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 Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card, Citi Prestige® Card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business, Centurion® Card from American Express, and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® 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.
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.
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 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), $550 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), $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $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
Best for Travel Rewards
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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Key Features & Terms
- Perks: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass membership, Primary Car Rental Insurance, Trip Delay Insurance, Free DashPass membership, and more
- Annual fee: $550
- Purchase APR: 16.99%-23.99% Variable
Read more in our 2020 Review: Chase Sapphire Reserve – The Best Premium Travel Card?.
Best for Lounge Access
securely on the issuer's website
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- Enjoy VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status available to Basic Card Member only.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
- 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
- Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
- Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts® program at over 1,000 properties. Learn More.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $550 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
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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Key Features & Terms
- Perks: $200 annual airline fee credit, Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, up to $200 in annual Uber credits, Global Lounge Collection access, and more
- Annual fee: $550 (Rates & Fees)
Read more in our 2020 Review: The Platinum Card® from American Express – Is It Worth the $550 Annual Fee?
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
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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Key Features & Terms
- Perks: Point transfer ability and Visa Signature benefits, like the Luxury Hotel Collection and concierge service
- Annual fee: $95
- Purchase APR: 17.24% - 24.49% (Variable)
Read more in our Review of the Capital One® Venture Rewards® Credit Card.
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
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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Key Features & Terms
- Perks: Free checked bag, priority boarding, and two United Club lounge passes each year
- Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Purchase APR: 16.49% to 23.49% Variable
Read more in our Review of the United Explorer Card.
Best for Hotel Lovers
Citi Prestige® Card
Details
securely on the issuer's website
- 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
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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Key Features & Terms
- Perks: Fourth night free, $250 travel credit, Priority Pass Select membership, point transfer ability
- Annual fee: $495
- Purchase APR: 17.99%–24.99% Variable
Due to the impact of COVID-19, from 5/1/20 through 12/31/20, the $250 travel credit benefit will be expanded to include purchases made at supermarkets and restaurants.
Read more in our Review of the Citi Prestige® Card.
Insider tip
Looking for other hotel cards offering credits for expedited airport service? For a lower annual fee of $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
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?
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 The New York Times, MarketWatch, and Lifehacker.
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