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How to Get TSA PreCheck Free: Try These 5 Credit Cards
8 min read
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.
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.)
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.
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 Get TSA PreCheck 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.
5 Best Credit Cards With TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Fee Credits
More than 17 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 | Card | Annual Fee | TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Fee Credit Every… |
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| Travel Rewards | Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Review) | $450 | 4 years |
| Lounge Access | The Platinum Card® from American Express (Review) | $550 (Rates & Fees) | 4 years |
| Rewards & Low Annual Fee | Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card (Review) | $95 (waived for first year) | 4 years |
| United Flyers | United℠ Explorer Card (Review) | $95 (waived for first year) | 4 years |
| Hotel Lovers | Citi Prestige® Card (Review) | $495 | 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 $150.
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Key Features & Terms
- Perks: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass membership, Primary Car Rental Insurance, Trip Delay Insurance, and more
- Annual fee: $450
- Purchase APR: 18.99% - 25.99% Variable
Read more in our Review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card.
Best for Lounge Access
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/TSA PreCheck credit every four 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 and Starwood Preferred Guest elite status, up to $200 in annual Uber credits, Global Lounge Collection access, and more
- Annual fee: $550 (Rates & Fees)
- Charge card: You must pay the balance in full each month
Read more in our Review of The Platinum Card® from American Express: Is It Worth the $550 Annual Fee?
Best for Rewards & Low Annual Fee
Although this card doesn’t have a slew of fancy perks, it does earn solid rewards at a low annual fee (which is even waived the first year). If you book a lot of hotels, you’ll also earn crazy rewards at Hotels.com until early 2020. 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: $0 intro for first year; $95 after that
- Purchase APR: 17.49% - 24.74% (Variable)
Read more in our Review of the Capital One® Venture Rewards® Credit Card.
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®, 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: 18.49% - 25.49% Variable
Read more in our Review of the United Explorer Card.
Best for Hotel Lovers
securely on the issuer's website
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%–25.99% Variable
Read more in our Review of the Citi Prestige® Card.
How to Get TSA PreCheck Free Without a Credit Card
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 Airlines: 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.
For rates and fees of the The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
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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