Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry of December 2024
Updated: Nov 21, 2024
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Airport security can be the least pleasant and most stressful aspect of air travel, which is why even occasional travelers should consider enrolling in the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry trusted traveler programs. These programs let you use expedited security lanes that can significantly reduce your wait time. But they aren't free. It typically costs $78 to apply for TSA PreCheck or $120 for Global Entry. If you have the right credit card, however, you can get the application fee reimbursed.
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NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Airport security can be the least pleasant and most stressful aspect of air travel, which is why even occasional travelers should consider enrolling in the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry trusted traveler programs. These programs let you use expedited security lanes that can significantly reduce your wait time. But they aren't free. It typically costs $78 to apply for TSA PreCheck or $120 for Global Entry. If you have the right credit card, however, you can get the application fee reimbursed.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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Airport security can be the least pleasant and most stressful aspect of air travel, which is why even occasional travelers should consider enrolling in the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry trusted traveler programs. These programs let you use expedited security lanes that can significantly reduce your wait time. But they aren't free. It typically costs $78 to apply for TSA PreCheck or $120 for Global Entry. If you have the right credit card, however, you can get the application fee reimbursed.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Airport security can be the least pleasant and most stressful aspect of air travel, which is why even occasional travelers should consider enrolling in the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry trusted traveler programs. These programs let you use expedited security lanes that can significantly reduce your wait time. But they aren't free. It typically costs $78 to apply for TSA PreCheck or $120 for Global Entry. If you have the right credit card, however, you can get the application fee reimbursed.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry of December 2024
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Simple travel rewards
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Richer rewards for frequent travelers
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Luxury travel perks and credits
United℠ Explorer Card: Best for Airline credit card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Best for Hotel credit card
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Best for Flexible redemption options (or Bank of America® customers)
Show SummaryHide Summary
Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardApply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Simple travel rewards | $95 | 2x-5x | 75,000 miles | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 The Platinum Card® from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Luxury travel perks and credits | $695 | 1x-5x | 80,000 points | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 United℠ Explorer CardApply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Airline credit card | $0 intro for the first year, then $95 | 1x-2x | 60,000 miles | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit cardApply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Flexible redemption options (or Bank of America® customers) | $95 | 1.5x-2x | 60,000 points | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 Chase Sapphire Reserve®Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Richer rewards for frequent travelers | $550 | 1x-10x | 60,000 points | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 IHG One Rewards Premier Credit CardApply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Hotel credit card | $99 | 1x-26x | 140,000 points | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Simple travel rewards
Simple rewards and flexible redemption have rightly made the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card one of the most popular travel credit cards. Reimbursement: Statement credit of up to $120 for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry once every four years.
Our Take
You earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, which rises to 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. Miles can be redeemed for 1 cent apiece for any travel expense. You're not limited to any single airline or hotel chain, and there are no blackout dates or restrictions on travel. There's a great sign-up bonus, too. The annual fee of $95 is on the low end for a card with TSA/Global Entry reimbursement.
As a general-purpose travel credit card, you won't get airline-specific benefits like free checked bags, and it lacks the perks you get on higher-priced cards that also reimburse for PreCheck and Global Entry.
Simple rewards and flexible redemption have rightly made the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card one of the most popular travel credit cards. Reimbursement: Statement credit of up to $120 for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry once every four years.
Luxury travel perks and credits
The perks come at a high cost, but if you’re willing to pay to be treated like a VIP when you travel, The Platinum Card® from American Express will be rewarding. Reimbursement: Statement credit of $85 for TSA PreCheck once every 4.5 years or $120 for Global Entry once every 4 years. Terms apply.
Product Details
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.¤
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
This card's value lies less in its rewards than in its perks, which include extensive airport lounge access, elite status in hotel programs and hundreds of dollars a year in available credits for travel, shopping and entertainment. The latter include up to $200 for incidental fees on one airline, up to $200 for Uber, and up to $240 for select digital entertainment. (See our review for a full rundown.) There's a terrific bonus opportunity for new cardholders, too. Terms apply.
The $695 annual fee is is a hefty sum to fork over all at once, especially if you're not able to capitalize on many of the perks. The spending rewards aren't spectacular, considering the fee: 5 points per dollar on airfare and hotels when booked the right way (terms apply) and 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
The perks come at a high cost, but if you’re willing to pay to be treated like a VIP when you travel, The Platinum Card® from American Express will be rewarding. Reimbursement: Statement credit of $85 for TSA PreCheck once every 4.5 years or $120 for Global Entry once every 4 years. Terms apply.
