How to get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry access for free

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Editor’s Note: Beginning October 1, 2024, the price for Global Entry will rise from $100 to $120. Major credit card companies have confirmed that their cards will increase their statement credits to reflect this change.

One of the best travel perks you can invest in that can save you time and money is TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. For no more than $100 every five years ($120 beginning October 01, 2024), you can skip the long security lines when you first arrive at the airport or have to pass through customs when returning from an international trip. To add icing to the cake, select credit cards that will pay your application fee (usually in a statement credit reimbursement).

For instance, The Capital One Venture X, which added even more benefits last year, offers TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit. Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel, with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

See more offers here: Johnny Jet Recommended Credit Cards

Many of the cards listed below also come with several benefits that aren’t just for travel either. So, even if you aren’t flying just yet, there are still many ways you can still get value out of the card. Let’s take a look at some of the best cards to get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for free.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Applying for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

There are a few things to know about Global Entry. First off, Global Entry requires a valid passport and is good for international and domestic travel. The application fee is $100 every five years ($120 beginning October 01, 2024).

TSA PreCheck doesn’t require a passport to be approved and allows you to move through the expedited security lines for domestic travel. The application fee is $85 every five years. This can be the better option if you rarely travel abroad or do not have time to visit a Global Entry enrollment center to complete the security interview.

Credit Cards That Pay the Application Fee

Several travel credit cards will give you credit for the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fees. While the list below isn’t extensive, it contains many credit cards that are generally some of the best travel credit cards available. The travel credit cards listed below are in the order of the credit card issuer.

Capital One Credit Cards with TSA Precheck Credit:Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you’re looking for a little more oomph in your travels, consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. This addition to the Capital One lineup includes the ability to earn unlimited:

• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on all other purchases

Cardholders can also enjoy unlimited access to all-inclusive amenities at the Capital One Lounge and at Priority Pass lounges worldwide. Plus, they’ll receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® ($120 beginning October 01, 2024).

Additional benefits include $300 back annually for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get access to thousands of options. Plus, get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel, with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

This offer is perfect for a relaxing vacation either domestically or abroad. The annual fee is $395, but there are no foreign transaction fees.

American Express: The Platinum Card from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express has an annual fee is $695 (See Rates & Fees) but can be offset with the perks, which are valued at over $1,400.    

.Additionally, cardholders get up to $100 in statement credits annually for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases on the Platinum Card ($50 in statement credits semi-annually; enrollment required).

Cardholders 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.

Cardholders can get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when they pay with the Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.

Also, select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card.

Plus, 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.

Here’s how hard it is to get the Platinum Card.

The Platinum Card from American Express Benefits

There’s also a digital entertainment credit, making this card one of the best for streaming services. Cardholders can get up to $20 in statement credits each month when they pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.

In addition to enjoying TSA PreCheck or Global Entry access, cardholders can also enjoy CLEAR perks. Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®.

Another exciting benefit is the ability for cardholders to get up to $300 back each year in the form of statement credits on an Equinox+ subscription or any Equinox club membership when they pay with their Platinum Card. Enrollment required.

Plus, get up to a $155 Walmart+ credit, which covers the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. The cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.

Get the full details and learn more in our in-depth The Platinum Card from American Express review.

The annual fee is $695 (See Rates & Fees) but can be offset with the perks, which are valued at over $1,400. 

New The Platinum Card® from American Express cardmembers can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases on their new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. 

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card has several benefits, including fee reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

The premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is one of the best Marriott credit cards.

Each card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide. 

Other featured benefits include 1 Free Night Award (redemption level at or under 85,000 points) annually after your card renewal month at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties (some hotels have resort fees), up to $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card, and complimentary Priority Pass Select airport lounge access.

Additionally, cardholders can enjoy up to $800 in cellphone protection and 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status (terms apply).

