Best Credit Cards for Free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck in November 2024 (Updated Monthly)
With the lowest fee of premium travel credit cards, a flexible travel credit, valuable ongoing rewards, and other travel perks, the [data-lightrail id="2240"]{name}[/data-lightrail] is the best card with a TSA Precheck or Global Entry credit.
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Citi is an advertising partner.
Hate waiting in long airport lines? Dreading the travel crowds this summer? Not to worry — you can breeze through airport security lines and customs using TSA Precheck and Global Entry benefits. Membership in these programs is a must-have in every frequent traveler's toolkit, saving you valuable time and hassle at the airport. Even better, you can get a free membership with a Global Entry credit card.
The cost of Global Entry ($100) and TSA Precheck ($78) is already reasonable, and it can be worth paying out of pocket if you travel frequently. But why do that when you can get the benefits for free? Many premium travel cards provide a TSA Precheck or Global Entry application fee reimbursement benefit. These cards also come with a plethora of rewards and travel perks that make them well worth it for frequent travelers.
Compare the best Global Entry and TSA Precheck credit cards of 2023
[table-creditcard-roundup ids="2240,88,1129,54,1147,1327,866,180,1466,1126" links="#Winner,#Everyday,#Dining,#Luxury,#Free,#hotel,#American,#United,#Military,#Bank"]Winner | Everyday spending | Dining and travel | Luxury travel perks | Free hotel stays | Luxury hotel perks | American Airlines | United Airlines | Military members | Bank of America[/table-creditcard-roundup]Winner
[affiliate-lightrail id="2240" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Winner" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="2240"]Benefit terms: Up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
Compared to other premium travel credit cards, the {name} doesn't have quite as high a price tag. Yet it earns valuable transferable points and offers many luxury travel perks, including Priority Pass Lounge Access, a Global Entry or TSA Precheck Credit, and a generous travel credit.
Unlike some of the competition, the travel credit is very flexible and offsets the bulk of the annual fee. The card's ongoing rewards are above average if you're willing to book travel through Capital One Travel.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card for everyday spending
[affiliate-lightrail id="88" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Everyday spending" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="88"]Benefit terms: Up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
The {name} is a great choice for travelers on modest budgets who don't want to shell out $550 or more in annual fees. It's a winning option for everyday spending because it earns the same flexible, simple rewards on every purchase: {rewardsRateDesc}.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card for dining and travel
[affiliate-lightrail id="1129" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Dining and travel" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="1129"]Benefit terms: Up to $100 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA Precheck every four years
The {name} 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. You'll earn {rewardsRateDesc}.
Note that this card has a {fee.annual.text} annual fee, but the credits alone will cover 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 perks
[affiliate-lightrail id="54" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Luxury travel" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="54"]Benefit terms: Up to $100 for the Global Entry every four years or up to $85 for the TSA Precheck every 4½ years*
For those who are looking for luxury perks, {name} is the best option for Global Entry or TSA Precheck credit*. The card has a steep {fee.annual.text} annual fee, but one of the highest rewards rates on flights and prepaid 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* and Delta Sky Clubs.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card for free hotel stays
[affiliate-lightrail id="1147" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Free hotel stays" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="1147"]Benefit terms: Up to $100 for Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS every four years
The {name} is ideal for frequent IHG hotel visitors when on the road. With a reasonable {fee.annual.text} 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 with other cards on this list, like the [data-lightrail id="88"]{name}[/data-lightrail] and the [data-lightrail id="1129"]{name}[/data-lightrail]. However, the {name} is worth it for the hotel perks, including complimentary hotel stays and Platinum Elite IHG status.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card for luxury hotel perks
[affiliate-lightrail id="1327" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Luxury hotel perks" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="1327"]Benefit terms: Up to $100 for Global Entry every four years or up to $85 for TSA Precheck every 4½ years*
The {name} is a solid premium card for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties. The card will get you up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide to help recover the {fee.annual.text} annual fee.
To enhance the value even further, The {name} offers Priority Pass™ Select membership*, an annual free night award, and a slew of travel insurance protections. If you're looking for travel perks in addition to free Global Entry, the {name} should be on your shortlist.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card for American Airlines
[affiliate-lightrail id="866" view="benefits_box" featured_title=" American Airlines" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="866"]Benefit terms: Up to $100 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA Precheck every five years
The {name} is one of American Airlines' luxury card offerings with a {fee.annual.text} 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
[affiliate-lightrail id="180" view="benefits_box" featured_title="United Airlines" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="180"]Benefit terms: Up to $100 for Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS every four years
Most mid-tier airline cards don't offer Global Entry or TSA Precheck reimbursement, but the {name} 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 {fee.annual.text}.
