Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Reimbursement

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Nothing is more stressful than missing your flight due to long security lines. That’s why TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is an absolute must-have, whether you’ll be flying during peak travel season or only once or twice a year. TSA PreCheck offers a faster security lane when departing from most U.S. airports and Global Entry gives you expedited clearance through customs when returning from an international trip. And once your application is approved for either program, you’re set for the next five years. 

Better yet, some travel credit cards reimburse you for these application fees, which can cost up to $120 for either program. Here are the best cards to consider if you want your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry fees covered.

Best credit cards that include TSA PreCheck and Global Entry:

Card	Annual Fee	Rewards Rate	Best for	Learn More
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Apply Now Rates & Fees	$95	2 - 5 miles per dollarMiles More Info The card offers a flat 2 miles per dollar on every purchase you make, every day, giving cardholders predictability and simplicity. You'll also earn 5 miles per dollar on all hotel, vacation rental and rental car purchases that you make with the card through Capital One's proprietary travel booking platform.	Best for uncomplicated travel rewards	Apply Now Rates & Fees
United℠ Explorer Card Apply Now	$95 More info $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95	1x - 2xPoints More Info Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases	Best for United flyers	Apply Now
Aeroplan® Credit Card Apply Now	$95	1x - 3xPoints More Info 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, 3X points for each dollar spent on dining, 3X points for each dollar spent on Air Canada purchases, and 1X points for each dollar spent on all other purchases.	Best for automatic airline elite status	Apply Now
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Apply Now	$99	3x - 26xPoints More Info Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.	Best for hotel rewards	Apply Now
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Apply Now	$550	1x - 10xPoints More Info Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.	Best for high-value travel redemptions	Apply Now
The Platinum Card® from American Express Learn More Rates & Fees	$695	1x - 5XPoints More Info Earn 5X points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines up to $500,000 a year or through amextravel.com and prepaid hotels also booked via amextravel.com. You'll also earn 1X point on other purchases.	Best for luxury travel perks	Learn More Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Secure application on issuer’s website

Rates & Fees

• Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
• APR19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
• Annual Fee$95
• Sign Up Bonus 75,000Capital One Rewards Miles More Info

  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 Dollar Equivalent: $1,350 (75,000 Capital One Rewards Miles * 0.018 base)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a lot of value to both beginner and expert travelers. The upfront bonus and high ongoing rewards rate aren’t easy to beat, making the card a solid option for a large audience. Where it really shines is with the flexibility of the redemption process, though. You can redeem miles to cover past travel expenses, book travel through Capital One or transfer miles to any of Capital One’s airline and hotel loyalty programs.

• Overview
• Perks
• Pros & Cons

Overview

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a lot of value to beginner and expert travelers alike. The card’s big upfront bonus and high ongoing rewards rate aren’t easy to beat, making it a solid option for a large audience. Where it really shines, though, is with the redemption process. When it comes to travel credit cards, it can be really challenging to find a way to use your rewards in the way you want.

With hotel and airline credit cards, for instance, you’re basically stuck redeeming your points or miles with the co-branded hotel or airline partner. And with some general rewards programs, you might get less value if you use your points or miles to book a flight versus a rental car or hotel.

With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, though, you’ll get a lot of flexibility. Here are some of the top redemption options that are available: redeem miles to cover past travel expenses, book travel through Capital One or transfer miles to any of Capital One’s multiple airline and hotel loyalty programs.

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Perks

• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to premier culinary events, must-see music events and major sporting events

Pros

• Simple rewards and earning structure
• Ability to earn transferable points to use with travel partners
• Relatively modest $95 annual fee
• Includes credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Cons

• Other travel cards offer higher rewards rates on certain spending categories

Best for: uncomplicated travel rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a lot of value to beginner and expert travelers alike. This travel rewards credit card’s big upfront sign-up bonus and high ongoing rewards rate aren’t easy to beat, making it a solid option for a large audience.

You’ll also get a lot of flexibility when it comes time to redeem your travel rewards including access to booking travel through Capital One and a long list of transfer partners (both hotels and airlines). Similarly, with no foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees), the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal for people who regularly make international purchases.

Read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

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United℠ Explorer Card

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Secure application on issuer’s website

• Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
• APR21.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
• Annual Fee$95 More info

  $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95

• Sign Up Bonus 60,000United MileagePlus Miles More Info

  Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Dollar Equivalent: $840 (60,000 United MileagePlus Miles * 0.014 base)

United’s mid-tier card offers some nice perks you don’t always get with comparable cards, like two lounge passes annually, along with a free year before the annual fee kicks in. If you’re an occasional flyer not ready to commit to a bigger annual fee, this card is a good middle ground.

• Overview
• Pros & Cons

Overview

The card’s benefits really help it stand out from the crowd. Here’s what you’ll get: One free checked bag for each flight, priority boarding, 25% back on inflight purchases, two United Club airport lounge passes every year and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit worth up to $120 every four years. The card also offers trip protections, including primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and trip delay reimbursement. The card’s annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $95 after that, which will give you some time to confirm that it’s a good fit before the fee hits.

