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How to Get TSA PreCheck for Free
You can pay for the lower TSA PreCheck renewal fee using travel credit cards or loyalty program points and miles.
As a digital nomad for nearly five years, JT is a freelance writer that proves through experience that credit card rewards can drastically reduce the cost of travel. After working as a tax accountant for a decade, JT turned his analytical skills to points, miles and credit cards. He published over 2,000 articles as a writer for The Points Guy.
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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TSA PreCheck is a must for frequent travelers because it can help you speed through security lines at the airport. Better yet, you might not even have to pay for it.
Some travel credit cards offer a benefit to get your application fee — or renewal fee — reimbursed. Another strategy is to use points and miles to pay the application fee.
How to get TSA PreCheck for free
Tactic 1: Get a credit card with a TSA PreCheck credit
The best way to get TSA PreCheck for free is by carrying an eligible credit card. Dozens of credit cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee if you use that card to pay upfront. Here's a quick overview of some of these cards.
CREDIT CARDS WITH NO ANNUAL FEE
Three credit cards offer a statement credit for TSA PreCheck application or renewal fee despite charging no annual fee. But, they're lesser-known cards.
The Arvest Visa Signature® Credit Card reimburses up to $100 for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees. Note that the Arvest Visa Signature® Credit Card is only available to consumers in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
U.S.-based HSBC Premier checking account holders can hold a HSBC Premier Credit Card for $0 annual fee. One of the card's perks: Up to a $85 statement credit every five years to reimburse TSA PreCheck application fee.
The Truist Enjoy Travel credit card includes a statement credit for TSA PreCheck application or renewal once every four years.
The Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card has a $0 annual fee and cardholders will earn up to $100 in reward points when you apply for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and pay for the application fee with the card.
CREDIT CARDS WITH AN ANNUAL FEE UNDER $100
Additionally, several travel credit cards offer a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit despite charging less than a $100 annual fee.
Even better, some of these cards currently waive the annual fee for the first year. So, you'll truly pay $0 out-of-pocket to get TSA PreCheck.
Low-annual-fee credit cards with free TSA PreCheck include:
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card: Annual fee of $95. The annual fee is waived for cardmembers who have served in the military or opened a qualifying checking account.
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 Writer and Content Management Specialist
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 Writer and Content Management Specialist
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 Writer and Content Management Specialist
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 Writer and Content Management Specialist
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 Writer and Content Management Specialist
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®.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks to a new partnership between the TSA and CLEAR+, you can apply for TSA PreCheck at participating CLEAR enrollment locations without an appointment. Just submit your application online first, and then next time you're at a participating airport walk up to the CLEAR kiosk to finish the process. CLEAR will submit your TSA PreCheck application on your behalf, and you can expect to hear back within three to five days.
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Tactic 2: Use points or miles
A handful of loyalty programs let members redeem their points to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck.
These redemption options generally provide a poor value; however, if you're looking to reduce your out-of-pocket cost and don't have a qualifying credit card, these redemptions could make sense for your situation.
United MileagePlus
United flyers can redeem 11,000 MileagePlus miles to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck. For economy redemptions, NerdWallet finds a base value of 1.2 cents per United MileagePlus mile. So, you're giving up around $132 in value to cover the initial application fee which costs around $85.
That's not the best use of your United miles, but it's one of the better redemption options for TSA PreCheck with points and miles.
TSA PreCheck is free for military members who hold a Department of Defense ID card. These members include:
Active duty service members.
Reservists.
Members of the National Guard.
Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and six State Maritime Academies.
Department of Defense civilian employees, though they must opt in via MilConnect before using their Known Traveler Number.
If you’ve retired from the military or left the Department of Defense, unfortunately you cannot get TSA Precheck for free.
Most of the credit cards that offer a statement credit for TSA PreCheck will also cover the application fee for Global Entry. So, even though the application fee for Global Entry is $120, it won't cost you anything extra to sign up for Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck (Editor's note: In October 2024, the cost of Global Entry increased from $100 to $120. As of November 2024, some of the cards mentioned in this article haven't increased the cost of this credit.)
So, which one is best for you: TSA PreCheck or Global Entry? In short, it comes down to two factors. If you travel overseas, Global Entry will save you time when reentering the U.S.; plus, it automatically includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
However, there are fewer Global Entry enrollment sites, and interview availability can be harder to find compared with TSA PreCheck.
For those paying for TSA PreCheck out of pocket, the reduced $70 online renewal fee is great news. However, travelers can sign up or renew TSA PreCheck for nothing out-of-pocket by using the right credit cards or certain loyalty program points and miles.
Just consider which option is best for your situation and whether you should upgrade to Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck.
To view rates and fees of the American Express Platinum 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 Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see this page.
