If your dad is anything like mine, you likely know the chaos of rushing to the airport at 5 in the morning in a sleepy daze -- six hours early in fear of missing your flight.
Here’s a potential solution for the worriers in your family: Consider telling them about credit cards that provide complimentary TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership. These programs help expedite the airport experience, getting you through crowded security lines and to your plane faster.
You’ll need to use the card to pay for the program first, and then receive a statement credit for the cost -- either $78 for TSA PreCheck or $100 for Global Entry.
What are TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
Both travel programs allow you to cut through some of the red tape at the airport and can improve your travel experience. Here’s what they offer and how they differ.
TSA PreCheck costs $78 for five years and offers a dedicated security line to expedite members through. You also don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, laptop, acceptable liquids or jacket as you go through airport security.
Global Entry costs $100 for five years and focuses more on US citizens returning to the States after a trip abroad. It expedites the path through customs for those who are deemed low-risk for security issues. Global Entry clearance also includes clearance for TSA PreCheck, so you get the value of both programs for just $22 more.
With both programs, you must be preapproved before heading to the airport.
Read more: Best American Airlines Credit Cards
Which travel credit card is best to choose?
Our pick for the best card for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is the Capital One Venture Rewards card. It’s an inexpensive option that provides good travel rewards no matter which carrier or hotel you choose and a number of useful perks.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card* strikes the best balance between annual fee, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Credit and rewards program. The cost is $95 annually, but that fee will be worth it for many travelers. The welcome bonus -- 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on the card in the first three months as a cardholder -- is worth $750 if you redeem it for travel. Meanwhile, the 2x miles rewards rate on all of your purchases is both competitive and simple.
You get up to a $100 credit toward either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry -- but not both (this is the case with all of the picks on this list). You can renew this membership and get a new statement credit every four years.
This card also grants you two visits to Capital One Lounges throughout the year, though these lounges are currently only open at Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) airport. Two more are scheduled to open in 2023, at Denver (DEN) and Washington, DC (IAD).
For more information, see our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
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- Regular APR
- 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card* strikes the best balance between annual fee, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Credit and rewards program. The cost is $95 annually, but that fee will be worth it for many travelers. The welcome bonus -- 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on the card in the first three months as a cardholder -- is worth $750 if you redeem it for travel. Meanwhile, the 2x miles rewards rate on all of your purchases is both competitive and simple.
You get up to a $100 credit toward either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry -- but not both (this is the case with all of the picks on this list). You can renew this membership and get a new statement credit every four years.
This card also grants you two visits to Capital One Lounges throughout the year, though these lounges are currently only open at Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) airport. Two more are scheduled to open in 2023, at Denver (DEN) and Washington, DC (IAD).
For more information, see our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
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- Intro Purchase APR
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- Regular APR
- 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
The Truist Enjoy Travel Credit Card* is a rare card that both offers TSA PreCheck or a Global Entry credit and has no annual fee. Since this card is all upside, you could apply purely for the credit, but can also earn rewards on your purchases to redeem for cash back, gift cards or merchandise. While the rewards rates aren’t as strong as other cash-back credit cards, it’s still a great pick for those looking to skip the lines at airport security.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
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- 16.24% – 25.24% Variable
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The Truist Enjoy Travel Credit Card* is a rare card that both offers TSA PreCheck or a Global Entry credit and has no annual fee. Since this card is all upside, you could apply purely for the credit, but can also earn rewards on your purchases to redeem for cash back, gift cards or merchandise. While the rewards rates aren’t as strong as other cash-back credit cards, it’s still a great pick for those looking to skip the lines at airport security.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
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- Intro Purchase APR
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- Regular APR
- 16.24% – 25.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
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The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card* is both the youngest and least expensive of premium travel cards -- those that cost several hundred dollars annually in exchange for more luxurious travel benefits. The annual fee is $395, which you can mostly offset if you can use the $300 annual travel credit you can earn when booking travel through the Capital One Travel portal. A 10,000-mile bonus -- worth $100 toward travel -- is also awarded to you at each account anniversary.
Otherwise, the flat rewards rate and welcome bonus are identical to that of the Capital One Venture card, but you’ll get extra rewards if you book hotels, rental cars or flights through Capital One Travel. Like the other card picks, you can earn a statement credit up to $100 toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years, if you use your Venture X card when applying.
For more information, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture X Credit Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card* is both the youngest and least expensive of premium travel cards -- those that cost several hundred dollars annually in exchange for more luxurious travel benefits. The annual fee is $395, which you can mostly offset if you can use the $300 annual travel credit you can earn when booking travel through the Capital One Travel portal. A 10,000-mile bonus -- worth $100 toward travel -- is also awarded to you at each account anniversary.
Otherwise, the flat rewards rate and welcome bonus are identical to that of the Capital One Venture card, but you’ll get extra rewards if you book hotels, rental cars or flights through Capital One Travel. Like the other card picks, you can earn a statement credit up to $100 toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years, if you use your Venture X card when applying.
For more information, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture X Credit Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers the best rewards of premium travel credit cards. Though it’s more expensive than the Venture X at $550 annually, the $300 annual statement credit for travel is much more widely applicable since you don’t have to book your travel through Chase in order to earn it.
The welcome bonus and rewards earn you Chase Ultimate Rewards points. You can redeem these points for 50% more than their cash-back value if you redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel portal. So, for instance: The Sapphire Reserve’s welcome bonus earns you 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 on the card in the first three months. While this can be redeemed for a statement credit for $600, it’s worth $900 when redeemed as travel points through Chase’s portal.
In addition to the up to $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years, you also get Priority Pass Select membership that lets you visit over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. For more details about the rewards and travel perks, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
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- Intro Purchase APR
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- Regular APR
- 22.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers the best rewards of premium travel credit cards. Though it’s more expensive than the Venture X at $550 annually, the $300 annual statement credit for travel is much more widely applicable since you don’t have to book your travel through Chase in order to earn it.
The welcome bonus and rewards earn you Chase Ultimate Rewards points. You can redeem these points for 50% more than their cash-back value if you redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel portal. So, for instance: The Sapphire Reserve’s welcome bonus earns you 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 on the card in the first three months. While this can be redeemed for a statement credit for $600, it’s worth $900 when redeemed as travel points through Chase’s portal.
In addition to the up to $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years, you also get Priority Pass Select membership that lets you visit over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. For more details about the rewards and travel perks, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 22.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
The Platinum Card from American Express* isn’t known for its rewards -- but it makes up for it with its extensive credits, including (you guessed it) a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (Up to $85 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck or $100 every 4 years for Global Entry). If you can take advantage of some of the other credits, you should be able to make up for the $695 annual fee. Some of the other travel-related credits include:
- Up to $189 statement credit for CLEAR® Plus membership each year. Whereas TSA PreCheck expedites physical screenings at airports, Clear expedites your document processing by scanning and recognizing your face and eyes. Clear must be renewed every year, which your Platinum Amex will reimburse you for.
- Unlimited access to participating locations in the Global Lounge Collection for you and up to two guests, depending on the lounge and location. This includes AmEx Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club Lounges, Priority Pass lounges and more. With over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, The Platinum Amex has more access to airport lounges than the other cards on this list.
- Up to $200 airline fee statement credit per calendar year. This doesn’t include flight costs themselves, but will cover incidental travel fees on one selected qualifying airline, including things like checked bags and in-flight refreshments.
To read about the other annual credits this card offers, check out our full review of The Platinum Card from American Express.
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.
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The Platinum Card from American Express* isn’t known for its rewards -- but it makes up for it with its extensive credits, including (you guessed it) a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (Up to $85 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck or $100 every 4 years for Global Entry). If you can take advantage of some of the other credits, you should be able to make up for the $695 annual fee. Some of the other travel-related credits include:
- Up to $189 statement credit for CLEAR® Plus membership each year. Whereas TSA PreCheck expedites physical screenings at airports, Clear expedites your document processing by scanning and recognizing your face and eyes. Clear must be renewed every year, which your Platinum Amex will reimburse you for.
- Unlimited access to participating locations in the Global Lounge Collection for you and up to two guests, depending on the lounge and location. This includes AmEx Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club Lounges, Priority Pass lounges and more. With over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, The Platinum Amex has more access to airport lounges than the other cards on this list.
- Up to $200 airline fee statement credit per calendar year. This doesn’t include flight costs themselves, but will cover incidental travel fees on one selected qualifying airline, including things like checked bags and in-flight refreshments.
To read about the other annual credits this card offers, check out our full review of The Platinum Card from American Express.
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.
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Pros
Avoid the headache of long TSA or customs lines
Reach your plane faster
Gain access to travel rewards
Get covered by travel protections
Cons
Most cards have an annual fee
Missing credit card payments could damage your credit
Having access to another line of credit could encourage you to overspend
Should I get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
If you can benefit from both programs, you should opt for Global Entry since it also offers you access to TSA PreCheck. However, Global Entry has a stricter approval process, so if you mostly fly domestically and don’t want to deal with additional scrutiny, TSA PreCheck is a better option.
