How to Get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for Free
Discover step-by-step strategies to obtain TSA PreCheck and Global Entry at no out-of-pocket cost so you can breeze through airport security.
Speeding through airport security and customs can transform your travel experience. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are expedited screening initiatives that help frequent flyers save significant time at airports. However, enrollment fees for these programs can deter budget-conscious travelers. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can obtain TSA PreCheck and Global Entry at no cost—here’s how.
Understanding TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
TSA PreCheck enables pre-approved travelers to use dedicated security lines at U.S. airports, often skipping shoe, belt, and laptop removal. Global Entry grants faster U.S. customs clearance for international travelers and includes TSA PreCheck privileges. Both require applications, background checks, and in-person interviews.
Key Benefits:
- TSA PreCheck: Expedited screening at over 200 U.S. airports, typically reducing wait times to under 10 minutes.
- Global Entry: Accelerated customs processing upon arrival in the U.S. from abroad, plus automatic TSA PreCheck inclusion.
Program Costs and Recent Updates
As of 2024, the standard costs are:
- TSA PreCheck: $78 for a five-year membership
- Global Entry: $120 for a five-year membership (increased from $100 in October 2024)
These fees are nonrefundable and payable upon submitting your application.
Tip: Most credit cards offering reimbursement apply the benefit to both programs—so you can pick the one that best suits your needs and travel patterns.
Credit Cards That Cover Your Application Fee
The most accessible way to get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for free is with credit cards that reimburse your application fee. Many travel credit cards offer a statement credit (typically up to $100–$120) when you use the card to pay the fee. This benefit is generally available once every four or five years per cardholder.
How It Works:
- Use your eligible card to pay the application fee for either program.
- The card issuer automatically credits your account within a few weeks, offsetting the charge.
Popular Credit Cards With Fee Reimbursement
Credit Cards With No Annual Fee
- Arvest Visa Signature® Credit Card: Up to $100 reimbursement for PreCheck or Global Entry; available regionally in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
- HSBC Premier Credit Card: For customers with a Premier checking account; $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck every five years.
Note: The HSBC Premier account is required and may have qualification requirements. - Truist Enjoy Travel Credit Card: Statement credit for PreCheck application or renewal every four years.
- Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card: No annual fee, and you’ll earn up to $100 in reward points when you apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry with the card.
Credit Cards With Annual Fee Under $100
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card: $95 annual fee. Includes statement credit for either program every four years.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: $95 annual fee; benefit applies once every four years.
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: $99 annual fee; reimbursement every four years.
- Capital One Spark Miles for Business: $0 intro annual fee, then $95; reimbursement every four years.
- United℠ Explorer Card: $0 intro annual fee for the first year (then $150); includes one fee credit every four years.
- PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card: $95 annual fee, waived for military and select checking customers; covers fee every five years.
Premium Travel Cards (Annual Fee Over $100)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Platinum Card® from American Express
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Citi® AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
These cards carry higher annual fees but deliver broader travel perks beyond application fee credits.
Compare Card Benefits
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Fee Credit Cycle | Other Key Travel Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture | $95 | Every 4 years | 2x miles per dollar, no foreign fees |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | Every 4 years | Travel credits, Priority Pass, lounge access |
| Truist Enjoy Travel | $0 | Every 4 years | 1.5% cash back on travel purchases |
| Fidelity Rewards Visa | $0 | Every 4 years | 2% cash back into eligible Fidelity accounts |
Note: The above list is illustrative. Please verify card details, eligibility, and current terms directly with issuers.
Using Points and Miles to Cover Application Fees
While most major loyalty programs do not directly let you swap airline miles or hotel points for application fees, certain programs occasionally have off-and-on offers for using points towards TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. You may also redeem flexible reward points (from select credit cards) as a statement credit after paying the application fee, essentially reimbursing yourself.
Steps:
- Pay the fee using an eligible card that lets you redeem points for statement credits.
