Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry of December 2024
Updated: Dec 12, 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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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)
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Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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.
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.
• • •
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 December 12, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
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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