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If you love to travel, arriving at the airport can be an exciting experience. But if there are long security lines, that elation can evaporate pretty quickly.
TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry provide travelers with expedited airport security screening, allowing them to skip long lines and get to their gates more quickly. The application fees for the programs are $78 and $100, respectively. But with the right credit card, you can effectively get complimentary TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership.
Here’s what you need to know about both traveler programs and which credit cards will reimburse you when you apply.
- 5 credit card recommendations for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry
- 20 more credit cards for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- What is TSA PreCheck?
- What is Global Entry?
- How to pick the right card for complimentary TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- FAQ about TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
- Complimentary TSA PreCheck and Global Entry: bottom line
5 credit card recommendations for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry
Several travel rewards credit cards offer complimentary TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership in the form of a reimbursement of the application fee or by using rewards points. The statement credit typically happens automatically, so you’ll just need to set up an appointment with the correct agency and use your credit card to pay the fee.
We recommend these five credit cards for people looking to get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, along with a slew of other travel benefits.
| Card name | Main travel benefits | Annual fee |
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$95 |
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$250 (Terms apply) |
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$395 |
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$550 |
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$695 (Terms apply) |
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20 more credit cards for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
| Card name | Reimbursement details | Annual fee |
| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | Up to $85 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years or up to $100 in statement credit for Global Entry every four years | $695 (Terms apply) |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | Up to $85 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years or up to $100 in statement credit for Global Entry every four years | $95 (waived first year) |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years | $95 |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | Up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years | $595 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Up to $85 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years or up to $100 in statement credit for Global Entry every four years | $550 (Terms apply) |
| HSBC Premier World Mastercard Credit Card | $78 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck only, every five years | $0 |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | Up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years | $99 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card | Use points to pay for TSA PreCheck | $0 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | Use points to pay for TSA PreCheck | $95 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Up to $85 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years, or up to $100 in statement credit for Global Entry every four years | $650 (Terms apply) |
| Mastercard® Black Card™ | $100 in statement credit toward Global Entry only, every five years | $495 |
| Mastercard® Gold Card™ | $100 in statement credit toward Global Entry only, every five years | $995 |
| Navy Federal Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card | Up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years | $49 |
| Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card | Up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years | $199 |
| UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card | Up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years | $495 |
| United Club℠ Infinite Card | Up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years | $525 |
| United℠ Explorer Card | Up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years | $95 (waived first year) |
| United Quest℠ Card | Up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years | $250 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card | Up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years | $400 |
| U.S. Bank FlexPerks® Gold American Express® Card | Up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years or Global Entry every four years | $85 |
What is TSA PreCheck®?
TSA PreCheck launched in 2011 and has more than 7 million members today. The program is designed to accelerate the security screening process for flights originating in the U.S. There are TSA PreCheck stations at more than 200 airports throughout the country, with 65 airlines participating.
To qualify for TSA PreCheck, you need to submit an application and complete a background check and fingerprinting during an in-person appointment at the airport. If you qualify, the membership lasts for five years. You’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you’ll add to your reservation when booking a flight. Your KTN will then appear on your boarding pass. When you get to the airport, you’ll go through a different lane at security and won’t need to remove your shoes, laptop, liquids, belt, or light jacket.
If you have children who are 12 or younger with you, they can join you in the TSA PreCheck lane. Other family members, however, may be required to go through the standard security lane unless they’re also members of the program.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), 92% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes to get through security in March 2019.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry membership costs a little bit more at $100 for five years. But even if you’re not getting it covered by your credit card, the extra $15 is usually worth it because Global Entry includes eligibility for TSA PreCheck.
The primary purpose of Global Entry, which was introduced in 2008 and has more than 5.4 million members, is to provide expedited screening at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) security checkpoints in 75 airports worldwide.
Instead of going through the regular inspection line, you use an automated kiosk, present your passport or permanent resident card, scan your fingerprints, and submit your customs declaration.
Unfortunately, young family members can’t accompany you as they can with TSA PreCheck. Each person needs to have their own Global Entry membership to use the kiosk.
Depending on the situation, a Global Entry membership can save you a lot of time when returning to the U.S. from a trip abroad.
How to pick the right card for complimentary TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
As you can see, many of the best travel credit cards offer free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership. While some charge steep annual fees — those cards also come with other premium perks — many of them charge modest fees, and some don't charge an annual fee at all.
As you compare card options, consider them holistically, including this benefit as well as their rewards programs, welcome offers, other perks, and annual fees. There’s no single best credit card out there for everyone, so it’s good to know what you want before you apply.
Regardless of which one you choose, you’re one step closer to shorter lines and a quicker security experience at the airport.
Explore more popular credit cards:
- Chase credit card offers
- U.S. Bank credit card offers
- Citi credit card offers
- Capital One credit card offers
The right travel card for you is the one that matches your interests and spending habits, allowing you to earn valuable rewards and travel the way you like — for less. Learn more about these top cards and choose the one that's best for you:
- For no annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
- For flexible points and travel partners: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- For airport lounge access: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- For unlimited 3X points in popular categories: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
- For business travel: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
FAQ about TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Which is better, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
While both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry offer the benefit of expedited airport security, the programs have an important difference. TSA PreCheck accelerates the security screening process for flights originating in the U.S., while Global Entry membership may save you time at U.S. customs after you return from a trip abroad.
Do you get TSA PreCheck with Global Entry?
Yes, you get TSA PreCheck benefits with a Global Entry membership. U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in other trusted traveler programs, such as NEXUS or SENTRI, can also get TSA PreCheck benefits.
How can I get Global Entry for free?
While you technically can't get a Global Entry membership for free, you can get a fee credit. Several rewards credit cards and certain airline loyalty programs offer reimbursement for the $100 application fee. Rewards cards that offer this reimbursement include:
How long does it take to get approved for Global Entry?
Approval times can vary by application, but according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, approvals typically take about six months.
Complimentary TSA PreCheck and Global Entry: bottom line
If you love to travel and want to avoid long airport security lines, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can be the game-changer membership you need. With expedited screening and the ability to skip time-consuming procedures, these programs offer a smoother airport experience.
The best part is that many travel rewards credit cards provide complimentary TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership as a benefit. This includes cards such as the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Benefits
Card Details
- Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
- Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
- Longer intro APR on qualifying purchases and balance transfers
- No foreign transaction fees
- Apply Now
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- 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.
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FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
on Bank of America’s secure website
Intro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
Why we like it
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