Airline credit card
Not a United flyer? See the chart lower down on this page for other airline cards that offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
Branded airline cards often pay for themselves with even a limited amount of flying. The United℠ Explorer Card does especially well, with benefits just about any traveler can easily use. Reimbursement: Statement credit of up to $120 every four years for the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS.
Product Details
- Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
- Member FDIC
Our Take
This card earns 2 miles per dollar spent with United, on hotel stays and at restaurants, and 1 mile per dollar on other spending. On top of the PreCheck/Global Entry credit, you and a companion each get a free checked bag when you fly, and you get two one-time passes to United Club airport lounges each year. The annual fee is pretty light: $0 intro for the first year, then $95. And there's a good sign-up bonus, too.
The card locks you into using one airline to fully enjoy its benefits. If you prefer another airline or like to spread your business around depending on the itinerary, it might not be the best fit. (See the chart below for other airline options.)
Branded airline cards often pay for themselves with even a limited amount of flying. The United℠ Explorer Card does especially well, with benefits just about any traveler can easily use. Reimbursement: Statement credit of up to $120 every four years for the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS.
Flexible redemption options (or Bank of America® customers)
Product Details
- Low $95 annual fee.
- Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
- Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
- Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our Take
You earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel and 1.5 points per dollar elsewhere. Bank of America® has one of the most generous definitions of "travel" of any issuer, which means more spending eligible for 2X points, and the 1.5X rate is 50% better than the 1X that other cards give you on "other" spending. There's a strong bonus offer, and you get up to $100 in statement credit each year to cover incidental airline fees. Cardholders with high balances in Bank of America® and Merrill accounts can earn 25% to 75% more rewards.
Unlike with other cards with annual fees in the same range, you don't have the option to transfer your points to airline or hotel programs to potentially get greater value.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card pays a solid rate on all spending and gives you the same redemption value whether you use your points for travel or to get cash back. Reimbursement: Statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Richer rewards for frequent travelers
With its $550 annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® might look like a luxury card. But avid travelers know better. Rich rewards and generous perks can make this card a bargain at that price. Reimbursement: Up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, Nexus, or TSA PreCheck.
Product Details
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
Our Take
You get 10 points per dollar spent on Chase Dining purchases, as well as hotel stays and car rentals booked through Chase; 5X points on air travel booked through Chase; 3X on travel and dining not booked with Chase; and 1X on all other purchases. Points are worth 1.5 cents apiece when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to a dozen hotel and airline partners. You get $300 a year in credit for travel expenses, Priority Pass airport lounge access and more. And don't forget the big sign-up bonus.
The fee is a significant out-of-pocket expense, and much of the value of the card is tied up in the $300 travel credit. Get this card only if you are a dedicated traveler.
With its $550 annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® might look like a luxury card. But avid travelers know better. Rich rewards and generous perks can make this card a bargain at that price. Reimbursement: Up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, Nexus, or TSA PreCheck.
Hotel credit card
The perks on the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card can make it a valuable addition to your wallet even if you don't spend a lot of time in hotels. Reimbursement: Statement credit of up to $100 once every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus.
Product Details
- Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
- Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
- Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 ($120 starting 10/1/24) every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
Our Take
This card gives you a free night every anniversary year, which can make up for the annual fee all by itself. You get automatic elite status, and when you redeem points for a stay of at least four nights, the fourth night is free (that is, it costs you 0 points). For rewards, you earn up to 26 points per dollar spent with IHG brands (counting both points earned with the card and from the IHG loyalty program); 5 points per $1 on gas stations, travel and restaurants; and 3 points per $1 elsewhere. There's a sweet bonus offer and more.
The rewards you get with this card aren't as valuable on a per-point basis as some other hotel rewards — although you get an awful lot of points. How much value you get from the card depends on how you like your options among IHG brands (Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, EVEN Hotels and Indigo Hotels).
The perks on the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card can make it a valuable addition to your wallet even if you don't spend a lot of time in hotels. Reimbursement: Statement credit of up to $100 once every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR TSA PRECHECK AND GLOBAL ENTRY
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Simple travel rewards
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks (see rates and fees). Read our review.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Our pick for: Richer rewards for frequent travelers
The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Our pick for: Luxury travel perks and credits
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.
