How To Get TSA Precheck/Global Entry For Free

The Roame Team
By
The Roame Team
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Learn how to get TSA Precheck/Global Entry for free using credit cards
How To Get TSA Precheck/Global Entry For Free

Do you like taking off your shoes, waiting excessive amounts of time at the airport, or removing all your computers at security lines? Navigating through airport security lines is a necessary part of travel, filled with time-consuming steps. However, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can streamline this process, and certain credit cards can help you access these programs at no extra cost.

What Is TSA PreCheck/Global Entry?

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are U.S. government programs designed to expedite security and customs procedures. TSA PreCheck speeds up the domestic airport security experience, while Global Entry also includes expedited U.S. customs screening for international travelers.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, but TSA PreCheck does not include Global Entry. This means that if you get Global Entry, you'll have both expedited domestic US security screenings and expedited reentry back into the US. However, TSA PreCheck only gives you the former, not the latter.

If Global Entry Has Everything, Why Apply For TSA PreCheck?

Getting approved for Global Entry is a much lengthier process than TSA PreCheck. In summary:

  1. You must have a valid passport from a certain list of countries
  2. While both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck require an interview, appointment sl are extremely scarce
  3. Despite the popularity of these programs, Global Entry has far fewer enrollment centers than TSA PreCheck

I've seen people get approved for Global Entry in as fast as 1 month and as long as 1 year. The variability is there, and you shouldn't expect to be able to get it super quickly.

What Are Some Cards With Free Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credits?

Over 20 credit cards offer statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees. These credits typically cover the application cost every four or five years, aligning with the renewal periods of the programs. We've captured some of our favorite cards down below that provide lots of value for what they offer:

Credit CardAnnual FeeWelcome BonusApplication
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Aeroplan® Credit Card
$95

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

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The Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express Platinum Card®
$895

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
$395

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
$795

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
$650

Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Miles after spending $15,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/25.

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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
$350

Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.

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IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
$99

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
$650

Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
$895

Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

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The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card
$150

Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open

Learn more

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Our Favorite Cards With Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credits

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

This card is an excellent choice for travelers who frequent IHG hotels and seek to maximize their stay experiences. The card offers an attractive sign-up bonus, providing an early boost to your points balance. You'll also benefit from an annual free night (up to 40k pts) and semiannual $25 United Airlines credits, which can help offset the fee. The card also comes with automatic Platinum Elite status.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X is a popular travel credit card that offers a simple, yet rewarding experience. With its $300 travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles, you can more than easily offset the annual fee of this card. Furthermore, the card gives you access to Priority Pass and Capital One lounges, which is great for giving you coverage across the board when traveling.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

The Platinum Card® from American Express

This classic card is renowned for its extensive range of premium travel benefits. The card also includes access to an expansive network of airport lounges worldwide, a statement credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, elite status with select hotel partners, and a rich rewards structure for travel expenses. Additionally, the Platinum Card offers many credits for travel and shopping, underscoring its appeal to luxury-focused travelers.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

American Express Platinum Card®

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.

Conclusions

TSA PreCheck/Global Entry statement credits are perks offered by many credit cards. Having expedited entry at airports can really make the travel experience that much better, which is why it's worth pursuing one of these credit cards to make life that much easier. For frequent flyers, having PreCheck/Global Entry is a must; for folks that don't fly as much, getting it via a credit card for free isn't really the worst offer out there.

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