The 12 Best Credit Cards for Complimentary Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

BY 

Christine Krzyszton

- UPDATED: October 22, 2020

1. Credit Cards  / 
2. Strategies & Guides

Full Disclosure: We may receive financial compensation when you click on links and are approved for credit card products from our advertising partners. Opinions and product recommendations on this site are ours alone, and have not been influenced, reviewed or approved by the issuer. See our Advertiser Disclosure for more details. We appreciate your support!

Having Global Entry or TSA PreCheck is a must if you’re a frequent traveler. There’s no better way to save time and discomfort than being expedited through airport security, immigration, and customs during your trip.

There is, however, a cost for signing up for these government-sponsored programs. Global Entry requires a $100 initial application fee and each 5-year renewal requires the payment of another $100. TSA PreCheck charges an initial $85 application fee and again at subsequent 5-year renewals.

Fortunately, several credit cards will reimburse you for one of those fees at a frequency of every 4 or 5 years. While the benefit of this reimbursement is not reason alone to select a rewards earning credit card, it may help tip the scales if you’re trying to decide between 2 or 3 different cards.

Here are the top cards that reimburse the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees so you can ensure you’ll never have to incur the costs of an application or renewal fee for either of these programs.

What is Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are programs established by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. They offer pre-screened travelers expedited security, immigration, and customs processing when entering or departing from the U.S.

Global Entry allows international travelers expedited immigration and customs security screening when entering the U.S. A special kiosk is provided where the traveler scans their passport, answers a few security questions, and receives a printed receipt to hand to a special designated customs agent.

This expedited screening process helps avoid lines at immigration and customs facilities.

TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening when departing on flights from the U.S. Pre-screened members do not need to remove shoes, light outerwear, liquids, or electronics when passing through security checkpoints.

Travelers can apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck through the Homeland Security website. There is a $100 application fee for Global Entry and an $85 fee for TSA PreCheck. If you are approved for Global Entry, you also receive TSA PreCheck for no extra fee.

Bottom Line: If there is any chance you will be traveling internationally in the next 5 years, apply for Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck versus just TSA PreCheck. 

Who Qualifies for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

First, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a permanent resident to apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Additionally, if you have a passport from any of these countries, you can apply for Global Entry.

If you qualify (check your eligibility here), you can start the process by visiting the Homeland Security website and select the program to which you’d like to register.

You’ll also want to access our Global Entry guide as we walk you through everything you need to know about the Global Entry process and provide step-by-step instructions on how to apply as well as frequently asked Global Entry questions with answers!

Hot Tip: You can sign up for TSA PreCheck even if you do not currently have a passport. 

Best Premium Travel Rewards Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

Several credit cards will reimburse for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees, but the best cards are those that offer additional travel benefits you can use.

Premium travel rewards cards come with higher annual fees but also come with luxury travel benefits, higher earnings potential, and travel/shopping statement credits.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $5,000 in your first 3 months, worth at least $600. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. Starting January 1, 2021, earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year Access 1,200+ airport lounges across 130 countries, including the amazing Centurion lounges. (This is our favorite lounge access card.) Up to $200 Uber Savings Annually. Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit. Up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit