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How to Get TSA PreCheck & Global Entry for Free

Learn how to get TSA PreCheck & Global Entry for free! Enjoy faster security screenings and smooth travel with these insider tips.

October 17, 2024

How to Get TSA PreCheck & Global Entry for Free

Did you know that you can get TSA PreCheck & Global Entry for free just by holding the right credit card? My son calls TSA PreCheck & Global Entry the “airport fastpass” and it is a time saving GAME CHANGER at the airport!

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is an expedited security screening for domestic US flights. When going through security with TSA PreCheck, you can:

  • Skip the TSA line and get a dedicated TSA PreCheck that is much faster
  • Keep shoes, belts and outerwear ON
  • Keep laptops and electronics in your bag

Children ages 17 and under can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian when they are on the same airline reservation as the TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian.

TSA PreCheck costs $85/person for 5 years, however, some credit cards offer a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit that reimburses you for the expense (making it FREE!)

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry provides expedited Customs and Border Protection processing into the US following international flights. It costs $120/person for 5 years. Children ages 17 and younger do not have to pay for Global Entry. As long as their parent or guardian is already a part of Global Entry (or applies at the same time as them) their fee will be waived. However, children will still need to apply and be approved.

Global Entry comes with TSA PreCheck, so it usually makes sense to get Global Entry instead of just TSA PreCheck!

Popular Credit Cards that Offer a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Credit:

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
  • Capital One Venture X Business
  • Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
  • IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
  • IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.

  • United℠ Explorer Card

See the full list here.

Bottom Line

Just by holding the right credit card in your wallet, you can enjoy quick lines through TSA security and customs for free! All you need to do is pay the fee with the credit card that has offers the TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit and you will be reimbursed in the form of a statement credit.

We appreciate it SO MUCH when you use our credit card affiliate links to apply for a new card. It supports our content at no cost to you!

Editor's Note:

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.