Coachella, one of the world’s most iconic music festivals, has been curating “you had to be there” moments for nearly three decades. But behind these Instagram-worthy moments lies a troubling new reality: for the majority of attendees, the experience is only attainable through monthly installments.
According to a recent Billboard report, a staggering 60% of general admission ticket-holders used payment plans to help fund their Coachella trip in Indio, California this year.
Attending Coachella has always come with a hefty price tag, but it has soared in recent years. General admission passes started at $599 in 2025, not including additional expenses for basic human needs such as lodging, transportation and food, all of which have faced inflationary price hikes.
Mark Owens
To alleviate the financial burden, monthly payment plans allowed prospective attendees to reserve tickets with a down payment as low as $49.99. The only fee incurred for utilizing this service is a flat $41 as opposed to facing the looming interest rate from your credit card.Â
The program launched back in 2009, aiming to make Coachella more accessible to a broader audience. However, this year’s dubiously record-breaking number of payment plans reflects broader cultural and economic trends with regards to the swelling cost of music festivals.
While short-term loan services like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) provide financial relief up front, they have the potential to stretch budgets, encourage irresponsible spending and compound debt.
“[Coachella’s] vibe, FOMO-driven, culturally iconic, pushes fans to prioritize experiences over savings, a mindset amplified by social media’s flex culture,” wrote Forbes’ Jack Kelly.
Approximately 80,000 to 100,000 fans reportedly opted for payment plans to attend this year’s festival in SoCal. Coachella is now scheduled to return to its longtime home at the Empire Polo Club over two 2026 weekends: April 10-12 and April 17-19.
