Travelers can save on their Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership application fee with some general travel credit cards as well as co-branded airline and hotel cards that offer this benefit.
Trusted travelers enrolled in these government programs can bypass long airport security lines and receive expedited clearance. Many credit cards cover application fees of these trusted traveler programs – which may reach as much as $100.
Reimbursement
TSA PreCheck offers travelers a quick way through security quickly, but comes at a cost — an application fee which some travel credit cards may cover.
There’s good news! A variety of general travel credit cards, co-branded airline and hotel credit cards, as well as business cards offer application fee reimbursement benefits – giving travelers an excellent way to save on the one-time application fee for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck which usually applies every four years.
Fee reimbursement benefits usually take the form of statement credits applied after paying your Trusted Traveler Program fee, with details in each card’s Guide to Benefits. Most cards charge an annual fee; some waive it entirely during their first year; this makes justifying such costs easier, particularly considering membership can last four or five years.
General travel credit cards
Many travel credit cards provide value-adding perks that can add up quickly, such as airport lounge access and upgrades to airline or hotel loyalty programs. Some even provide TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credits – helping make the most out of these trusted traveler programs that provide expedited security screening as well as dedicated processing lanes upon entering the US.
These cards typically require excellent credit, carry an annual fee, but may be compensated by welcome offers (that could offer up to $100 in rewards) and annual credits that cover membership of either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck – for instance, Capital One Venture Rewards card offers $100 statement credit every four years when applying for either of those memberships; it is an extremely popular card which also provides many travel benefits.
Airline and hotel credit cards
Credit cards typically offer membership to TSA PreCheck, the government-backed Trusted Traveler Program that allows travelers to quickly navigate security lines. Furthermore, some cards cover the costs of enrolling in Global Entry; another Trusted Traveler program which helps international travellers quickly reenter their country upon return home.
Annual fees for either program is $78, but several cards offer credits that cover application fees such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture and Venture X cards, which reimburse both Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment costs.
These cards offer more than just personal benefits; their statement credit can even help pay for someone else’s Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS applications. Just keep in mind that these cards only reimburse fees every four to five years; additionally they typically come with an annual fee that needs to be taken into consideration before choosing which card suits your lifestyle best.
Global Entry
Global Entry travelers enjoy faster processing when entering the United States, including bypassing TSA PreCheck lines. Applying costs $100; its validity period lasts five years. Many credit cards and elite frequent flyer programs reimburse part of this application fee.
Use your statement credit from one of these cards to pay for either your own application, or that of a friend or family member. However, they must attend an enrollment center for an interview interview in person to complete this process.
Global Entry stands out from NEXUS by allowing interviews at both land border locations and airport interview locations, which allows applicants more options when applying. Conditionally approved status may take months; so plan to schedule interviews ahead of time to avoid being disappointed by any delay in receiving approval. Thankfully, several travel credit cards offer statement credits to cover the costs associated with applying for Global Entry membership and this could save on its overall price.