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card cardholders earn:

• 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide 
• 3x Marriott Bonvoy® points on flights booked directly with airlines
• 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases

Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite members earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at participating hotels for each U.S. dollar (or the currency equivalent) that is incurred and paid for by the member.

Additional Perks

Each calendar year, after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.

Benefit options include Five (5) Suite Night Awards, an 85K Free Night Award, and a mattress and box spring $1,000 discount from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. Certain hotels have resort fees.

New Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card cardholders earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Although this card has a $650 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (See Rates & Fees), it has plenty of benefits that are worth a lot more.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

For frequent Delta Air Lines travelers, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card can be a helpful companion.

Get a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations annually after card renewal. However, payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.

This can be one of the best miles credit cards.

Plus, cardholders get a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

You also earn 3x Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2x Miles at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1x Miles on all other eligible purchases.

Plus, enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights plus Priority Boarding.

Other Perks

Additionally, receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year. And if you’re not a Medallion Member, no problem! Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members. Ticket must be purchased on or after February 1, 2024, to be eligible to receive a complimentary upgrade.

Earn up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. Additionally, get up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.

New Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card cardholders can earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 in purchases on their new Card in their first 6 months of Card Membership.

The annual fee is $350 (See Rates & Fees). 

Chase Bank: Aeroplan Credit Card

How about a card that comes with a fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or (for our frequent travelers to Canada) NEXUS? If this sounds a bit more like something you’d like, consider the Aeroplan® Credit Card, a co-brand Chase Air Canada card. Along with a free first checked bag, cardholders can get a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS.

This card also earns:

• 3x points on grocery stores
• 3x points dining at restaurants
• and 3x points on purchases made directly with Air Canada

All other purchases earn 1x point per $1 spent.

Cardholders can also earn 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent in a calendar month (up to 1,500 points per month).

New Aeroplan® Credit Card cardholders can earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. 

The annual fee is $95, and there are no foreign transaction fees.

Related: Aeroplan Credit Card Review

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides you a $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. You also get complimentary Priority Pass Select Airport Lounge Access for you and two guests.

Chase Sapphire Reserve purchases earn up to 10x Ultimate Rewards. Cardholders can earn unlimited: 

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchases through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
• 10x total points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards
• 5x total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
• 3x points on other travel worldwide (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
• 3x points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out
• 1x points for all remaining purchases

You will not receive rewards points on your first $300 in annual travel purchases as the annual travel statement credit reimburses these purchases.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Additional Benefits

Redeeming travel rewards with the Chase Sapphire Reserve is also a great benefit. Each Ultimate Rewards point is worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for award travel, and they can be transferred to many of the leading airline and hotel loyalty programs on a 1:1 basis in 1,000-point increments. The annual fee is $550.

New Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

You will also enjoy additional Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits, including primary rental car CDW coverage and trip interruption benefits that will reimburse you for non-refundable travel purchases and other necessary expenses stemming from delayed travel plans.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a hotel credit card with air travel benefits. Not only can cardholders get reimbursement (in the form of a statement credit) for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS, but cardholders also earn:

• Up to 26 points total per $1 spent when staying at an IHG hotel
• 5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
• 3x points per $1 spent on all other purchases

New IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card cardholders can earn 5 Free Nights after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The annual fee is $99. 

United Quest Card

The United Quest℠ Card is an airline card that has several benefits for United travelers. Not only do cardholders get Global Entry or a TSA Precheck® fee credit (up to $100 ($120 beginning October 01, 2024)), but they also get free first and second-checked bags, a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply), plus priority boarding. This can be one of the best United credit cards for frequent United travelers.

Priority Boarding plus 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi onboard United®-operated flights are also included. Get up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year – terms apply.

United Quest cardholders can earn 3x miles on United® purchases, 2x miles on dining, select streaming services & all other travel, and 1x on all other purchases. 

Additionally, earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases).

New United Quest℠ Card cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months their account is open.

