How to Gift TSA PreCheck & Global Entry Membership for Free
Learn how to gift (or get) TSA PreCheck and Global Entry memberships for free or at a discount using travel credit cards, points, and expert travel tips.
How to Gift TSA PreCheck & Global Entry Memberships for Free
Airport security and customs queues can frustrate even the most seasoned travelers. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs are popular solutions, letting you breeze through dedicated security or customs lines and reclaim precious travel time. While these memberships require an application fee, many travelers (and givers) don’t realize you can often get them for free, either for yourself or someone else, using the right credit card or rewards strategy.
What Are TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
- TSA PreCheck: Expedited security screening for domestic flights at over 200 airports. No need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, or toiletries, and 99% of users wait less than 10 minutes.
Great for: Domestic U.S. travelers. - Global Entry: Expedited customs clearance when returning to the U.S. from abroad. Includes all TSA PreCheck benefits.
Perfect for: International travelers who also want TSA PreCheck.
Why Gift TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Membership?
Gifting TSA PreCheck or Global Entry saves a traveler money, but also delivers convenience, speed, and peace of mind. These programs are thoughtful gifts for:
- Friends or relatives with upcoming travel plans
- Graduates embarking on travel adventures
- Business travelers who value efficiency
- Parents or family members who stress in long lines
While neither TSA PreCheck nor Global Entry offer a “gift certificate” option, you can pay for someone else’s application if you know how.
Membership Costs and Program Overview
| Program | Cost | Duration | Includes TSA PreCheck? |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | $85–$78 (first-time) $70–$59 (renewal) | 5 years | Yes (this is the core feature) |
| Global Entry | $120 | 5 years | Yes (automatically included) |
Note: Global Entry applications sometimes encounter longer interview and approval wait times than TSA PreCheck.
Credit Cards That Reimburse TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Most premium and travel-oriented credit cards offer a statement credit covering TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees. Here’s how this works:
- Apply online for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
- Use an eligible credit card to pay the application fee (any applicant’s fee, not just the cardholder).
- The card issuer automatically credits your account, usually within a few weeks.
You do not have to be the applicant—if you pay the application fee for someone else with your card, you’ll get reimbursed and, in effect, have “gifted” their membership for free.
Popular Credit Cards with Fee Credit Benefit
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- United Explorer Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
Dozens of cards, including some with low or no annual fee options, feature this benefit. Typically, reimbursement is available once every 4-5 years per eligible card.
Steps to Gift Membership via Credit Card Fee Credit
- Ask the recipient for their full name and birthdate—required for the membership application.
- Sit with the recipient as they apply online for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
- At payment, enter your credit card information (the program doesn’t care who pays)—or let them use your card by phone or in person if they apply at an enrollment center.
- After payment posts, your card issuer will automatically refund the fee.
- The recipient completes any required in-person appointment (for identity verification or interview).
Tip: If you can’t be with your recipient, you might reimburse them after they pay, but you’ll miss out on the automatic statement credit.
How to Use Points, Earnings, or Other Strategies
If you don’t have a qualifying credit card—or simply want another way to cover the cost—the following methods may help:
- Loyalty program points: Airlines and hotels sometimes let you use points to pay for application fees, such as
- United MileagePlus (11,000 miles for TSA PreCheck fee coverage)
- IHG One Rewards (25,000 points for fee coverage)
- Employer programs: Some companies reimburse or directly pay for trusted traveler memberships.
- Promotional offers: Periodically, airport kiosks or third-party identity services like CLEAR may run discount deals or referrals for TSA PreCheck.
- Credit cards with no annual fee: Rare, but options like the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card or Arvest Visa Signature® can provide statement credits while charging no annual fee to cardholders.
Check regional eligibility rules. - Military, government, and airline personnel: May be eligible for free or expedited enrollment depending on agency or benefit partner.
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: Which to Choose?
