Best Credit Cards for Free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck in March 2023 (Updated Monthly)
Best Credit Cards for Free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck in March 2023 (Updated Monthly)
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a modest annual fee and offers miles-earning opportunities on every purchase, making it your best bet for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card.
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
United℠ Explorer Card
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express
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Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are must-haves in every frequent traveler's toolkit, saving you valuable time at the airport. Even better, you can get this perk at no cost with the right credit card.
The best cards that provide a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit are premium travel cards that reward you for spending on dining and travel or loyalty to an airline or hotel chain.
Compare the best Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credit cards of 2023
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| Annual Fee | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 
| Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel | 660 - 850 | $95 | Apply Now
On Capital One's Secure Website |
United℠ Explorer Card 
| Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. | 660 - 850 | $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95 | Apply Now
On Chase's Secure Website |
Chase Sapphire Reserve® 
| Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards® | 720 - 850 | $550 | Apply Now
On Chase's Secure Website |
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card 
| Earn 175,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening | 660 - 850 | $99 | Apply Now
On Chase's Secure Website |
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card 
| Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 3 months. | 660 - 850 | $650 See Rates & Fees. | Apply Now
See Rates & Fees. Terms Apply. On American Express' Secure Website |
The Platinum Card® from American Express 
| Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 660 - 850 | $695 See Rates & Fees. | Apply Now
See Rates & Fees. Terms Apply. On American Express' Secure Website |
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® 
| Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening | 660 - 850 | $450 | Apply Now
On Citibank's Secure Website |
PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express Card 
| 50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days | See website for details | $95 | Not available on ValuePenguin |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
| 50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. | 660 - 850 | $95 | Not available on ValuePenguin |
View more cards
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card overall and for everyday spending
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
$95
20.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
660 - 850
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefit on the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is similar to what is offered by the other cards on the list: up to $100 fee reimbursement, depending on the program you choose. You're eligible for this statement credit every four years.
Submit your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application and charge the application fee to your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Within two billing cycles, a credit for the purchase will appear on your statement.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for travelers with a lower spending profile or who don't want to shell out $550 in annual fees. Compared to the other cards on this list, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has better general spending rewards (2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel) and a competitive welcome bonus: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (or NEXUS) credit card for dining and travel
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$550
21.24% - 28.24% Variable
720 - 850
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority PassTM Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
Like most of the other cards on this list, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides up to a $100 credit that can be applied once every four years. It can be used on either Global Entry, which costs the full $100, NEXUS, which costs $50, or TSA PreCheck, which costs $85. Once you charge the application fee to your Chase Sapphire Reserve®, a statement credit for the application fee will be posted within 24 hours.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is often heralded as the best travel rewards card — and with good reason. In addition to the up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS application credit, it comes with a $300 annual travel credit, free Priority Pass™ Select membership for airport lounge access and a fantastic rewards rate: 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Keep in mind that this card comes with a $550 annual fee, but the credits alone will take care of most of this cost.
When redeeming your points for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal, you'll get 50% more redemption value. This means that 60,000 points are worth $900 in travel. Alternatively, you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to Chase's 14 loyalty partners.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck card for luxury travel
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
660 - 850
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and other participating providers. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back each year on an Equinox+ subscription, or any Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
- $189 CLEAR® Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus at 45+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per year on your membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Pay for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee with The Platinum Card® from American Express, and a statement credit will appear on your account within eight weeks. You'll receive this credit every four years for Global Entry and every four-and-a-half years for TSA PreCheck.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For those who are looking for luxury perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is the best card that comes with a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. The card has a steep $695 annual fee, but one of the highest rewards rates on flights and hotel spending. And if you love airport lounges, you'll enjoy complimentary access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection, including The Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required) and Delta Sky Clubs.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card for free hotel stays
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Earn 175,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
$99
20.49% - 27.49% Variable
660 - 850
- Best Points Offer Ever - Earn 175,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy a Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide. Plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
- Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- IHG Rewards bonus points are redeemable at hotels such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
With this card, you'll enjoy reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry once every four years. Charge the Global Entry application fee to the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card, and a statement credit will appear on your account within 24 hours of the purchase being charged to the credit card.
