How to Get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Free: Try These 5 Credit Cards
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For the avid traveler, a program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can be a huge help (and an even bigger time saver). Picking the right travel credit card to support your adventures can score you a free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership in addition to rewards and perks.
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The information related to The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Capital One Spark Miles for Business, Centurion® Card from American Express, and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card have been collected by Credit Card Insider and have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of these products.
I remember what it was like to stand in endless airport security lines. To remove my shoes, jacket, and laptop; to collect all my liquids and place them into a tiny bag.
But, even though I still fly all the time, I haven’t done that in years. I’m not rich, and I’m not royalty: I have TSA PreCheck, a magical traveler program from the Transportation Security Administration that allows me to breeze through security like Beyonce. Because I have Global Entry, too, I never have to deal with immigration lines (or their frustrating wait times) either.
Intrigued? You should be. Keep reading to discover the difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck — and how you can become a member of these elite clubs for free.
Or, if you’re ready to apply for a card, jump to our favorite cards with TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credits.
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck
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What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is one of several Trusted Traveler Programs from the U.S. government. It’s open to most U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents.
With TSA PreCheck, low-risk travelers have access to an expedited security lane at more than 200 participating airports when flying with 56 participating airlines. You won’t need to remove light jackets, belts, or shoes, and can also leave liquids and laptops in your carry-on.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a “Known Traveler Number.” When booking flights, you’ll include that number on your reservation, and will then see “TSA Pre✓” listed on your boarding pass. (If it’s a paper version, it’ll have “TSA PRECHK” printed across the top.)
Insider tip
When traveling with a parent or guardian who has PreCheck, children under 12 can travel in the expedited TSA PreCheck lane (without applying for the program). Members of the military do not need to apply for TSA PreCheck; as long as they include their DoD number when booking, they will have access to the expedited security screening line. While eligible Department of Defense federal civilians don’t need to apply either, they must opt in here.
How to Apply for TSA PreCheck
Applying for TSA PreCheck is a little simpler than the process for Global Entry. To apply for TSA PreCheck:
- Fill out an online application.
- Find an enrollment center and schedule an appointment to enroll in-person (includes fingerprinting for a background check).
- Pay your non-refundable $85 application fee.
- Once approved, use your Known Traveler Number when booking airfare to utilize your TSA PreCheck membership.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a supercharged version of TSA PreCheck offered through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Not only will you get PreCheck at U.S. airports, but you’ll also be able to bypass immigration lines when re-entering the United States after an international trip.
Instead of standing in that snaking line to see a border agent, you’ll go to a Global Entry kiosk, where you’ll quickly scan your passport and fingerprints before heading to customs.
To make it crystal clear, the answer to “does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?” is a resounding yes.
If your Global Entry program application is approved, you’ll automatically get TSA PreCheck, too. You’ll need to include your Known Traveler Number (KTN) when booking flights to qualify for the expedited screening.
Insider tip
Since your passport will be linked to your KTN, you won’t usually need to carry your Global Entry card with you. One exception is if you’re driving across the border from Mexico or Canada, and want to take the express lane. In that case, your car must be registered with the program, and every person in your vehicle must have his or her physical Global Entry or SENTRI/NEXUS card. (I learned this rule the hard way!)
For most people, Global Entry is the smarter choice. It includes TSA PreCheck — plus the ability to skip lines at immigration. For only $15 more, that’s well worth it (and if you read the rest of this post, you won’t be paying that fee anyway).
My first time using my Global Entry card: a fantastic day.
In my mind, the only reason you might opt for TSA PreCheck is if you don’t think you’ll qualify for Global Entry. Since you’ll have to pay the application fee regardless of whether you’re approved, you should read the guidelines carefully.
- The requirements for Global Entry members are pretty strict: You may be disqualified if you “have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants,” including for driving under the influence.
- For TSA PreCheck, certain crimes, like espionage, will bar you forever — and some felonies will bar you for seven years — but requirements are generally more lax.
PreCheck might also be preferable if you live far from the nearest Global Entry enrollment center or never plan to travel abroad. In that case, it might make sense to simply visit your local PreCheck enrollment center instead.
How to Apply for Global Entry
To apply for Global Entry:
- Make a Trusted Traveler Programs account (regardless of age, everyone must have his or her own individual account).
- Log in to your TTP account and complete the application for Global Entry.
- Pay your non-refundable $100 application fee.
- If your application is approved, your TTP account will instruct you on how to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center (every applicant needs a separate interview).
- Don’t forget to bring your passport and one other valid form of I.D. (driver’s license or ID card).
How Can You Get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for Free?
The easiest way to get TSA PreCheck free is with a travel rewards credit card that reimburses your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee.
You’ll need to go through the usual application process, and you’ll have to pay the application fee upfront using your eligible credit card. Then, once the fee appears on your bill, the issuer will automatically give you a statement credit to match it, usually within two billing periods. $100 for Global Entry, or $85 for TSA PreCheck.
Note that, with most credit cards, this offer is only available every four or five years.
