diff --git a/src/modules/events/components/PurchaseTicketDialog.vue b/src/modules/events/components/PurchaseTicketDialog.vue
index 53eac52..cff41e3 100644
--- a/src/modules/events/components/PurchaseTicketDialog.vue
+++ b/src/modules/events/components/PurchaseTicketDialog.vue
@@ -161,7 +161,9 @@ watch(
 const { providers, providerMeta } = useFiatProviders()
 const { convert } = usePriceConversion()
 
-const selectedMethodId = ref<string>('lightning')
+// Empty until the dialog opens: the watcher below picks the default per
+// rail availability + auth state, so a guest lands on Card, not Lightning.
+const selectedMethodId = ref<string>('')
 const isFiatPending = ref(false)
 const fiatError = ref<string | null>(null)
 
@@ -336,7 +338,7 @@ async function handlePurchase(contact: { name?: string; email: string }) {
 function handleClose() {
   emit('update:isOpen', false)
   resetPaymentState()
-  selectedMethodId.value = 'lightning'
+  selectedMethodId.value = ''
   fiatError.value = null
   isFiatPending.value = false
   quantity.value = 1