The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is ideal for frequent IHG hotel visitors when on the road. With a reasonable $99 annual fee, you'll also enjoy travel perks such as Global Entry or TSA Precheck reimbursement.
You'll be rewarded more for general spending and non-IHG travel expenses by other cards on this list, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express. However, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card can earn you complimentary hotel stays and Platinum Elite IHG status.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card for luxury hotel perks
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 3 months.
$650
20.24%-29.24% Variable
660 - 850
- Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 3 months.
- Each Card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
- A Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member will earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at participating hotels for each U.S. dollar or the currency equivalent that is incurred and paid for by the member.
- Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
- Marriott Brilliant Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Benefit options include: Five (5) Suite Night Awards, 85K Free Night Award, and mattress and box spring $1,000 discount from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- $100 Luxury Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership through any Authorized Enrollment Provider for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85) when you pay the application fee with an eligible Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
- Enroll in Priority Pass Select, which offers unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- Enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select membership.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- Cell phone protection: You can be reimbursed for your costs to repair or replace your damaged or Stolen cell phone up to $800, subject to a $50 deductible, for 2 approved claims per 12-month period when your prior month's wireless bill was paid utilizing an Eligible Card Account. Terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
After paying your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, a statement credit will be posted to your account within eight weeks. You'll receive this credit every four years for Global Entry and every four-and-a-half years for TSA PreCheck.
For rates and fees of Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please click here.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a solid premium card for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties. In addition to up to a $100 credit for Global Entry application, the card will also get you up to a $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide to help recover the $650 annual fee.
To enhance the value even further, The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers competitive rewards on travel and dining. If you're looking for travel perks in addition to free Global Entry, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card should be on your shortlist.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card for American Airlines
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
$450
20.49% - 29.49% (Variable)
660 - 850
- Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
- Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation
To activate the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement benefit, you'll charge the application fee on your card and receive a statement credit within one to two billing cycles. This benefit is renewable every five years.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is one of American Airlines' luxury card offerings with a $450 annual fee. On top of the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application credit, cardholders will enjoy a complimentary Admirals Club membership — up to a $650 value — along with free checked bags and priority access at the airport. This card is most rewarding for American Airlines flyers, as you can jumpstart your way to elite status with American Airlines.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card for United Airlines
United℠ Explorer Card
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
$0 Intro for the First Year, then $95
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
660 - 850
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
- Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
- Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United ClubSM with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24.
Use your United℠ Explorer Card to pay for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application, and up to a $100 statement credit (or an $85 credit for PreCheck) will be posted to your account within 24 hours. You'll receive this benefit every four years.
Most mid-tier airline cards don't offer Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement, but the United℠ Explorer Card is the exception. If you're a loyal United Airlines customer or fly on any Star Alliance partners, the United℠ Explorer Card is a sublime choice. Better yet, this card offers an annual fee of $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95.
You'll enjoy United-specific benefits, such as a free first checked bag and two annual United Club passes. However, if you're not a United Airlines loyalist or Star Alliance traveler, one of the general rewards cards on this list will better suit your needs.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck card with a no annual fee credit
PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express Card
50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days
$95
14.99% to 17.99% variable
See website for details
- Redeem points for travel, merchandise and gift cards
- Complimentary 24-hour concierge service
- 4x points on travel purchases as an Access America checking account holder or as a member of the military
- Or 3x points on travel purchases for all other cardholders
- 1.5x points on all other purchases
- $100 Annual Travel Fund Benefit
- $100 Annual Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Benefit
- 0% promo APR for 12 months on balance transfers (3% fee applies to each transaction)
- 25,000 bonus points when you spend $2,500 within 3 months of opening an account
Cardholders will enjoy a $100 Global Entry or $85 TSA PreCheck statement credit every five years when the application fee is charged to your card. You can expect to see a statement credit reimbursement on your account within six to eight weeks of applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express Card is a great choice for those looking for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck access without having to pay an annual fee. However, because you must be a PenFed Honors Advantage member for the card's $95 annual fee to be waived, this card will be most beneficial for people who have an active checking account with PenFed or are in the military.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card for Bank of America
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
$95
19.49% - 26.49% Variable APR
660 - 850
- Receive 50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87-2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
- No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire.
- Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Low $95 annual fee.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
You'll receive up to $100 in statement credits for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, valid every four years with your Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card. It will take two to three weeks for this credit to hit your account.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card nicely complements customers who already own checking or savings accounts with Bank of America. This card is part of the Preferred Rewards program, offering benefits including a 25% to 75% rewards bonus depending on your combined account balances. The $95 annual fee is justifiable thanks to the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application credit and an annual up to $100 airline incidentals statement credit.
Are Global Entry and TSA PreCheck worth it?
Both Global Entry and TSA Precheck are useful programs but Global Entry is the better choice if you're deciding between the two.
According to the TSA website, 92% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes in November 2022. And that program is available at more than 200 airports and 80 airlines. Global Entry only costs $15 more ($100 versus $85), and it gets you expedited customs clearance plus the expedited security access of TSA PreCheck.
Even if your international travel is infrequent, the small premium for Global Entry will save you both time and frustration when you do travel internationally. And if you don't want to pay this fee out of pocket, consider one of the cards on this list.
If you don't want to open a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck card, or if you don't fly often, you may be debating whether skipping the customs line is worth $100. Since either benefit is good for five years, you're essentially paying $20 per year. Finally, consider the fact that you could be waiting more than half an hour to get through customs on any given afternoon, especially at a busier airport.
How to Use Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck
- Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your reservation when purchasing your ticket. (This will put a TSA Precheck indicator on your boarding pass and another special indicator in the barcode)
- Let the TSA agent scan your pass at the first checkpoint
- Go to the expedited Precheck line, as directed by the TSA agent
- Go through security without removing your belt, shoes, laptop, liquids or light jacket
Note: To use TSA Precheck, you need to be flying on an airline that participates in the program. All of the major U.S. airlines currently take part in the program, and you can check for other airlines on the TSA's list of participating airlines.
Global Entry
- Go to a designated Global Entry kiosk at the airport
- Present your passport or permanent resident card
- Scan your fingerprints
- Declare any goods and cash that you're bringing back into the country
- Take your receipt and show it to the CBP officer at the exit as you leave customs
Using TSA PreCheck with different airlines
Airline | How to use Precheck |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | Either add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your travel reservation, or add it to your AAdvantage account:
|
How to get Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
The processes for getting Global Entry and TSA Precheck are relatively similar. Both require you to submit an online application, and appear in person for an interview. Unless you've gotten into serious legal trouble or are the subject of a government investigation, you should have no problem getting approved for either program.
Global Entry application process
- Step 1: Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry site.
- Step 2: Once your account is created, log in, submit an application for Global Entry status and pay the $100 fee.
- Step 3: After the CBP approves your application, you should set up an appointment at a Global Entry Enrollment Center — be sure to bring all valid passports and an additional form of ID. *Be aware that you’ll be ineligible for Global Entry if you provided false or incomplete information on your application, have pending or convicted criminal charges or violations with laws in any country.*
In most cases, you've been preapproved for Global Entry if you make it to the interview phase of the application process. After this appointment, you'll likely be verified as a Global Entry member, so long as you don't have a problematic criminal record, your application information is truthful, and you've been confirmed as low risk. Through a program called Enrollment on Arrival, you also have the option of interviewing at an airport anytime you return from a trip. You'll need your valid passport or permanent resident card and documents proving residency. (You’ll also become eligible for Global Entry renewal one year before that five-year expiration date.)
TSA Precheck application process
- Step 1: To become a TSA Precheck member, fill out an online application
- Step 2: Set up an appointment at an enrollment center *Steps 1 and 2 should take roughly five minutes to complete.*
- Step 3: Once you attend your appointment and are approved for Precheck, you can add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to future ticket reservations and enjoy the benefits of expedited security.
You'll have your fingerprints taken. If your criminal record is clean, there should be no problems. In total, the interview should take no longer than 10 minutes.
Helpful links
Global Entry
TSA PreCheck
How long does it take to be approved for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?
