback at Cinemark and apply your gift card when booking through their official app

To find cashback opportunities, visit Fluz and search by merchant.

Book in Advance, but Be Flexible

For new releases, booking early ensures the best seats and avoids last-minute markups, especially for premium formats like IMAX or Dolby Cinema. Just avoid peak showtimes if you’re hoping to save.

You don’t have to accept service fees as part of every movie night. By booking directly through theater apps, joining loyalty programs, and using discounted gift cards from platforms like Fluz, you can lock in your seats and still come out ahead.