Citi Bank: Citi Prestige Credit Card

The information for the Citi Prestige® Credit Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The best benefit of the Citi Prestige® Credit Card is being able to get your 4th hotel night free. This benefit can easily offset the $450 annual fee and might even be the most valuable travel rewards credit card benefit.

In addition to having your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry fees reimbursed, you can also get a $250 annual travel credit, and Priority Pass Select lounge access. Cardholders can earn 5x points on eligible air travel and restaurant purchases, 3x points per $1 on cruise lines and hotels, and 1x point on everything else. Citi points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed for air travel at ThankYou.com.

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

The information for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

American Airlines flyers will enjoy Admirals Club Membership lounge access that comes with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. Your first free checked bag also flies free for you and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same itinerary.

Earn a total of 4 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.

Earn 1x AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.

Plus, earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.

New Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® cardholders can earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, enjoy a complimentary Admirals Club® membership (a value of up to $850).

The annual fee is $595.

U.S. Bank: U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card comes with several perks and ways to earn rewards. Along with the TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® fee reimbursement, cardholders can earn:

• 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
• 4x points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• 2x points at grocery stores, on grocery delivery, dining, and streaming services
• 1x point on all other eligible purchases

Additionally, cardholders can enjoy an annual streaming bonus with a $30 credit for annual streaming services purchases such as Netflix and Spotify®.

Another perk of this card is the ability to pay over time. Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.

New U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points when they spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. Points don’t expire so long as your account is open and in good standing. There is also a $0 intro annual fee, then $95 per year after that (See Rates & Fees).

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is a premium card full of benefits. For $400 a year, you get Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement, Priority Pass Select lounge membership, 12 free complimentary Gogo in-flight WiFi passes each year.

You also get a $325 annual travel credit (also good for and takeout, food delivery, and dining purchases). Rewards points redeemed for travel are worth 1.5 cents each. Cardholders also earn the following purchase rewards:

• 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
• 3x points per $1 on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending
• (For a limited time) enjoy 3x points for every $1 on takeout, food delivery, and dining. Valid on purchases through 6/30/21
• 1 point per $1 for all remaining purchases

While the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve is a highly competitive travel card, you do need to be a U.S. Bank customer to qualify for it.

Credit Cards That Cover TSA PreCheck & Global Entry Fee

While paying $85 for TSA PreCheck or $100 for Global Entry isn’t a budget-buster ($120 beginning October 01, 2024), it’s still nice to know that some credit cards will reimburse the application fee. Every five years, you just have to swipe your credit card to pay for the application, and your credit card company will reimburse the fee in the form of a statement credit.

If you don’t own one of these cards already, you will be able to enjoy the best travel benefits that credit cards have to offer.

All The Airlines That Accept TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

One of the worst things about flying is waiting in a mile-long security line. Perhaps you have seen other ordinary travelers going through a separate line with no wait and wondering how you can get in on the secret. In recent years, the TSA has instituted a program called TSA Precheck and Global Entry that allows select passengers to skip the long security lines at check-in for domestic flights and returning to the United States from international destinations.

In addition to skipping the long security lines, there are additional perks to having this special status. You can go through an old-fashioned metal detector and do not need to take off your shoes, among other perks. Plus, several of the best credit cards for international travel come with credit for TSA Precheck and Global Entry.

Airlines that Accept TSA PreCheck

Even though the TSA Precheck is a great program, your airline itinerary needs to be flying with a participating airline to skip the lines.

If you are flying on one of the domestic airlines, you shouldn’t have a problem using your PreCheck status. Remember to go through the special line. You need to be approved for a PreCheck program. The logo needs to be printed on your plane tickets for the TSA officer to process you through the shorter line.