Truist Enjoy Travel credit card
Our pick for: No annual fee
The rewards on the Truist Enjoy Travel credit card are fairly straightforward and unremarkable — 2X on travel, 1X elsewhere. What makes this card noteworthy is that it offers a statement credit toward the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry despite having a $0 annual fee. Read our review.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
Our pick for: Flexible redemption options (or Bank of America® customers)
Like some other travel cards at its price point, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card gives you bonus rewards on travel and dining. But you also earn a higher rate on "other" spending than many competing cards offer. There's a great sign-up bonus and some other good perks. And if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® customer, your rewards get even better. Read our review.
United℠ Explorer Card
Our pick for: Airline credit card
The United℠ Explorer Card earns bonus rewards not only on spending with United Airlines but also at restaurants and on eligible hotel stays. And the perks are outstanding for a basic airline card — a free checked bag, priority boarding, lounge passes and more. Read our review.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Our pick for: Hotel credit card
If you stay at the brands of InterContinental Hotel Group, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card can be well worth its annual fee for the free anniversary night alone, and you’ll enjoy Platinum Elite status as long as you have the card. Read our review.
• • •
OTHER RESOURCES
Credit cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Dozens of cards reimburse the application fee for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, usually by providing a credit on your statement when the fee is charged to your card. Some cards specifically allow you to redeem rewards points toward the fee. Here are some of the most popular consumer credit cards with a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry benefit.
GENERAL TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS | ANNUAL FEE | HOW OFTEN DOES THE CREDIT RENEW? |
|---|---|---|
$95 | Every 4 years. | |
$395 (see rates and fees) | Every 4 years. | |
$95 (see rates and fees) | Every 4 years. | |
$550 | Every 4 years. | |
Citi Prestige® Card (this offer isn't currently available through NerdWallet) | $495 | Every 5 years. |
$49 | Every 4 years. | |
$95 | Every 4 years. | |
$695 | Every 4 years when used for a Global Entry application fee; every 4.5 years when used for a TSA PreCheck application fee. Terms apply (see rates and fees). | |
$0 | Every 4 years; maximum credit is $85 for either program. | |
$400 | Every 4 years. | |
AIRLINE CREDIT CARDS | ANNUAL FEE | HOW OFTEN DOES THE CREDIT RENEW? |
$95 | Every 4 years. | |
$595 | Every 5 years. | |
$350 | Every 4 years when used for a Global Entry application fee; every 4.5 years when used for a TSA PreCheck application fee. Terms apply (see rates and fees). | |
$650 | Every 4 years when used for a Global Entry application fee; every 4.5 years when used for a TSA PreCheck application fee. Terms apply (see rates and fees). | |
$0 intro for the first year, then $95 | Every 4 years. | |
$250 | Every 4 years. | |
$525 | Every 4 years. | |
HOTEL CREDIT CARDS | ANNUAL FEE | HOW OFTEN DOES THE CREDIT RENEW? |
$99 | Every 4 years. | |
$650 | Every 4 years when used for a Global Entry application fee; every 4.5 years when used for a TSA PreCheck application fee. Terms apply (see rates and fees). |
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry
Credit cards that offer a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry benefit will typically reimburse you for the application fee for either program, but not both. Whichever fee hits your card, that's the one that will be reimbursed, and that starts the clock on when you'll next qualify for the benefit.
TSA PreCheck allows you to use expedited security lanes at U.S. airports. Global Entry gives you the same benefits as TSA PreCheck, as well as faster customs screening when you arrive in the U.S. from abroad. Since Global Entry gives you more benefits (and if your credit card is footing the bill either way), it's usually the better bet, especially if you ever travel internationally.
Depending on your preferred location, Global Entry appointments can be hard to secure at times. For a small, one-time fee, a service called Global Entry Spotter can help. The tool scans for open appointment slots in real time and will alert you with a text message once it finds availability at your desired enrollment center.
What are Clear and Nexus?
Some credit cards offer benefits for trusted traveler programs besides (or in addition to) TSA PreCheck and Global Entry:
Clear gets you through security faster at more than 40 airports in the United States. It lets you quickly access identification documents and verify your identity by scanning your fingerprints or eyes. This process allows you to skip the TSA ID check and go directly to security. Cost starts at $189 for a standard annual membership.
Nexus, a joint program of the U.S. and Canadian governments, allows travelers to go back and forth between the countries more easily. Cost is $50 for five years.
Under a new partnership between the TSA and Clear, you can apply for TSA PreCheck at one of almost 50 participating Clear enrollment locations without an appointment. Submit your application online first, then finish the process at a Clear kiosk at a participating airport. Clear will submit your TSA PreCheck application on your behalf; expect to hear back in three to five days.
