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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 Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Citi Prestige® Card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Capital One Spark Miles for Business, and Centurion® Card from American Express 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.
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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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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Read more in our 2020 Review: Chase Sapphire Reserve – the Best Premium Travel Card?.
securely on the issuer's website
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 airline fee and Uber credits and hotel elite status.
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Read more in our 2020 Review: The Platinum Card® from American Express – Is It Worth the $550 Annual Fee?
Trying to decide which premium travel card to get? Here’s our head-to-head breakdown of the Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve.
The information related to Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.
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.
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Read more in our 2020 Review: Capital One Venture Rewards Card – A Hotel Card for You?.
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.
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.
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Read more in our 2020 Review: United Explorer Card – A Great Option for United Flights?.
Read more 20 United Explorer Card Benefits That Blow Its Annual Fee Out of the Watersecurely on the issuer's website
The information related to Citi Prestige® Card has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.
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.
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Read more in our Review of the Citi Prestige® Card.
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.
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:
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.
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?
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
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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