For Global Entry, the CBP usually processes applications within six months while TSA PreCheck's approval process takes approximately two to three weeks.
- Global Entry: If you applied through the Trusted Traveler Program website, you can check the status of your application on your dashboard. If the status reads "Pending Review," your application has been received by the CBP and is being processed. Once your status is updated to "Conditionally Approved," you'll receive a notification to schedule an appointment at an enrollment center.
- TSA PreCheck: Once you're preapproved, you'll go into an enrollment center for a quick background check and fingerprint scan. You'll be officially registered as a TSA Precheck member after this appointment, and after you’ve paid the PreCheck fee.
All credit cards that come with free Global Entry or free TSA PreCheck
The cards listed above are the best overall credit cards that also have a Global Entry refund. However, other cards offer the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefit that might work better for your travel needs and spending habits. Each card provides the benefit once every four to five years. Here's the list of all the widely available cards that we came across in our search.
Card | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card | Every four years |
| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | Every four years for Global Entry, every 4.5 years for TSA Precheck |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Every four years |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card | Every four years |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | Every five years |
| Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi | Every year ($100 annual air travel credit) |
| IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card | Every four years |
| Mastercard® Gold Card™ | Every five years |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Every four years for Global Entry, every 4.5 years for TSA Precheck |
| PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express Card | Every five years |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Every four years for Global Entry, every 4.5 years for TSA Precheck |
What is Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?
Both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are part of the Trusted Traveler program from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and they’re both designed to help travelers save time on travel.
(Other examples of trusted programs include Sentri, FAST and the Nexus program.) Here’s what you should know about these popular travel options:
Global entry
Global Entry is a program sponsored by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows trusted travelers to bypass long customs lines by re-entering the U.S. with expedited clearance after traveling internationally. You'll forgo any processing lanes or paperwork upon reentry. Enrolling for Global Entry includes complimentary TSA Precheck®.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck gives preapproved travelers access to an expedited security line at over 200 airports and 80 airlines. With this benefit, you do not need to remove shoes, belts, liquids, food or light jackets. As of December 2021, 94% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes to go through security. TSA PreCheck alone does not include Global Entry.
Admission to either program is good for five years and requires an in-person interview, background check and fingerprinting.
Global Entry | TSA Precheck® | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $100 | $85 |
| Available for | U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of select countries | U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents |
| Valid for five years | ||
| Requires application and interview | ||
| Reduces time waiting in customs | ||
| Reduces time waiting in airport security | ||
| Includes TSA PreCheck |
It's advisable for most travelers to select Global Entry over TSA PreCheck. For an extra $15, you can enjoy expedited customs clearance. Any of the credit cards listed above will cover application credits up to $100, so Global Entry is the clear winner here.
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck FAQs
Global Entry is generally the better choice, if you're deciding between the two because of the similar cost (it’s only $15 more than PreCheck), and it gets you expedited customs clearance plus the expedited security access of TSA PreCheck.
The best options will cover up the full cost of the application ($100 for Global Entry, or $85 for PreCheck.)
You usually only have to charge the application to the specified card, then you’re automatically reimbursed. But timelines and requirements can vary, so you should check with your issuer.
Methodology
To make choosing the right card easier, we've looked at credit cards reviewed on ValuePenguin as well as cards on major issuer sites to compile a list of the best rewards credit cards available right now. Our top picks for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck not only offer application reimbursement but other meaningful benefits that will improve your travel experience as a whole — including the rewards value, cost of ownership and value of benefits such as travel and purchase protections, lounge membership and airline companion passes. Our choices are not influenced by our advertisers. Learn more on how we calculate rewards.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please click here.
The information related to Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi and PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express Card has been independently collected by ValuePenguin and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply to American Express credit card offers. See americanexpress.com for more information.
* See the online credit card application for details about terms and conditions. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the "Apply Now" button, you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the issuer's website.
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These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
How We Calculate Rewards: ValuePenguin calculates the value of rewards by estimating the dollar value of any points, miles or bonuses earned using the card less any associated annual fees. These estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone, not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer.