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:
- You must have a valid passport from a certain list of countries
- While both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck require an interview, appointment sl are extremely scarce
- 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 Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
 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 | Learn more |
 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. | Learn more |
 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 | Learn more |
 Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $795 | Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening | Learn more |
 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. | Learn more |
 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. | Learn more |
 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 | Learn more |
 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. | Learn more |
 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. | Learn more |
 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
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
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.
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.
