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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 $100 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:
- Best for simple travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Best for United flyers: United℠ Explorer Card
- Best for Bank of America customers: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
- Best for automatic airline elite status: Aeroplan® Credit Card
- Best for hotel rewards: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Best for strong rewards program: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best for luxury travel perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$95
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Sign Up Bonus
75,000Capital One Rewards Miles
You can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months of 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
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.
Perks
- Receive up to a $100 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
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Cons
- Other travel cards offer higher rewards rates on certain spending categories
Best for: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal for people looking for an easy rewards system with an affordable annual fee.
Why We Like It
With just a $95 annual fee (Rates & Fees), this is a great pick for an affordable travel rewards card. You’ll have access to travel protections such as 24/7 travel assistance to help you deal with emergencies, along with two free lounge passes per year. The card also offers an application fee reimbursement of up to $100 for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years.
Plus, earning rewards is simple with 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on other purchases. Capital One miles can then be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, cash back, gift cards and more.
The card also waives all foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees), which saves you money on international trips, and includes complimentary travel accident insurance.
United℠ Explorer Card
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR21.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$95
$0 Intro for the First Year, then $95
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Sign Up Bonus
60,000United MileagePlus Miles
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
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 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 $100 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: The United℠ Explorer Card is great for fans of United who fly the airline at least a few times a year.
Why We Like It
If you’re loyal to United Airlines and its Star Alliance partners, the United℠ Explorer Card can help you amass thousands of United MileagePlus® miles for just a $95 annual fee.
Other great perks include a free checked bag, priority boarding and two United lounge passes each year. You’ll also have access to in-flight discounts and a statement credit worth up to $100 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS every four years.
On top of all that, this card offers no blackout dates on United flights, making traveling just a little less stressful. Since the United Explorer Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase, there are a ton of other travel benefits, like primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage and more.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
- Our Rating 4/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR20.24% - 27.24% Variable APR on purchases
- Annual Fee$95
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Bonus Offer
60,000Points
Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $600 (60,000 Points * 0.01 base)
For a de facto cash-back card, the potential earnings can be quite impressive, especially if you already have a relationship with Bank of America. It's a solid option that combines benefits and a reasonable annual fee.
Pros
- Includes annual airline incidental statement credit and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry statement credit
- Valuable sign-up bonus offer
- No cap on amount of rewards you can earn
Cons
- Annual fee
- Cannot transfer points to travel partners
- Other, similar cards offer higher rewards rates
Best for: The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card is great for Bank of America customers, especially those who can earn higher rates by qualifying for the Preferred Rewards membership.
Why We Like It
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card is a terrific option for travelers who aren’t necessarily loyal to one particular airline or hotel chain. Points can be used how you see fit, whether that’s toward a flight, vacation rental or something else.
With this card, you’ll enjoy two key statement credits. First, you’ll get up to $100 in statement credits toward your TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry application every four years. You’ll also receive up to $100 in annual airline incidental statement credits for qualifying ancillary purchases, such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, inflight purchases, and airline lounge fees.
For a $95 annual fee, you could easily come out ahead if you maximize both travel credits. You can also redeem your points through the Bank of America Travel Center, which offers access to more than 200,000 hotels and 200 airlines.
Aeroplan® Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR21.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$95
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Sign-Up Bonus
100,000Air Canada Aeroplan Points
Earn up to 100,000 bonus points – 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 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
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: The Aeroplan® Credit Card is a must-have for regular travelers to Canada.
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.
Plus, this card offers automatic 25K Status, which gets you two Maple Leaf lounge passes and priority boarding. And you’ll receive up to $100 back as a statement credit for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$99
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Sign Up Bonus
140,000IHG One Rewards Points
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $700 (140,000 IHG One Rewards Points * 0.005 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
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: The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is great for fans of IHG hotels or those looking to earn free rewards nights.
Why We Like It
IHG is one of the largest global hotel chains with more than 6,000 hotel properties, from Kimpton to Holiday Inn. This can help you save big with points that can be used toward earning free nights. For example, just by paying the $99 annual fee and renewing your card every year, you’ll get a free night award for your account anniversary.
This card also offers Platinum Elite Status, which comes with benefits like early check-in and guaranteed room availability. You’ll also get a statement credit up to $100 every four years for the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee, plus trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage reimbursement.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR22.49% - 29.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$550
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Sign-Up Bonus
60,000Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after using your card to spend $4,000 within three months of 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 upcoming Chase Sapphire Lounge network.
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 sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months—that’s worth at least $900 in travel-related spending booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and potentially more if you transfer your rewards to one of Chase’s airline or hotel partners.
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: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a great choice for frequent travelers looking to up their game with perks like lounge access and Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer power.
Why We Like It
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the top cards for award travel, as Chase Ultimate Rewards is a highly regarded rewards program. With your points, you can unlock aspirational lie-flat airline seats across the world or a luxurious hotel night for just a fraction of the cost, thanks to Chase’s 10+ airline and hotel transfer partnerships.
The card offers a $300 annual travel credit, which can help offset the $550 annual fee, and you’ll earn 3x points on travel and dining—and points transfer to many hotels and airlines. You’ll also have access to Priority Pass lounges to help you travel in comfort. Plus, you can get a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit every four years to cover the application fee.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APRSee Pay Over Time APR
- Annual Fee$695
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Welcome Bonus
80,000Membership Rewards Points
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on 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, Uber Cash and more. Those who can use enough credits can offset the hefty annual fee, but otherwise, the value may be out of reach.
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 will elevate your travel experience and provide you with solid monthly lifestyle benefits, this one should be on your radar.
Pros
- One of the best cards for premium travel and lifestyle perks
- Access to American Express Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying same-day Delta), Priority Pass lounges and more
- Nearly $1,500 in annual statement credits, from hotels, Uber, CLEAR, digital entertainment and more
- Up to 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels
- Automatic Gold elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy hotel programs
Cons
- At $695 per year, this premium card has one of the most expensive annual fees
- "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.
| TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | |
|---|---|---|
Cost |
$78 for 5 years |
$100 for 5 years |
Benefits |
|
|
Application Process |
Submit an online application, and do an in-person appointment and background check |
Submit an online application, and do an in-person appointment and background check |
Best For |
Domestic travelers |
International travelers |
Related Article
CLEAR vs. Global Entry: Which One Should You Get?
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 Receive My Application Fee Credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry?
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
Marielle Lee
Marielle Lee is a digital nomad, working as a freelance writer in personal finance and travel rewards. Her first job was as a tour guide in France for several years, specializing in the country's great wine regions. After that, Marielle continued on to travel to more than 40 countries, all made possible by leveraging the 10-plus credit cards in her wallet.
