The Power of Global Entry and TSA PreCheck - How the Right Credit Card Makes It Free

If you travel even occasionally, you’ve probably experienced the dread of long security lines or the tedious customs checkpoint when returning from abroad. That’s exactly where Global Entry and TSA PreCheck shine. Both programs streamline your airport experience. But what many travelers don’t fully appreciate is how the right credit card can cover the application fee—making what might seem like a luxury easily within reach.

Let’s start with the benefits. TSA PreCheck grants you expedited security screening for U.S. flights: you keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on; you don’t have to remove liquids or electronics from your bag. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs and immigration when returning into the U.S. from an international trip. In practical terms: less time standing in line, more time relaxing, working, or grabbing that pre-flight coffee. Many travelers say the time savings alone makes membership worth the cost.

The application fee for TSA PreCheck is around $85 (varies by enrollment partner) and for Global Entry around $120 for a five-year membership. Pretty steep if you’re paying out of pocket. But here’s the hack: many travel credit cards will reimburse that fee as a statement credit, effectively making the membership free for you.

Here are some of the standout cards that offer this benefit. You must pay the application fee with that card to trigger the reimbursement. The benefit typically resets every four to five years, which aligns with the program’s validity period.

Popular cards that reimburse the fee include:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Venture X — up to $120 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry once every four years.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve — statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck as part of its premium travel benefits.
• The Platinum Card from American Express — up to $120 (or $85 for TSA PreCheck alone) every four to five years.
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card — a lower-annual-fee option that also covers the fee.
• U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card — offers a credit of up to $100 toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years with no annual fee.

This list isn’t exhaustive—there are dozens of cards that include this perk. Always check your card’s benefits guide for specific terms.

To get the credit, apply and pay the fee with the qualifying card. If you use another card or pay cash, you won’t be reimbursed. After your payment posts, the issuer usually applies the statement credit within a couple of billing cycles. Because both programs last five years, the credit’s renewal timeline often lines up perfectly with when you’ll need to renew your membership. If you travel internationally, Global Entry is the smarter choice—it includes TSA PreCheck, so you’re covered for both domestic and international trips.

One thing to remember: having the credit doesn’t guarantee approval. You still need to meet eligibility requirements, apply, and attend an interview (for Global Entry). But once you’re approved, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it.

If you hold a travel credit card that covers your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee, you’re getting a premium travel perk for free. You’ll breeze through airport lines, skip long customs waits, and start your journey feeling calm instead of rushed. Whether you fly once a year or multiple times, this benefit pays for itself—especially when you consider what your time is worth.

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