What Are the 5 Best Credit Cards With TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Fee Credits?
More than 20 credit cards offer a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. If you don’t already have a credit card with this benefit, you might consider applying for one before paying your application fee.
Here are five of our favorites. (None have foreign transaction fees, making them good options for international travelers.)
- Best for Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Review), $550 annual fee, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit every 4 years
- Best for Lounge Access: The Platinum Card® from American Express (Review), $695 annual fee, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit every 4 years
- Best for Rewards & Low Annual Fee: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (Review), $95 annual fee, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit every 4 years
- Best for United Flyers: United℠ Explorer Card (Review), $95, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit every 4 years
- Best for Hotel Lovers: Citi Prestige® Card (Review), $495 annual fee, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit every 5 years
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
Best for Travel Rewards
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. Through December 31, 2021, gas station & grocery store purchases will also count towards earning your Travel Credit
- Earn 5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- 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 for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
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A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.
- Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
- Regular Balance Transfer APR16.99% - 23.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer FeeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Penalty APRUp to 29.99%
- Late FeeSee Terms
- Returned Payment FeeSee Terms
- Additional Cards Annual Fee$75
- Foreign Transaction Fee$0
Due to its high rewards, Priority Pass lounge access, and generous travel credit, this is already my favorite travel rewards card. The fact you can get a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years is just icing on the cake.
Even though its annual fee is intimidating, the $300 travel credit essentially reduces the net annual fee to $250.
Best for Lounge Access
- Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Plus, earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during 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 $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on select Equinox memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- $179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
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A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.
- Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
- Regular Balance Transfer APRN/A
- Balance Transfer FeeN/A
- Penalty APRSee Rates & Fees
- Late FeeUp to $40
- Returned Payment FeeUp to $40
- Additional Cards Annual Fee$175 for first 3; then $175 per card
- Foreign Transaction FeeNone
American Express is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.
Like the Reserve, the Amex Platinum is another amazing premium travel rewards card, offering a Global Entry credit every four years and a TSA PreCheck credit every four-and-a-half years. Its biggest perk is its generous lounge access, which means free food and booze, fewer people, and lots of power outlets. It also comes with Uber credits and hotel elite status.
Insider tip
Trying to decide which premium travel card to get? Here’s our head-to-head breakdown of the Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Best for Rewards & Low Annual Fee
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get our best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- No foreign transaction fees
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A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.
- Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
- Regular Balance Transfer APR15.99% - 23.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee$0 at this Transfer APR
- Penalty APRNone
- Late FeeUp to $40
- Returned Payment FeeN/A
- Additional Cards Annual FeeN/A
- Foreign Transaction FeeNone
Although this card doesn’t have a slew of fancy perks, it does earn solid rewards at a low annual fee. This card’s Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit comes around every four years.
Insider tip
If you’re looking for other cards with low annual fees that offer these credits, check out the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card (Review). For just $95 you get the application fee credits, along with a $100 incidental airline fee credit.
Best for United Flyers
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, an additional 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases
- Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee Credit
- 25% back on United inflight purchases
- Check your first bag for free (a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip) when you use your card to purchase your ticket
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United ClubSM with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining and eligible delivery services
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A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.
- Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
- Regular Balance Transfer APR16.49% to 23.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer FeeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Penalty APRUp to 29.99%
- Late FeeSee Terms
- Returned Payment FeeSee Terms
- Additional Cards Annual Fee$0
- Foreign Transaction Fee$0
This respectable travel rewards card is one of several designed for frequent flyers on United. (If you’re more an American Airlines fan, try the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (Review), which offers Global Entry/TSA PreCheck reimbursement every five years.)
With this United card, you’ll get a free checked bag, priority boarding, and two free United Club passes annually. The annual fee is waived for the first year, and your Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit is available every four years.
Read more 20 United Explorer Card Benefits That Blow Its Annual Fee Out of the WaterBest for Hotel Lovers
- 5X ThankYou points on Air travel and Restaurants
- 3X ThankYou points on Hotels and Cruise Lines
- No limit to the amount of points you can earn
- Rewards never expire
- $250 travel credit
- Complimentary 4th night free on eligible hotel stays, capped at twice per year
- Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ Application Fee Credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- $495 annual fee
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Bonus restrictions
You are ineligible for this introductory bonus if you’ve either closed or received an introductory bonus from any of the following cards in the past 24 months:
- Citi Rewards+® Card (Review)
- Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card (Review)
- Citi Premier® Card (Review)/Citi Premier
- Citi Prestige (Review)
A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.
- Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
- Regular Balance Transfer APR16.99%–23.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee3%, $5 minimum
- Penalty APRUp to 29.99% Variable
- Late FeeUp to $40
- Returned Payment FeeUp to $40
- Additional Cards Annual Fee$75
- Foreign Transaction FeeNone
Citi is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.
Capped at twice per year, this card offers your fourth night free on stays booked through ThankYou.com. Although the annual fee is high, you’ll get a $250 travel credit, as well as Priority Pass lounge access and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every five years.