You'll enjoy United-specific benefits, such as a free first checked bag, priority boarding, 25% back on inflight purchases 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 credit card for military members
[affiliate-lightrail id="1466" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Military members" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="1466"]Benefit terms: Up to $100 Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA Pre-check every four years
The {name} is a great choice for those looking for TSA Precheck or Global Entry benefits as a military member. PenFed Honors Advantage members enjoy a waived annual fee, and active military members qualify for Honors Advantage membership. You can also qualify for PenFed Honors by having an active PenFed checking account. This is one of the few cards where you can potentially get the TSA Precheck or Global Entry cost fully covered and not even have to pay an annual fee.
Best Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card for Bank of America
[affiliate-lightrail id="1126" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Bank of America" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="1126"]The {name} 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 {fee.annual.text} annual fee is justifiable thanks to the Global Entry or TSA Precheck application credit and an annual up to $100 airline incidentals statement credit.
Global Entry vs. TSA Precheck
Global Entry and TSA Precheck are two of several Trusted Traveler programs offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Both are designed to help preapproved travelers save time on travel. Global Entry is intended for frequent international travelers, while TSA Precheck is more useful for domestic travel. That being said, a Global Entry membership gives you TSA Precheck benefits as well, so may be the best of both options for many travelers.
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 when entering the U.S. after international travel. Members forgo the main processing lanes and paperwork upon reentry. It can save hours of time, as it's possible to pass through customs as a Global Entry member in no more than a couple minutes.
TSA Precheck
TSA Precheck lets preapproved travelers access expedited security lines at over 200 airports when flying more than 85 airlines. It also reduces hassle – people using Precheck do not need to remove shoes, belts, liquids, laptops or light jackets. As of March 2023, 89% of TSA Precheck passengers waited less than five minutes to go through security. TSA Precheck alone does not include Global Entry.
Admission to either trusted traveler program is good for five years and requires an in-person interview, background check and fingerprinting. If you travel internationally, even occasionally, it's advisable to choose Global Entry over TSA Precheck — for an extra $22, you can enjoy expedited customs clearance, plus all TSA Precheck benefits. If you don't plan to leave the country, though, Precheck is all you need. The application process is less difficult for Precheck than for Global Entry, so you'll save some hassle.
Global Entry | TSA Precheck® | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $100 | $78 ($70 renewal) |
| 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 | ||
| Enrollment center locations | 500+ | 100+ |
| Reduces time waiting in customs | ||
| Reduces time waiting in airport security | ||
| Includes TSA Precheck benefits | ||
| Kids under 13 included in membership |
Are Global Entry and TSA Precheck worth it?
If you travel regularly, both Global Entry and TSA Precheck can be worth the cost and time required to be approved. The $100 application fee makes Global Entry a bit more expensive than TSA Precheck, which costs just $78. However, Global Entry also gives you TSA Precheck benefits. The approval process is a bit involved, but consider it a one-time hassle that will pay dividends in the time you'll save over the next five years.
Considering that 89% of TSA Precheck passengers waited less than five minutes in the security screening line in March 2023, this program can be well worth its $78 application fee if you use it often.
You'll save both time and hassle. You'll pass through the metal detector rather than the millimeter wave scanners at many airports. Not to mention, TSA Precheck is great for families, as your children under 13 years old are included in your membership.
Global Entry has a $22 premium compared to Precheck, but you get the additional benefit of expedited entry into the U.S. when arriving from abroad.
However, it might not be worth it if you rarely travel out of the country. The application process is more rigorous. With only a limited number of locations and long waits for appointments, the CBP interview may be too large of a hurdle for those who don't often travel internationally.
If you don't fly often, you may be debating whether either program is worth the cost and hassle. But the fees are relatively inexpensive if you consider the length of the membership period.
Since enrollment in either TSA Precheck or Global Entry is good for five years, Global Entry costs just $20 per year. Similarly, TSA Precheck costs less than $16 per year. Plus, you completely avoid the fee if you sign up for a credit card with a TSA Precheck or Global Entry fee credit.
How to get Global Entry and TSA Precheck
The processes for your Global Entry and TSA Precheck application have many similarities. Both programs require you to submit an online application and appear in person for an interview at an enrollment center. However, this is where things diverge. Global Entry can take much longer, with processing times from four to six months. You must also appear for an interview with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which can be difficult if you live in a rural area.
The easiest way to complete the Global Entry interview is through EoA when returning from an international destination — 65 airports offer EoA. TSA Precheck enrollment is easier since you can interview at any of 500+ locations.
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 trusted traveler program.
Global Entry application process
- Step 1: Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Login.gov website.
- Step 2: Once your account is created, log in, submit an application for Global Entry, and pay the $100 fee.
- Step 3: Wait for Conditional Approval. This can take a while.
- Step 4: After the CBP conditionally approves your application, set up an appointment at a Global Entry Enrollment Center or plan to interview on arrival — 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 the interview, you'll likely be verified as a Global Entry member if you don't have a problematic criminal record, your application information is truthful and you're confirmed as low risk.
You can also interview through EoA at one of 65+ airports anytime you return from an international trip. You'll need your valid passport or permanent resident card and documents proving residency. Finally, you can renew your Global Entry membership one year before the 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 to go through expedited security. Membership is good for five years.
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. TSA Precheck renewals cost $70.
How long does it take to get Global Entry and TSA Precheck?
For Global Entry, the CBP usually processes applications within six months, while TSA Precheck's approval process typically takes two to three weeks.
- Global Entry: You can check your application status through the Trusted Traveler Program website 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've submitted an online application and scheduled an appointment, you'll go to an enrollment center for a quick background check, fingerprint scan and to pay the enrollment fee. You'll be officially registered as a TSA Precheck member after this appointment and typically need to wait three to five days to receive your KTN.
Which credit cards pay for Global Entry and TSA Precheck?
The cards listed above are the best overall credit cards with a credit for Global Entry and TSA Precheck. However, there are many cards with this benefit that might work better for your travel needs and spending habits. Each of the cards below provides the benefit once every four to five years:
Issuer | Card | Annual fee | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express | [data-lightrail id="614"]{name}[/data-lightrail] | [data-lightrail id="614"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail] | Every four years for Global Entry, every 4½ years for TSA Precheck |
| American Express | [data-lightrail id="54"]{name}[/data-lightrail] | [data-lightrail id="54"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail] | Every four years for Global Entry, every 4½ years for TSA Precheck |
| American Express | [data-lightrail id="53"]{name}[/data-lightrail] | [data-lightrail id="53"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail]
[data-lightrail id="53"]]See rates and fees[[/data-lightrail]
| Every four years for Global Entry, every 4½ years for TSA Precheck |
| American Express | [data-lightrail id="56"]{name}[/data-lightrail] | [data-lightrail id="56"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail]
[data-lightrail id="56"]]See rates and fees[[/data-lightrail]
| Every four years for Global Entry, every 4½ years for TSA Precheck |
| American Express | [data-lightrail id="1327"]{name}[/data-lightrail] | [data-lightrail id="1327"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail] | Every four years for Global Entry, every 4½ years for TSA Precheck |
| Bank of America | [data-lightrail id="1126"]{name}[/data-lightrail] | [data-lightrail id="1126"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail] | Every four years |
| Barclays | [data-lightrail id="1201"]{name}[/data-lightrail] | [data-lightrail id="1201"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail] | Every five years |
| Capital One | [data-lightrail id="88"]{name}[/data-lightrail] | [data-lightrail id="88"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail] | Every four years |
| Capital One | [data-lightrail id="2240"]{name}[/data-lightrail] | [data-lightrail id="2240"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail] | Every four years |
| Chase | [data-lightrail id="2262"]{name}[/data-lightrail] | [data-lightrail id="2262"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail] | Every four years |
| Chase | [data-lightrail id="1129"]{name}[/data-lightrail] | [data-lightrail id="1129"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail] | Every four years |
| Chase | [data-lightrail id="1147"]{name}[/data-lightrail] | [data-lightrail id="1147"]{fee.annual.text}[/data-lightrail] | Every four years |
Frequently asked questions
Methodology: How we chose the best credit cards for
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.
- 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.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through the credit card issuer Affiliate Program.
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.