Here’s a list of the current airlines that participate in TSA Precheck:

• Advanced Air
• Aer Lingus
• Aerolane Lineas Aereas Nacionales del Ecuador
• AeroMexico
• Air Canada
• Air Europa
• Air France
• Air India
• Air New Zealand
• Air Premia
• Air Serbia
• Air Tahiti Nui
• Air Transat
• Alaska Airlines
• All Nippon Airways
• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• Aruba Airlines
• Asiana Airlines
• Austrian Airlines
• Avelo Airlines
• Avianca
• Azul Airlines
• Bahamasair
• BermudAir
• Boutique Airlines
• Breeze Airways
• British Airways
• Brussels Airlines
• Cape Air
• Cathay Pacific Airways
• Cayman Airways
• China Airlines
• Condor Airlines
• Contour Aviation
• Copa Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Eastern Airlines
• Edelweiss Air
• EL AL Israel
• Emirates
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Etihad Airways
• Eurowings Discover
• EVA Air
• Fiji Airways
• Finnair
• Flair Airlines
• Flycana
• French bee
• Frontier Airlines
• Global Crossing Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• iAero Airways
• Iberia
• Icelandair
• InterCaribbean Airways
• ITA Airways
• Japan Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Key Lime Air
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Korean Air
• La Compagnie
• LAN Peru S.A.
• LATAM Airlines
• Lufthansa
• New Pacific Airlines
• Norse Atlantic Airways
• Norwegian Air
• Omni Air International
• PAL Express
• Philippine Airlines
• Porter Airlines
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Saudia
• Scandinavian Airlines
• Seaborne Airlines
• Silver Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• Southern Airways Express
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• STARLUX Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• Sunwing Airlines
• Swiss International Air Lines
• Swoop
• TAM-Linhas Aereas S.A.
• TAP Air Portugal
• Titan Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Ultimate Jet Charters
• United Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic
• Viva Air Colombia
• VivaAerobus
• Volaris
• WestJet
• World Atlantic
• ZIPAIR

Airports with Global Entry kiosks (note that there are no enrollment centers at airports with an asterisk):

• Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)*
• Anchorage – Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC)
• Aruba – Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)*
• Austin – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Bermuda International Airport (BDA)*
• Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Burlington International Airport (BTV)*
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)*
• Charleston International Airport (CHS)*
• Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)*
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
• Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• Dublin Airport (DUB)*
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)
• Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston (IAH)
• Grand Bahamas International Airport (FPO)*
• Guam International Airport (GUM)
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)*
• Hartford – Bradley International Airport (BDL)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
• Houston – Hobby International Airport (HOU)
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND)*
• John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York (JFK)
• John Wayne Airport (SNA)*
• Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
• Lambert – St. Louis International Airport (STL)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas (LAS)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Milwaukee – General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)*
• Nashville International Airport (BNA)
• Nassau – Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport, Bahamas (NAS)*
• New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• New York – Stewart International Airport (SWF)*
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Oakland International Airport (OAK)*
• Ontario International Airport (ONT)*
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Orlando-Melbourne International Airport (MLB)*
• Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB)
• Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)*
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
• Portland International Airport (PDX)
• Providence – T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
• Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)*
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF)*
• Saipan International Airport (SPN)*
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• San Jose International Airport (SJC)*
• San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport-SeaTac (SEA)
• Shannon Airport (SNN)*
• South Bend International Airport (SBN)*
• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)*
• St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)*
• Tampa International Airport (TPA)
• Toledo Express Airport (TOL)*
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)*
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)*
• Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)*

Should you apply for TSA Precheck or Global Entry?

There is a small level of confusion about the difference between TSA Precheck and Global Entry. TSA Precheck costs $85 every five years and gives you a fast track through the security lines at any U.S. airport. If you travel solely domestically, this is the better option.

For an additional $15 ($100 total ($120 beginning October 01, 2024)), you can apply for Global Entry. You get the same perks as TSA PreCheck at domestic airports and similar perks when processing through U.S. Customs when returning abroad. A valid passport is required to be approved for Global Entry (this is a moot point as you need a passport to enter or leave the United States).

