Squeezing through serpentine airport security lines can be an exasperating ordeal, but many credit cards offer reimbursement of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry membership fees, enabling travelers to bypass those lines at minimal out-of-pocket expense.
NerdWallet has identified the top credit cards to cover the application fees for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry applications, with some even offering members the option of redeeming United MileagePlus miles as payment towards those fees.
Reimbursement
Although the $78 fee for TSA PreCheck membership might seem expensive, many travel credit cards cover its cost. To take advantage of this benefit, pay your application fee with your card and then have it reimbursed as a statement credit – some cards offer this exclusively while others allow you to redeem rewards towards covering it.
Some travel credit cards cover Global Entry and NEXUS fees in addition to TSA PreCheck; to take advantage of this benefit, simply apply for these programs and obtain your Known Traveler Number (KTN).
Many loyalty programs allow their members to redeem points to pay for TSA PreCheck applications. According to NerdWallet, these redemption options generally offer poor value; however they could still be worth your while if cash is tight or your preferred airline doesn’t offer TSA PreCheck. In addition, certain cards also reimburse the application fee of trusted traveler programs CLEAR.
Eligibility
Travel credit cards and TSA PreCheck can save travelers both time and hassle at airports. Many general travel cards, as well as co-branded airline and hotel cards, offer benefits that reimburse application fees for programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS; cardholders who make these purchases with qualifying cards qualify for reimbursement via statement credit.
TSA PreCheck allows travelers to take advantage of dedicated security lanes and expedited screening procedures at U.S. airports, costing $78 to apply and renewing every five years. Credit cards that cover this application fee often also offer Global Entry benefits as well – expedited customs processing between U.S.-Canada border is another similar benefit; but when selecting the card that offers best rewards and annual fee packages suited for you.
Requirements
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that allows members to bypass general security lines at airports by using dedicated lanes. Enrolling costs $78 for five years; some credit cards and frequent flyer programs reimburse this application fee.
For TSA PreCheck enrollment, an appointment must be set with an authorized TSA enrollment center. An in-person interview typically lasts 10 minutes during which fingerprints and background checks will be taken and submitted for review by TSA personnel. Once approved by them, a Known Traveler Number will be assigned which you should then enter when booking flights.
TSA PreCheck eligibility requires being either a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident as well as meeting certain other criteria, including having a clean criminal record. Members of Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI programs don’t need to separately apply for TSA PreCheck membership as membership comes included with those programs; additionally it is available to children ages 12 and under traveling with an adult who holds TSA PreCheck cards.
Benefits
TSA PreCheck is an official Trusted Traveler Program that allows members expedited security screening on domestic flights. Membership costs $85 for five years of expedited screening, and payment can be made with credit cards, money orders, company checks or cashier’s checks. Applicants also receive a unique Known Traveler Number which will be added to flight reservations and airline loyalty program profiles.
Long airport lines can be stressful, so anything to speed through security faster is welcome. That’s why many travelers appreciate knowing that credit card rewards programs often cover the costs associated with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry membership.
Travelers looking for credit cards with TSA PreCheck capabilities should carefully evaluate both its annual fee and rewards structure when selecting one. Some travel credit cards provide this perk despite having steep annual fees, while some even waive them during their first year.
