Best Cards for Global Entry TSA PreCheck

Skipping the long airport security lines is one of the best ways to upgrade your travel experience. However, applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck comes with an upfront cost. You do not need to pay out of pocket for these security clearances. Several top travel credit cards will reimburse you completely, making it easy to breeze through the airport while keeping your money in your wallet.

Understanding the Security Clearances and Costs

Before choosing a credit card, it helps to understand exactly what you are getting and how much it normally costs.

TSA PreCheck currently costs between $78 and $85 for a five-year membership, depending on the enrollment provider you choose. This program lets you keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on while leaving your laptop and liquids in your bag at domestic security checkpoints.

Global Entry recently increased its application fee to $120 as of October 1, 2024. This program includes TSA PreCheck, but it adds expedited customs screening when returning to the United States from an international trip. Because Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, it is usually the smarter choice for anyone who travels internationally even once every few years.

Top Premium Travel Cards for Security Clearance

If you travel frequently, premium credit cards offer robust perks alongside your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry statement credits. These cards carry higher annual fees but easily pay for themselves if you use their benefits.

The Platinum Card from American Express

The Platinum Card from American Express is widely considered a top choice for frequent flyers. It carries a $695 annual fee. The card provides a statement credit of up to $120 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every four years.

Beyond Global Entry, the Amex Platinum also offers an annual statement credit of up to $199 for CLEAR Plus. CLEAR Plus uses biometric data to push you to the very front of the security line. By stacking your Global Entry credit and your CLEAR Plus credit, you can achieve the fastest possible airport security experience without paying extra out of pocket.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a favorite among travelers who want flexible rewards. It comes with a $550 annual fee. Like the Amex Platinum, it offers a statement credit of up to $120 every four years to cover your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee.

The card helps offset its high annual fee by offering a highly flexible $300 annual travel credit, which automatically applies to purchases like flights, hotels, and transit.

Best Mid-Tier and Budget-Friendly Cards

You do not need to pay a massive annual fee to get your airport security clearance covered. Many cards with annual fees under $100 offer the exact same $120 statement credit.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most straightforward travel cards on the market. For a $95 annual fee, you receive up to a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. You also earn an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase. If you want airport security clearance without paying for complex luxury perks, this card is a perfect fit.

United Explorer Card

Co-branded airline cards are also great tools for scoring free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. The United Explorer Card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, which then becomes $95. It includes a statement credit of up to $120 for your security clearance application. You also get a free checked bag on United flights, priority boarding, and two one-time United Club passes each year.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

You might not expect a hotel credit card to offer airport security benefits, but the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card delivers exactly that. For a $99 annual fee, you get the standard $120 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS. It also provides an anniversary free night award and automatic Platinum Elite status with IHG hotels.

How to Claim Your Statement Credit

Getting your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursed is incredibly simple. You do not need to activate the offer or call your bank ahead of time.

1. Apply Online: Go to the official Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Programs website. Fill out the application for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
2. Pay the Fee: When you reach the payment screen, enter the credit card that offers the fee reimbursement. Do not use a debit card or a different credit card.
3. Wait for the Credit: Once the $120 or $85 charge posts to your credit card account, the bank’s system will automatically recognize the merchant code. A statement credit will appear on your account to wipe out the charge. This usually happens within a few days, though it can occasionally take up to two billing cycles.

A Secret Perk: Paying for Friends and Family

A little-known fact about these credit card benefits is that the name on the security application does not need to match the name on the credit card. If you already have Global Entry but your spouse, child, or friend needs it, you can use your credit card to pay their application fee. As long as the charge comes from the Trusted Traveler Program, your credit card will trigger the reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Global Entry automatically include TSA PreCheck?

Yes. When you are approved for Global Entry, you will be issued a PASSID number. You can enter this nine-digit number into the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking flights to receive TSA PreCheck benefits on domestic routes.

How often do credit cards reimburse this fee?

Most credit cards offer this statement credit once every four to five years. This perfectly aligns with the expiration timeline of the programs, as both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships are valid for five years.

What happens if my Global Entry application is denied?

The application fee is non-refundable. If the government denies your application, they will not return your $120. However, your credit card company will still reimburse you for the charge. You simply will not have the Global Entry membership.

Can I use the credit for NEXUS?

Many top travel cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the IHG One Rewards Premier, have expanded their benefits to include NEXUS. NEXUS costs $50 and expedites border crossings between the United States and Canada. Always check your specific card’s benefits guide to confirm if NEXUS is included.