How to apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
For TSA PreCheck
Getting a credit card that reimburses your application fee is the easy first step. Once you have your card, submit your online application for TSA PreCheck. Then, you’ll be directed to schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA Enrollment Center, where you’ll spend about 10 minutes undergoing a background check and fingerprinting. You can expect a decision on your application within about three to five days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Or, you can apply for TSA PreCheck through Clear and skip the interview. Just start your application online and visit a Clear airport kiosk to complete the process.
Upon approval, you'll receive a “known traveler” number, which you’ll need to enter when you book a flight. Using your “known traveler” number will likely earn you the TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass. And with that, you can enter the expedited TSA PreCheck line.
Note that TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and having TSA PreCheck approval is not a guarantee that you can access the PreCheck line.
“All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening,” according to a statement from the TSA.
For Global Entry
Global Entry includes the perks of TSA PreCheck — plus a bit more. You get an expedited customs line upon landing in the U.S. In most cases, you’ll simply scan your passport or U.S. permanent resident card at a Global Entry kiosk, complete the customs declaration form, scan your fingerprints and move along.
To get started, apply for Global Entry online; you’ll likely receive conditional approval. After that, you’ll need to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center (typically located at a U.S. international airport, though some virtual appointments are available, too).
It can be tough to find available appointments, so be flexible with your schedule — and check back often if there’s no availability.
What else you need to know
How credit cards reimburse the fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
If your card offers a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry benefit, you must pay the application fee with that card. The charge on your card will later be reimbursed as a statement credit. You'll only be reimbursed for the first program fee charged to the card.
If you use a form of payment other than your qualifying credit card, you won’t be reimbursed for the fee.
How often you get the TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
Upon approval, membership in these trusted traveler programs lasts for five years and must be renewed (for another fee). The frequency with which credit cards reimburse those fees varies by card. In many cases, cards offer the benefit every four years, giving you plenty of time to renew before your membership expires. Other cards only reimburse the fee every five years. Pay close attention to how your membership expiration date lines up with your card benefits. In some cases, you may need to delay renewal or use a different credit card with these benefits to get your fee renewal reimbursed.
Paying the fee doesn't guarantee approval for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Using the benefit on your credit card when you apply for trusted traveler programs just means that the cost of the application fee will be refunded to you on a later statement. It doesn't guarantee that you'll actually be approved for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. You still have to go through the programs' background and security checks. Like anyone else applying for these programs, you could apply, pay the fee and be rejected.
If you want a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit card …
Getting approved TSA PreCheck or Global Entry isn’t the easiest process, and it isn't cheap. To save on the fee, you’ll first need a credit card that offers a statement credit. From there, you’ll be able to apply to the government’s expedited security clearance programs essentially for free.
While the whole process can certainly feel painful, you’ll be grateful once you see that long line for regular security and know you can bypass it.
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NerdWallet's Claire Tsosie and Sally French contributed to this article.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.
Last updated on November 21, 2024
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Frequently asked questions
What no-fee credit cards pay for TSA PreCheck?
Credit cards that reimburse the application fee for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry usually charge an annual fee. A notable exception is the Truist Enjoy Travel credit card. The spending rewards on this card aren't spectacular, but the fee reimbursement gives it significant value all by itself.
Meanwhile, some cards with a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry benefit might waive the annual fee in the first year. As of November 2022, for example, the United℠ Explorer Card had an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95.
How can I get TSA PreCheck for free?
If you have the right credit card, you can essentially get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for free. It typically costs $85 to apply for TSA PreCheck and $120 for Global Entry. Dozens of travel credit cards come with a benefit that reimburses that cost when you use the card to pay the fee. The reimbursement usually appears as a credit on your statement.
Keep in mind that these cards don't guarantee that you'll be approved for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. You still have to go through the program's background and security checks, and you could be rejected. But the statement credit means it ultimately won't cost you anything to apply.
Can I pay for PreCheck with a credit card?
Not only can you pay for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry with a credit card, doing so could save you the cost of the application fee. Multiple credit cards — including general-purpose travel cards and airline- and hotel-branded cards — provide a credit to offset the fee. The credit usually renews every four to five years.
Does American Express pay for PreCheck?
Several cards issued by American Express — but not all AmEx cards — offer a reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Cards that do provide a reimbursement include The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, as well as the small-business versions of those cards. Terms apply.
Does Chase pay for PreCheck?
Several credit cards issued by Chase — but not all Chase cards — offer a reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Cards that do provide a reimbursement include the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, as well as select United Airlines credit cards.
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