- Many of the best travel rewards credit cards offer reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.
- Our top picks for credit cards with Global Entry and TSA PreCheck reimbursement are the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, and The Platinum Card® from American Express, among others.
- Typically, reimbursement is for up to $100 every 4 to 5 years.
- Global Entry offers all of the same benefits as TSA PreCheck plus additional benefits when re-entering the States from abroad.
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On This Page
- Key takeaways
- Best credit cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry
- Our top picks for the best credit cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
- Comparing the best credit cards for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- More info on credit cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
- Other cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
- Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck
- How credit card reimbursement works for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- How to apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- FAQ: Credit cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
On This Page
- Key takeaways
- Best credit cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry
- Our top picks for the best credit cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
- Comparing the best credit cards for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- More info on credit cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
- Other cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
- Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck
- How credit card reimbursement works for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- How to apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- FAQ: Credit cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry in 2024
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
Our top picks for the best credit cards for tsa precheck and global entry
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for simple rewards
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for high point value
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for VIP travelers
- United℠ Explorer Card: Best for United enthusiasts
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Best for IHG loyalists
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for a mid-tier annual fee
- United Club℠ Infinite Card: Best for die-hard United fans
Best credit cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry
Airport security is notoriously long and tedious to get through, and lines seem even longer when you’re in a time crunch. Fortunately, programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry offer a potential solution. Through these programs, you can bypass some of the most frustrating and time-consuming parts of going through airport security, helping to expedite the process so you can get to your destination faster.
Various travel credit cards reimburse the application fees for these programs. We’ve listed some of the best ones below.
Our top picks for the best credit cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Advertiser Disclosure
Best for simple rewards
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotel stays or rental cars booked through Capital One’s portal and 2X miles on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns rewards simply, with 2X miles on every purchase you make and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal.
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Card Details
More card info
- 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®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Pros
- Travel insurance protections incuded
- Earn flexible rewards for travel
- Reasonable $95 annual fee
Cons
- Requires good or excellent credit
- No everyday spending bonus categories
- High APR
Best for high point value
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠, 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3X points on non-Chase travel and dining, and 1X points on all non-bonus spending.
Annual Fee
$550
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
22.49% to 29.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card’s points are insanely valuable, at 1.5 cents apiece when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel (and still worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed in other ways). It also comes with a flexible yearly $300 travel credit, helping to effectively minimize the annual fee to a far more manageable $250 per year. If you travel frequently and like the flexibility of choosing how to earn and redeem your points, the Sapphire Reserve is a great option. On the other hand, if you don’t travel a ton and therefore can’t utilize the $300 annual travel credit, you might want to look elsewhere.
Best for VIP travelers
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1X points on other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer
80,000 points
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes loaded with generous benefits like over $1,500 in statement credits available, airport lounge access, and more. For the premium traveler, this card is the height of luxury.
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Card Details
More card info
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $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®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $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 Platinum 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. Terms Apply.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Excellent rewards rate for travel purchases
- Qualify for $1,500+ in statement credits
- Very generous welcome offer
Cons
- High annual fee of $695
- Many statement credit offers are too specific and hard to use
- Non-travel-perks aren’t spectacular
Best for United enthusiasts
United℠ Explorer Card
Up to 2X Reward Rate
Earn 2X miles on United purchases, dining at restaurants, and hotels you book directly. Earn 1X miles on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0 the first year, then $95
Welcome Offer
LTO: 60,000 miles
Regular APR
21.99% to 28.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The United℠ Explorer Card is ideal for the average United Airlines enthusiast, with excellent United-centric perks. Its low annual fee makes it less of a commitment than some higher-tier cards, and its benefits are very useful. Some travel cards have various high-value benefits that can be difficult to maximize, but not the United Explorer Card. Perks like up to $100 every 4 years toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, a free checked bag on United flights, in-flight discounts, 2 one-time United Club passes each year, and more help to make this card a great deal for the frequent traveler.
Best for IHG loyalists
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Up to 26X Reward Rate
Earn up to 26X points per $1 spent when staying at an IHG hotel. Earn 5X points for every dollar spent at gas stations, U.S. restaurants, and on travel, and 3X points on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$99
Welcome Offer
5 Free Nights
Regular APR
21.49% to 28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a top-tier option for IHG hotel loyalists. With perks like an annual free night, up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, and complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status, this card can help enhance your stay at IHG hotels. The free anniversary night itself can offset the entire fee if you can utilize it. It also has a super high-value welcome bonus and a manageable $99 annual fee. If you frequently stay with this hotel chain, this card could make a great addition to your wallet.
Best for a mid-tier annual fee
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10X miles on hotel and rental car purchases made through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on airfare purchased through the portal, and 2X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$395
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a step above its lower-fee counterpart, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. It does have a $300 higher annual fee, but it makes up for that with an annual $300 travel credit and various other perks the Venture doesn’t have.