How to apply for TSA PreCheck
To apply for TSA PreCheck, start by submitting an online application. This should take about five minutes to complete. Once your application is approved, you must schedule an appointment at an enrollment center (locations found within the application). The enrollment center will take your fingerprints for a background check, and the whole process should take about 10 minutes.
Once you’re approved for TSA PreCheck, enter your dedicated “Known Traveler Number” to your flight bookings or your frequent flyer accounts to speed through security. Remember, you’ll have to renew your membership every five years, and you’ll want to pay the fee with the right credit card to earn the statement credit.
How to apply for Global Entry
The application for Global Entry is a little more stringent, but if you’re approved, you’ll also be cleared for TSA PreCheck. It requires a rigorous background check and an in-person interview to be completed at one of 380-plus nationwide enrollment centers. You can complete the interview at some airports upon arrival when returning from an international trip. If you’ve had trouble with the law in any country, you’re unlikely to be approved for this security clearance.
To use the Global Entry feature, visit the designated Global Entry kiosks in applicable airports when returning to the US. These automated kiosks verify your passport, fingerprints and customs documentation. Once verified, the Global Entry member can go to the baggage claim to pick up their luggage and leave.
Global Entry membership lasts for five years, and you can submit your renewed application within 365 days of your membership expiration date. Being approved for Global Entry also gives you access to TSA PreCheck. Simply enter your Global Entry member number into the “Known Traveler Number” when booking your flights.
Should I choose a credit card solely for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
You shouldn’t choose a credit card based solely on one of its perks -- it’s more important that all of its card features benefit you. If you find yourself in airports frequently, this could be a great benefit to have, but if not, this perk won’t mean much to you.
Along with the additional benefits the card offers, its rewards should match how you spend, and it should offer the redemption options you want. That could mean redeeming for past travel expenses or using point transfers to get a greater value from your rewards.
You also want to look out for fees -- if you can’t offset an annual fee with rewards, a welcome bonus or other features, it might not be the right pick for you.
Other useful travel perks
Most travel cards with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry statement credits also come equipped with a number of other useful perks. These perks include airport lounge access to help reduce stress during a layover or travel protections that could save you money in certain unexpected situations.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve, Venture and Venture X, for example, all include an impressive array of travel protections. Luxury travel cards like the Reserve and Venture X also offer annual travel credits that help to offset the premium annual fee.
How to get the most from your travel card
While a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit is a good way to get extra value from your card, it’s not the only way. You’ll also want to use the card’s other perks, too, in order to maximize the value of your card. Many travel cards include benefits like annual travel credits, airport lounge access or priority boarding. If you’re paying an annual fee, you’ll want to be sure you can take full advantage of the card whenever you can.
The other way to ensure you get the greatest value from your card is to use your rewards strategically. That usually means transferring your points to the issuer’s hotel and airline partners. While redeeming for travel can typically ensure you’ll get at least 1 cent per point, you could see a per-point value of 2 cents or more by using point transfers.
Also, keep an eye on your membership length, credit expert Lee Huffman cautioned. “Pay attention to how often you can use the credits,” he said. “While many cards have a four-year cycle, others have a 4.5-year or 5-year cycle for these credits. If you aren’t careful, your application fees may not be reimbursed.”
Alternatives to a travel card with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
You can apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry on your own without a credit card that can cover the cost of an application. While there is an upfront cost, these memberships break down to $20 or less per year. Even if you travel just once a year, the cost can be well worth it.
There are other security clearance programs available for enrollment, like CLEAR or NEXUS. CLEAR is a privately run program that’s more expensive but allows you to bypass the ID verification component altogether, and NEXUS focuses on expediting travel between the US and Canada.
FAQs
TSA PreCheck costs $78 and lasts for five years. Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership.
Some airline credit cards that offer a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit include:
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- United Club℠ Infinite Card
- United℠ Explorer Card
- United Quest℠ Card
Some hotel credit cards that offer a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit include:
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Choice Privileges Select Mastercard
If you have children who are 12 or younger, they can accompany a parent or guardian through the TSA PreCheck lane at airport security without their own TSA PreCheck membership. Children older than 12 must have their own membership to use the TSA PreCheck lanes.
When it comes to Global Entry, every person who comes through -- regardless of age -- must have a Global Entry membership.
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash-back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card from American Express, click here.
*All information about the Truist Enjoy Travel Credit Card, The Platinum Card from American Express, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