Both programs expedite airport screening, but the best choice depends on your travel style:
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | Global Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Security Speed | ✔ | ✔ (via included PreCheck) |
| International Returns (US customs) | ✗ | ✔ |
| Application Fee | $78–$85 | $120 |
| Interview/Wait Time | Generally shorter | Often longer, fewer locations |
| Best for… | Domestic flyers | Frequent international travelers |
Note: If you travel internationally, Global Entry is a better value because it automatically provides TSA PreCheck as well. However, availability of enrollment appointments may be more limited.
The Application Process: How to Apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
How to Apply for TSA PreCheck
- Visit the official TSA PreCheck website.
- Complete the secure online application form (about 5 minutes).
- Schedule an in-person appointment at any of 500+ enrollment centers nationwide. Walk-ins may be available.
- Bring required documentation (valid passport, or driver’s license and birth certificate).
- Undergo a brief background check and fingerprinting.
- Upon approval (typically within days), receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) via email or mail.
- Add your KTN to airline loyalty profiles and future reservations to access PreCheck lanes.
How to Apply for Global Entry
- Go to the Trusted Traveler Program website (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
- Create an online profile and fill out the comprehensive application, including travel history, addresses, and employment (takes about 15–30 minutes).
- Pay the $120 non-refundable fee (use the gifting credit card).
- Upon conditional approval (may take several weeks), schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
- Attend the interview with specified documents (passport, ID, etc.), answer questions, and provide fingerprints.
- Approval is often immediate; you’ll receive your Global Entry card and KTN in the mail shortly after.
- Input your KTN for both TSA PreCheck and global entry when booking future travel.
Tips for Gifting or Sharing TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- Communicate with the recipient early—explain you’ll pay their fee to help with travel.
- Make sure they use your eligible credit card for the online payment step, or reimburse them after the fact (if you’re gifting with points, transfer before they apply).
- Keep copies of emails and receipts; for credit cards, ensure the name on the application matches the card issuer’s requirements for automatic reimbursement.
- Remind them to enroll early, especially if they’re traveling soon—appointment slots can fill up months ahead.
- For younger travelers, check minimum age limits: TSA PreCheck has no minimum age as long as traveling with a parent/guardian who has PreCheck privileges; Global Entry requires all applicants to qualify on their own.
- Don’t forget to update all major airline frequent flyer profiles with the KTN for smooth PreCheck access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I officially buy a “gift card” for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
A: Neither agency currently offers a gift certificate or official gifting process. However, by using a credit card with an application fee refund or by sharing points, you can effectively cover the cost for someone else. Just have the recipient use your payment method during their application.
Q: How long does it take to get approved?
A: TSA PreCheck approval can happen in a matter of days after your in-person appointment. Global Entry may take longer—weeks or even months are possible—especially for an interview slot. Always apply well before departure.
Q: Can children get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
A: Children 12 and under can use the PreCheck lane when traveling with a parent or guardian who has PreCheck. For Global Entry, every applicant, regardless of age, must apply and be approved individually—including attending an interview.
Q: Is the application fee refundable?
A: No, the fee is generally non-refundable—even if you’re denied membership. However, if you use a qualifying credit card and are otherwise eligible, the fee is reimbursed regardless of the approval outcome.
Q: How often can I use my credit card to pay for someone else’s membership?
A: Most cards allow one fee credit per four-to-five-year period, per card account. You can choose to use your benefit for yourself or to gift it to a friend or family member. Some families spread multiple credits across several cards within the household.
Key Reminders and Final Travel Tips
- Review your credit card’s terms and expiration dates for the fee benefit.
- Apply for Global Entry if possible for the added international customs benefit—including TSA PreCheck coverage.
- Don’t forget to schedule your enrollment interview ASAP—wait lists can be long.
- If gifting, coordinate closely with your recipient to make sure the correct card is used for payment.
- Once your account is active, always input your Known Traveler Number when booking flights to ensure the PreCheck or Global Entry benefit populates on your boarding pass.
Done right, giving the gift of expedited security or customs access can transform how your favorite traveler experiences the airport—while costing you nothing thanks to the strategic use of credit cards, points, or other savvy travel tactics. Happy gifting, and smoother travels ahead!