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Card Details
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Pros
- Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, transfers to international airlines, and more
- Can qualify for hundreds of dollars in credits each year
- Huge welcome offer
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- Large spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus
- Excellent credit required
Best for die-hard United fans
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Up to 4X Reward Rate
Earn 4X miles per dollar spent on United purchases, earn 2X miles per dollar on other travel and dining purchases and earn 1X miles on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$525
Welcome Offer
LTO: 90,000 miles
Regular APR
21.99% to 28.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
If only 2 United Club lounge passes per year aren’t enough, the United Club℠ Infinite Card delivers complimentary, unlimited access. It does boast a $525 annual fee, but United Club membership is worth $650 per year alone, so it may be worth it if you travel to airports with a United Club frequently enough. These lounges provide a comfortable place to relax during your layover, free food, and more to help make your travels less stressful. On top of that, it comes with high-value perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, 25% in-flight discounts, and a discount on a CLEAR Plus membership.
Comparing the best credit cards for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Card name
Best for
Reward rate
Annual fee
Learn more
Best for simple rewards
2X-5X miles
$95
Best for high point value
1X-10X points
$550
Best for VIP travelers
1X-5X points
$695
Best for United enthusiasts
1X-2X miles
$0 the first year, then $95
Best for IHG loyalists
3X-26X points
$99
Best for a mid-tier annual fee
2X-10X miles
$395
Best for die-hard United fans
1X-4X miles
$525
Other cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
These cards didn’t make the list but may still be worth a look:
Airline cards and hotel cards for personal use
- Aeroplan® Credit Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- United Quest℠ Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Capital One Spark Miles for Business
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Venture X Business
Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that gives you access to faster security lanes at U.S. airports. Global Entry has the same perks as TSA PreCheck but also allows for faster security screenings when re-entering the U.S. from abroad.
If your credit card covers either, we recommend going for Global Entry since it also comes with a TSA PreCheck membership.
▶︎ Learn more: Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which Should You Get?
How credit card reimbursement works for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
To be reimbursed from your credit card for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, simply use your eligible credit card to pay the application fee. You should receive reimbursement on your credit card statement within a few weeks.
Your statement credit only covers the first one you apply for, so choose wisely.
How to apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Applying for Global Entry
- Get a credit card that reimburses your Global Entry application fee (optional but highly recommended).
- Go to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website
- Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account.
- Fill out and submit your application.
- Schedule an interview appointment at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
Global Entry interview centers are typically located at larger airports and appointment availability may be sparse depending on the time of year you apply.
The CPB will conduct a background check based on the information submitted in the application. The interviewer asks questions about your travel plans, job, and life. Global Entry interviews usually take less than 15 minutes.
Applying for TSA PreCheck
- Get a credit card that reimburses your application fee (optional but highly recommended).
- Go to the TSA website and then the TSA PreCheck application page.
- Fill out and submit your application.
- Schedule an interview appointment at a TSA Enrollment Center.
The interview process is quick and simple, with a background check and fingerprinting to make sure you’re a trustworthy person. It should take about 10 minutes.
If you’re approved, you should receive notice within 3-5 days but it could take longer. Upon approval, you’ll get a “known traveler number,” which you’ll enter when booking a flight. That’ll put the TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass so you can access the TSA PreCheck security screening lines.
FAQ: Credit cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Can I pay for TSA PreCheck with a credit card?
Yes! Many travel credit cards even reimburse your TSA PreCheck application fee!
Can I pay for Global Entry with a credit card?
Yes! Many travel credit cards will even reimburse your Global Entry application fee!
How often can you get reimbursed for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
If your credit card reimburses TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees, you can get that statement credit once every 4 to 5 years. Both memberships are 5 years long and you can renew them 6 months (PreCheck) to a year (Global Entry) in advance.
How do I get reimbursed for PreCheck or Global Entry?
If you pay your PreCheck or Global Entry application fee with an eligible credit card, you’ll automatically be reimbursed for that cost within a few months.
How do I get TSA PreCheck for free?
Various travel credit cards reimburse the application fee for TSA PreCheck, including the Capital One Venture Rewards Card, the Capital One Venture X Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, and The Platinum Card from American Express.
What Capital One cards pay for TSA PreCheck?
The Capital One Venture, Venture X, Spark Miles for Business, and Venture X Business all reimburse TSA PreCheck application fees.
Which Amex cards pay for TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck application fee credit is available on multiple American Express cards including the Amex Business Gold Card, Amex Platinum Card, Amex Business Platinum Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum and Reserve cards, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum and Reserve Business cards, and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.
Which Chase cards pay for TSA PreCheck?
Multiple Chase credit cards offer TSA PreCheck reimbursement, including the Aeroplan® Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, United Club℠ Infinite Card, United℠ Explorer Card, and United Quest℠ Card.
About the Author
Jaiden Hart serves as a credit card writer and content manager at LA Times Compare. Beginning her career as an intern on the Compare team, she has since amassed considerable expertise and passion in the credit card industry.
Jaiden’s primary objective is to simplify the process of choosing and managing a credit card through engaging and honest content so individuals can more effectively maximize their benefits and meet their financial goals.
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* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.
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