So, if you do not own a passport and want Global Entry before your first international flight, wait to apply for Global Entry until after you receive your new passport.

Credit Cards With TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for Free

Several premium travel credit cards will reimburse you the application fee for TSA Precheck or Global Entry (not both). Although it’s only about $20 per year, when the $100 annual fee is annualized over 5 years ($120 beginning October 01, 2024), this benefit helps offset the annual fee. Most of the travel credit cards that reimburse the application fee have an annual fee of approximately $450, though the amounts vary by card.

A list of the cards that will reimburse the fee:

• Aeroplan® Credit Card
• American Airlines Credit Union Visa® Signature credit
• Arvest Visa Signature® Credit Card
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
• Capital One Spark Miles Card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Business Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Certain American Express® Credit Cards
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
• Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ MasterCard®
• Citi Prestige® Card
• Commerce Bank® World Elite Mastercard®
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Diners Club® Carte Blanche® Corporate Card
• HSBC Elite World Elite Mastercard®
• HSBC Premier World Mastercard®
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
• MasterCard® Black Card™
• MasterCard® Gold Card™
• Navy Federal’s Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card
• PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
• Provident World+ Travel®
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
• Truist Business Travel Rewards credit card
• Truist Enjoy Beyond credit card
• Truist Enjoy Travel credit card
• UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card
• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• United℠ Explorer Card
• United Quest℠ Card
• USAA Eagle Navigator™ Visa Signature® Credit Card
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
• U.S. Bank FlexPerks® Gold American Express® Card

Loyalty Programs With Fee Reimbursements

• IHG® One Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy
• Orbitz Rewards Platinum Members
• Southwest Airlines More Rewards
• United Mileage Plus

What To Know About Credit Card Fee Reimbursements

You will need to check the terms & conditions of these cards to see their exact policy on reimbursing the fee. The basic requirement for most companies is that the application fee needs to be charged to the credit card.

Many companies will also only reimburse the application fee for the primary cardholder. So if you have employee cards or add an authorized user, don’t count on them also getting a fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

You will still be responsible for paying the fee of any additional cardholders. However, companies that charge an additional fee for all additional cards are more likely to reimburse the fee. Never say never, but it pays to check with the card issuer as the policy is somewhat of a “gray area.”

Although your application shouldn’t be declined, the credit card company will normally only reimburse the application fee once every five years. They normally do not wait for you to be approved to pay the fee. They will start the reimbursement process once the application fee is charged to your credit card.

Will More Airlines Participate in TSA PreCheck?

There are no strong rumors of a new partnership being announced, but there most likely will be more international airlines joining the fray. As the major domestic airlines were the first to participate in the program, airlines are weighing the economic law of diminishing returns.

There is a certain cost to participate in the TSA Precheck or Global Entry programs. It might not be cost-effective for domestic or international airlines with only a handful of flights.

Most travelers probably do not realize that they must fly on one of the participating airlines to qualify for the PreCheck status for that trip, even if they have been approved. As most flights originate with one of these airlines, it probably isn’t a major issue compared to a few years ago.

Will More Credit Cards Reimburse Application Fees?

Travel rewards credit cards are constantly changing their benefits.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express are two premium cards that will cover the cost of the application. Despite the fact that the Citi Prestige announced several negative changes, it didn’t decide to scrap this benefit. All this means that the premium cards will not scrap this benefit anytime soon.

What About Airline Loyalty Cards?

The larger question is when airline loyalty cards with lower annual fees will offer the benefit. Airlines tend to offer benefits for their own services, such as complimentary checked baggage or in-flight discounts. If the cheaper airlines reward credit cards, including some of the best credit cards for travel miles, begin to reimburse their cardholders the application fee, it will most likely be in the same manner as the $95 Expedia+ Voyager rewards card.

They will reimburse the fee, but it will consume the entire travel credit that you receive for that calendar year, making travel easier but not any cheaper.

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For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

Rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please click here.

And for rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.

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