- Redeem the required number of points to offset the charge.
- Typically, this yields lower value per point compared to travel redemption, so check program details.
Travel Loyalty Programs
- Limited airline frequent flyer programs, such as United’s, may occasionally offer options to redeem miles for TSA PreCheck application credits or discounts.
- Monitor loyalty program promotions, especially in partnership with credit card issuers.
Employer, Membership, and Discount Programs
- Some large employers, government agencies, and travel clubs may offer subsidized or reimbursed TSA PreCheck and Global Entry fees for employees and members.
- Check with your HR or member benefits representative if you belong to professional associations related to frequent travel.
Should You Choose TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
Both programs offer convenience, but your travel habits determine the best fit.
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | Global Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Expedited Security | Yes | Yes (includes TSA PreCheck) |
| Expedited US Customs | No | Yes |
| Application Fee | $78 | $120 |
| Number of Enrollment Centers | 300+ | Fewer Centers; appointments harder to book |
| Best for | Domestic travelers | International travelers |
- If you only travel domestically, TSA PreCheck offers excellent value and faster appointment availability.
- If you travel internationally even once or twice within five years, Global Entry is recommended as it automatically includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
How to Apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
TSA PreCheck Application Steps:
- Complete an online application via the official TSA website.
- Schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center (usually at major airports or urban locations).
- Provide required documentation, submit fingerprints, and undergo a brief background screening.
- Once approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to use when booking tickets for expedited airport screening.
Global Entry Application Steps:
- Submit your application and $120 non-refundable fee online via the Department of Homeland Security’s official Trusted Traveler Program portal.
- Undergo a thorough background check (including travel history, employment history, and addresses).
- If conditionally approved, schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center (availability may be limited).
- DHS officials verify documents, interview you, and collect biometrics. Approval usually follows promptly, and you receive a Global Entry card and KTN.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is TSA PreCheck the same as Clear?
No. TSA PreCheck speeds up physical security screening by streamlining the TSA checkpoint process. CLEAR uses biometric identification to verify your identity and let you access a separate, often even shorter, lane—but you still go through physical security screening, unless you also have TSA PreCheck. CLEAR is a paid, privately-operated program not typically reimbursed by credit cards.
Do children need their own TSA PreCheck or Global Entry memberships?
Children 12 and under can use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with a parent or guardian who has PreCheck. For Global Entry, every traveler, including children, must have their own membership for expedited customs clearance.
Can my credit card’s fee reimbursement be used for my spouse or family members?
Usually, yes—if your card is used to pay the application fee (even if you pay for someone else’s application), most issuers offer the statement credit regardless of who the applicant is. Check your card’s terms and benefits.
How long does approval take?
TSA PreCheck: Approval is often granted within weeks of the interview, though high demand can delay appointments.
Global Entry: Due to higher demand and more limited enrollment centers, interviews (and therefore approvals) can take several months to schedule in major cities. Apply early to avoid travel disruptions.
What if I am denied?
You’ll receive instructions from the relevant agency outlining reasons for denial and appeal procedures, if applicable. Most denials stem from criminal backgrounds, incomplete applications, or unresolved customs issues.
Expert Application Strategies
- Book appointments ahead: Especially for Global Entry, slots fill months in advance at popular locations.
- Flexibility pays off: Check for enrollment appointments at outlying or smaller airport centers if your main hub has a backlog; sometimes same-day appointments are available after last-minute cancellations.
- Leverage fee waivers: Use credit card or employer-provided fee waivers whenever possible instead of paying out of pocket.
Summary: Breeze Through Travel for Free
It’s easier than ever to avoid long airport lines. By understanding your options and maximizing the benefits of travel credit cards, loyalty programs, and employer or association perks, you can join TSA PreCheck or Global Entry at no personal cost. Choose the program that matches your travel style, apply as early as possible, and enjoy a seamless journey every time you fly.