Pros

• Free first checked bag on United flights
• Up to $120 back for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee, every four years
• Two annual United Club℠ passes
• Annual fee is waived the first year (then $95)

Cons

• Not the best card for those that fly United more than a few times per year
• $95 annual fee after the first year

Best for: Best for United flyers

Why We Like It

The best airline credit card for you is likely the card offered by the airline you fly with most. For total value, the United Explorer Card is tough to beat. Perks like free checked bags and complimentary airport lounge passes can more than compensate for its $95 annual fee, which is waived the first year. The cardholder and a companion can get one free checked bag each way. Use that once per calendar year for a roundtrip flight and you’ve already saved $160 with the card, more than the annual cost.

Additionally, new cardholders can earn a sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.

United MileagePlus Miles can be used for United flights, as well as with partner airlines, upgrades, hotel accommodations, car rentals, gift cards and more.

Aeroplan® Credit Card

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Secure application on issuer’s website

• Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
• APR20.99% - 27.99% (Variable)
• Annual Fee$95
• Sign-Up Bonus 100,000Air Canada Aeroplan Points More Info

  Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.

New credit card offers come out regularly, but this one stands out thanks to the welcome bonus’s huge value, points for dining and groceries, Air Canada status and more. Even with an annual fee, it’s easy to see how you can come out ahead with this offer. And if you don’t fly Air Canada regularly, you can use reward points with United Airlines and many other partners.

• Overview
• Perks
• Pros & Cons

Overview

New credit card offers come out regularly, but this one stands out thanks to the welcome bonus’s huge value, 3x points for dining and groceries, Air Canada status, and much more. Even with a $95 annual fee, it’s easy to see how you can come out ahead with this big offer. Even if you don’t fly on Air Canada regularly, you can use reward points with United Airlines and many other partners.

Perks

• Automatic elite status at the 25K Status level for the remainder of the calendar year and the entire following calendar year.
• Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance
• Trip Delay Insurance
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
• Free first checked bag on flights booked with the card
• TSA or NEXUS Fee Credit: Get up to $100 back as a statement credit for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS

Pros

• Unlimited 3x points at groceries, dining and Air Canada purchases
• Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee reimbursement
• Automatic elite status at the 25K Status level for the remainder of the calendar year and the entire following calendar year.

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Rewards aren't as flexible as transferable points

Best for: automatic airline elite status

Why We Like It

The Aeroplan card isn’t just good for Canadian travelers. Aeroplan miles are great for ‌unlocking award flights across Star Alliance airlines, including United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and more. You’ll also get a free checked bag when flying Air Canada and a round-the-clock concierge to help you with tickets and reservations.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Apply Now

Secure application on issuer’s website

• Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
• APR20.74% - 27.74% (Variable)
• Annual Fee$99
• Sign Up Bonus 140,000IHG One Rewards Points More Info

  Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening Dollar Equivalent: $840 (140,000 IHG One Rewards Points * 0.006 base)

Aside from its astounding sign-up bonus, this card offers tons of value, especially for loyal IHG customers, like a free Reward Night on your account anniversary and Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member. Plus, it offers a Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA Pre✓® fee credit every four years, and IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at a variety of hotels.

• Overview
• Pros & Cons

Overview

Frequent customers of IHG hotels and other people who enjoy earning rewards nights for hotel stays and premium hotel status should consider picking up this card.

Pros

• Generous rewards rate on IHG Hotels and Resorts purchases
• Automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status which gets you perks like upgrades
• Free reward night every account anniversary, with the potential to be worth hundreds of dollars

Cons

• Has an annual fee
• Only makes sense if you plan to stay at IHG properties

Best for: hotel rewards

Why We Like It

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a solid card, especially if you're already a loyal IHG customer. The perks accompanying this co-branded Chase credit card are worth way more than the $99 annual fee. The IHG One Rewards Premier Card comes with Platinum Elite Status, a free anniversary night every year and a free reward night for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay. It’s great for international travel because there are no foreign transaction fees.

This hotel credit card comes with an attractive offer — new cardholders can earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

A sign-up bonus like this can go a long way towards free reward nights at participating IHG hotels around the world, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, EVEN Hotels, Indigo Hotels and Holiday Inn. Read our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier Card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Apply Now

Secure application on issuer’s website

• Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
• APR21.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
• Annual Fee$550
• Sign-Up Bonus 60,000Chase Ultimate Rewards Points More Info

  Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,380 (60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points * 0.023 base)

This card features an annual credit for travel purchases, which can offset the annual fee, plus bonus points when you sign up. You'll also get free access to tons of Priority Pass lounges and restaurant options around the world, along with access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge network.

• Overview
• Pros & Cons

Overview

If you’re looking to elevate your travel experience, look no further than the Chase Sapphire Reserve. When you first get approved, you’ll earn a generous sign-up bonus that can be used for travel-related spending booked through Chase Travel℠. Transfer the points to one of Chase’s airline or hotel partners and they’re potentially worth even more.

