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A Quick Guide to TSA PreCheck
The TSA PreCheck program can help travelers speed through security checkpoints at more than 200 U.S. airports.
Lee is a freelance travel writer and podcast host based in Nashville, Tennessee. He loves to travel with his wife and two children using miles and points. Lee has held the Southwest Companion Pass since 2007 and enjoys being spoiled thanks to his Kimpton Inner Circle status.
Meghan Coyle is an editor on the Travel Rewards team and the co-host of the Smart Travel podcast. She covers travel credit cards, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. Meghan is based in Los Angeles and has a love-hate relationship with LAX.
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Travelers often dread going through TSA security lines, but by signing up for TSA PreCheck, you can save a lot of time and hassle at airport security.
Exactly how much time can you save? We'll put it this way: As of September 2025, 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 10 minutes at airport security.
Travelers with TSA PreCheck can use dedicated security lines, keep their belt on and leave their 3-1-1 liquids and laptops in their bags. These benefits are available when flying on dozens of airlines at over 200 airports.
Here, we answer your questions: What is TSA PreCheck, how much does it cost and how can you get it for free?
TSA PreCheck is a membership program that offers dedicated airport security lines and streamlined screening at hundreds of airports across the U.S.
Upon approval, members receive a Known Traveler Number that lets the airlines know you’re eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.
More than 90 airlines participate in TSA PreCheck to provide a smoother airport screening process. Simply add your Known Traveler Number to your flight reservations to receive a "TSA PreCheck" designation on your boarding pass and use the dedicated security lines. On some flights you may not receive TSA PreCheck benefits based on the airline you're flying, which airport you are flying from or TSA procedures.
Children up to 12 years old do not need their own TSA PreCheck membership. As long as they are traveling with an adult who is a member, they can use the TSA Security lanes too. Children ages 13-17 can travel with TSA PreCheck member parents so long as the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child's boarding pass as well.
Nerdy Perspective
Which credit card do you use to get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card®. PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card®. PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Caitlin Mims
Travel Editor
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card®.
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card®.
Caitlin Mims
Travel Editor
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card®. PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card®. PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Caitlin Mims
Travel Editor
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card®.
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card®.
Caitlin Mims
Travel Editor
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card®. PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card®. PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Caitlin Mims
Travel Editor
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card®.
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card®.
Caitlin Mims
Travel Editor
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Differences between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
While TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both designed to streamline security checkpoints, each is targeted to a specific type of travel.
TSA PreCheck makes domestic travel simpler, offering dedicated airport security lanes, lower application fees and several locations where you can enroll.
Global Entry, on the other hand, is best for international travelers. This program includes TSA PreCheck benefits, but also simplifies the U.S. customs process when returning from outside the U.S.
This chart highlights some of the similarities and differences between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
TSA PreCheck
Global Entry
Length of membership
5 years.
5 years.
Application fee
Up to $85 for first-time enrollment and up to $79.95 for renewal, depending on application servicer.
$120.
Access to TSA PreCheck security lane
Yes.
Yes.
Can bring minor children with you (12 & under)
Yes.
No, children must have their own membership.
Access to expedited U.S. Customs lanes
No.
Yes.
Best for
Domestic travelers.
International travelers.
TSA PreCheck requirements
The TSA PreCheck program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents.
Travelers interested in TSA PreCheck must apply online for pre-approval. Once your interview is booked, you are required to bring a current U.S. government-issued photo identification, plus proof of citizenship. Accepted documents include your passport or a driver's license and birth certificate.
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
The benefits sound great, but what is the fee for TSA PreCheck? TSA PreCheck costs $79.95 at CLEAR enrollment locations, $76.75 at Idemia enrollment centers and $85 at Telos enrollment centers. The membership lasts for five years. After the initial application fee, PreCheck renewal costs range from $58.75- $70 if done online. As detailed below, some travel credit cards will help offset this cost.
🤓Nerdy Tip
The initial $76.75 fee breaks down to an average of $15.35 per year or $1.28 per month.
How to get TSA PreCheck for free
While you can pay for TSA PreCheck with your credit or debit card, you can actually get it for free. Here are three ways to do just that:
Military benefits. All active members of the U.S. Armed Forces can receive TSA PreCheck benefits by entering their Department of Defense identification number as their Known Traveler Number. This includes those serving in the Reserves and National Guard, as well as cadets and midshipmen attending a military academy.
Redeem rewards. Some airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus, allow you to redeem miles and points to pay for TSA PreCheck application fees.
Credit card benefits. Many travel credit cards reimburse TSA PreCheck application fees every four to five years. Among them:
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Statement credit of up to $120 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.
Statement credit of up to $120 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.
Statement credit of up to $120 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.
How to get credit card reimbursement How to get credit card reimbursement
If your credit card offers reimbursement for the application fee for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you must pay the fee with the card. You cannot submit a claim for reimbursement if you paid with some other method. Reimbursement will usually appear as a statement credit in your account within two months.
Cards typically offer reimbursement of only one fee once every four to five years. Check the terms and conditions of your card for the specific rules that apply. Note also that these cards only reimburse the application fee for a trusted traveler program. They don't automatically enroll you in the program or guarantee that you'll be accepted by the program. You still have to apply and go through the required screening, which in the case of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry includes an in-person appointment.
Cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck® fees Cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck® fees
Thanks to a partnership launched in May 2024 between the TSA and CLEAR, you can now apply for TSA PreCheck at one of more than 250 participating CLEAR enrollment locations, including Staples stores, without an appointment. Submit your application online first, then finish the process at a CLEAR kiosk at a participating airport or Staples. CLEAR will submit your TSA PreCheck application on your behalf, and most applicants hear back within three to five days.
What happens if your application is declined?
Getting approved for TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed. People can be declined based on security threat assessments, certain criminal convictions or other issues.
If you're declined for TSA PreCheck, it may be possible to appeal the decision.
The TSA PreCheck interview usually takes about 10 minutes. It is primarily meant to verify your identification documents and process your fingerprints. For most people, you'll need to bring your driver's license and passport.
You will also be required to pay the nonrefundable $76.75 - $85 fee at your appointment. Payment can be made by credit card, company check, cashier's check or money order.
Once you're approved for TSA PreCheck, add your Known Traveler Number to your existing flight reservations and airline loyalty program profiles. This will allow you to use the dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes across the U.S.
TSA PreCheck members may have access to Touchless ID, a program that uses facial recognition technology to verify the identity of passengers at airport screening checkpoints — making it even faster than regular PreCheck.
That means you won't need to pull out your driver's license or passport when you walk up to the officer. Instead, your photo will be taken on the day of travel and matched against other photos of you that you've provided to the government, such as your passport.
To use Touchless ID, which includes a dedicated security lane, you have to opt into the program during check in or via your airline profile. In addition, you'll need to use a mobile boarding pass and be flying on an airline that participates in the program from your departure airport.
Yes. This valuable tool saves you time and frustration at airport security. If you've ever missed a flight due to long security screening lines, you know how critical it can be to get through airport security quickly.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, see this page.
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