Insider tip
Looking for other hotel cards offering credits for expedited airport service? For a lower annual fee ($89) — which includes one free night per year, and your fourth night free on reward stays — the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card (Review) is a fantastic choice. Alternatively, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card (Review) is a high-end option for SPG/Marriott loyalists.
Full List of Credit Cards That Offer Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credits
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
How Can You Get TSA PreCheck for Free Without a Credit Card?
Credit cards aside, another way to get TSA PreCheck for free (or Global Entry, in some cases) is by being an elite member with certain loyalty programs, or by redeeming points or miles.
Here are a few of your options:
- Delta Air Lines: Platinum or Medallion members can get a Global Entry voucher as one of their Choice Benefits.
- Orbitz Rewards: Platinum members can opt for a free TSA PreCheck or LoungeBuddy membership.
- United MileagePlus: Redeem 10,000 miles for TSA PreCheck (at 0.85 cents per mile).
- IHG Rewards: Redeem 30,000 points for TSA PreCheck (at 0.28 cents per point).
- Radisson Rewards: Redeem 65,000 points for TSA PreCheck (at 0.13 cents per point).
If you have elite status and can get free PreCheck, great — but when it comes to reward points and miles, you’ll likely find better value by redeeming them for flights or hotel stays. So we don’t recommend using credit card rewards to pay for the application.
Should You Get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
Though the answer probably depends on how much you fly (and where), I can tell you I applied for Global Entry in 2014 and have never looked back. The expedited security checkpoints, coupled with the opportunity to sail on past the lengthy immigration lines after international flights, save me so much time and frustration at the airport that I’d call it one of the best travel purchases I’ve ever made.
So, while I would happily pay $100 for the convenience of Global Entry membership — why would I? Getting Global Entry or TSA PreCheck for free is a cinch with any of the travel credit cards above.
Itching for an adventure? Why not take a look at our picks for the Best Airline Credit Cards and Best Hotel Credit Cards?
Alternatives to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
While Global Entry/TSA PreCheck are arguably the best choices for services that expedite your airport experience, the two programs aren’t your only options. Take a look at a few others with similar functions.
CLEAR
CLEAR scans your biometrics (face, irises, and fingerprints) to confirm your identity, letting you bypass security lines at airports, stadiums, and other venues. Every time you check in to a CLEAR pod, it checks your irises or your fingerprints to make sure it’s you.
However, CLEAR is only available at a handful of locations. At the time of publication, CLEAR is available in 32 different cities in the U.S., though major travel hubs like L.A. and New York City are included.
Take note: CLEAR doesn’t let you skip security, it only lets you skip the line. You won’t have to give your boarding pass or ID to the TSA agent. Instead, you’ll check in at a CLEAR pod and then proceed directly to security. But you can pair it with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
It’s currently priced at $15 per month, or you could pay $179 for 12 months. It’s a domestic service so it won’t help if you’re traveling internationally.
You can apply online at Clearme.com. After filling out an application, head to any CLEAR location in person to complete the process. CLEAR says on its site that once you’ve completed enrollment, you can start using CLEAR as soon as you’d like.
Mobile Passport
Mobile Passport is a free app you can download to your smartphone. It was created for U.S. and Canadian passport holders to expedite the customs process when returning to the United States. It doesn’t require any interviews or background checks to use.
There’s a paid version called Mobile Passport Plus that adds an automated document scanner for passports, encrypted storage for passports, and a history of previous trips submitted on the app. It costs $15 annually.
Use the app while on the plane to pre-submit passport information and to answer customs questions prior to landing. Once you’ve submitted your information, you can use designated Mobile Passport Control lanes upon your arrival at the airport or seaport to complete the process.
Mobile Passport is currently available at 32 international airports and four seaports. You can see the complete list of locations here.
Elite Membership With Airlines
Certain preferred customer programs with airlines include expedited airport security perks. Airline loyalty programs that offer priority screening lines at airport security include but are not limited to:
- American Airlines: Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum members
- JetBlue: Mosaic members
- Delta: Gold, Platinum, and Diamond members
- United Airlines: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K members
- Southwest Airlines: A-List and A-List Preferred members
Some airline credit cards offer priority airport screening as a perk, or expedite the process to become an elite member. Here are a few examples:
- American Airlines: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (Review) includes the Enhanced Airport Experience perk which includes priority security screening.
- JetBlue: The JetBlue Plus Card includes a fast track to TrueBlue Mosaic status.
- Delta: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Review) has the Status Boost perk, which provides bonus Medallion Qualification Dollars towards elite status qualification (terms apply).
- United Airlines: The United Club℠ Infinite Card (Review) features a Premier Access perk that includes priority security screening, check-in lanes, boarding, and baggage handling.
- Southwest Airlines: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (Review) earns Tier Qualifying Points which go towards earning A-List status.
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
Susan Shain
Susan is a freelance writer who specializes in turning complex financial topics into engaging and accessible articles. She's been writing about personal finance for six years, and was previously the senior writer at The Penny Hoarder and a staff writer at Student Loan Hero. Her personal finance writing has also appeared in publications like MarketWatch and Lifehacker.
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