Pros

• An array of premium travel perks including access to Priority Pass lounges
• Easy-to-use $300 travel credit that helps offset card's annual fee
• Generous rewards rates for spending

Cons

• High annual fee may be a deterrent for some
• Perks are starting to get stale relative to newer competition

Best for: high-value travel redemptions

Why We Like It

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is among the top premium travel cards available. While this credit card comes with a hefty $550 annual fee, the Sapphire Reserve is packed with travel perks that more than make up for the expense.

Right off the bat, the Chase Sapphire Reserve features a $300 annual travel credit. You also get free access to more than 1,300 Priority Pass lounges and restaurant options in airports around the world. Those lounges usually give you free food and drinks, cleaner bathrooms, fast internet and a comfortable place to sit outside of the ruckus of an airport terminal.

New cardholders can also earn a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after they spend $4,000 during the first three months of account opening. This Chase Sapphire Reserve bonus is worth $900 in travel redemptions when booking through Chase Travel℠ — where each point is worth at least 1.5 cents. Read our full Chase Sapphire Reserve review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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Terms Apply

Rates & Fees

• Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
• APRSee Pay Over Time APR
• Annual Fee$695
• Welcome Bonus 80,000Membership Rewards Points More Info

  Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership Dollar Equivalent: $1,520 (80,000 Membership Rewards Points * .019 base)

Cardholders have access to credits for hotels, digital entertainment, Walmart+, airline fees and more. Those who can use enough credits can offset the hefty annual fee, but otherwise, the value may be out of reach. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

• Overview
• Pros & Cons

Overview

The American Express Platinum Card isn’t a standout when it comes to rewards rates, but if you’re looking for a card that can elevate your travel experience and provide you with solid monthly lifestyle benefits, this one should be on your radar.

Pros

• An excellent card for premium travel and lifestyle perks
• Access to American Express Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Priority Pass lounges and more
• More than $1,500 in statement credits, from hotels, Uber, CLEAR, digital entertainment and more
• 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels
• Automatic Gold elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy hotel programs

Cons

• Very high annual fee
• "Use it or lose it" benefits, as statement credits don't roll over
• Long list of coupon-like perks may be hard to keep track of

Best for: The Platinum Card® from American Express is perfect for frequent globetrotters who love to travel in style.

Why We Like It

This card offers a wealth of luxury perks, including access to American Express Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs and Priority Pass lounges. Plus, you can earn 5x Membership rewards points on travel and hotels booked through American Express Travel. The card offers tons of statement credits, including for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees.

Not only that, but there’s an annual $189 CLEAR membership credit—and this program is offered at select U.S. airports, allowing you to bypass security using your biometrics. There’s a mile-long list of other travel and lifestyle benefits as well, from an annual $200 airline fee credit to unlimited airport lounge access worldwide. 

What’s the Difference Between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?

Both Trusted Traveler programs are managed under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and provide expedited security processing for travelers. The main difference between the two is TSA PreCheck offers faster screening for travelers departing U.S. airports while Global Entry offers faster U.S. customs screening for international travelers who are arriving at U.S. airports.

Here's a look at how the two programs compare.

Related Article

CLEAR vs. Global Entry: Which One Should You Get?

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Who’s Eligible for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?

Eligibility requirements are fairly similar for both programs, but here’s a look at the main details to know.

Eligibility for TSA PreCheck:

• Must be a U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident
• Some foreign citizens are also eligible
• May be ineligible if you’ve violated certain federal security regulations, or have other disqualifying criminal offenses

Eligibility for Global Entry:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Some citizens of other countries are also eligible
• May be ineligible if you’ve been convicted of a crime, are the subject of an investigation or meet other disqualifying factors.

How Do I Get Reimbursed for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Fees?

To get your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit, pay for your membership with the credit card that offers the benefit. The statement credit will appear on your account as a reimbursement once the card issuer processes it. Just be sure to use the card that provides the credit to pay for your membership, or you won’t get reimbursed for it.

Is TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Approval Guaranteed?

No, approval in either the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry program is not guaranteed because there are some eligibility criteria you have to meet during the application process. Both require an applicant to be a citizen or other forms of permanent resident, although some foreign citizens can apply. Certain criminal offenses and other factors could also disqualify you from getting approved for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, even if your credit card offers a statement credit for the programs.

How Often Can I Receive the Statement Credit?

With most credit cards that offer the benefit, a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is usually offered every four years (some are 4.5 years). This should be plenty to cover you for one program because membership in both will last five years. If you open two cards with the benefit, you could easily get a statement credit for both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

Can I Use My TSA Precheck or Global Entry Credit for Someone Else?

Yes, for any of the cards listed above, you can charge the fee for anyone’s application to your card and get reimbursed. But you’ll only receive reimbursement for one application every four or 4.5 years. However, opening multiple cards with TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry reimbursement can be a great way to share these Trusted Traveler benefits with your family or friends. 

Bottom Line

If you travel a lot, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry are a must-have perk to make your trips smoother. Getting a luxury travel rewards credit card can be a savvy move because many will reimburse you for these programs’ fees. What’s more, the top travel rewards credit cards also offer tons of added value with other perks, whether you’re on the ground or in the skies.

Related Article

10 Airports Where TSA PreCheck Is Most Worth It

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