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 Huffman
By Lee Huffman 
Updated
Edited by June Casagrande

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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: In March 2023, 89% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes at airport security.

Travelers with TSA PreCheck can use dedicated security lines, keep their shoes 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?

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a membership program that offers dedicated airport security lines and streamlined screening at a few hundred airports across the U.S.

Upon approval, members receive a Known Traveler Number that lets the airlines know that you are eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.

More than 80 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.

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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

$78 ($70 online renewal).

$100.

Enrollment centers

500+.

100+.

Access to TSA PreCheck security lane

Yes.

Yes.

Can bring minor children with you (12 & under)

Yes.

No, child must have their own membership.

Access to expedited U.S. Customs lanes

No.

Yes.

Best for

Domestic travelers.

International travelers.

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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 an unexpired U.S. government-issued photo identification, plus proof of citizenship. Accepted documents include your passport or a driver's license and birth certificate.

Immigrants can learn more about required documentation on the Homeland Security website.

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

The benefits sound great, but what is the fee for TSA PreCheck? TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership period. After the initial application fee, PreCheck renewal only costs $70 if completed online. As detailed below, some travel credit cards will help offset this cost.

🤓Nerdy Tip

The initial fee breaks down to an average of $17 per year or less than $1.50 per month.

How to get TSA PreCheck for free

While you can pay for TSA PreCheck with your credit card or debit card, you can actually get it for free instead of paying cash. Here are four ways to do just that:

  • Randomly issued. Some passengers may randomly receive TSA PreCheck as a way to introduce them to the benefits of being a member. Consider this a marketing effort by the Department of Homeland Security to encourage people to sign up for TSA PreCheck.

  • 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 as 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 cards reimburse TSA PreCheck application fees every four to five years. Among them:

Chase United Airlines Mileage Plus Credit Card
NerdWallet rating 
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
NerdWallet rating 
Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card
NerdWallet rating 

United℠ Explorer Card

Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95.

Benefit: Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Annual fee: $95.

Benefit: Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Annual fee: $550.

Benefit: Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

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.


How to sign up for TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.

Here's how to pre-enroll for TSA PreCheck online and get your interview set up in five simple steps:

  1. Go to the TSA website and click on "Apply now."

  2. Complete the brief questionnaire confirming your eligibility for the program.

  3. Provide a list of the identifying documents you'll bring along to your interview.

  4. Choose from one of the 500+ enrollment centers and schedule your TSA PreCheck appointment.

  5. Look for an email confirming your appointment.

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 and similar reasons.

If you're declined for TSA PreCheck, it is possible to appeal the decision and request reconsideration.

TSA PreCheck interview

The TSA PreCheck interview usually takes less than 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. However, it is best to use this interactive guide from the Department of Homeland Security to answer a few quick questions to know for sure which documents you should bring.

You will also be required to pay the nonrefundable $78 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.

Is TSA PreCheck worth it?

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.

The initial application fee is $78 for the first five years. It's $70 to renew online thereafter (but you can easily renew for free). Numerous credit cards will cover the cost for you. However, if you do pay for it yourself, the fee breaks down to less than $2 per month, which is surely worth it — even for the occasional traveler.


How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Travel Cards from Our Partners
Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

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NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1x-5x

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Intro offer

60,000

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

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Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

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Rewards rate

1.5%-6.5%

Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

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$300

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
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Rewards rate

2x-5x

Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. 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.

Miles

Intro offer

75,000

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.

Miles
See more travel cards
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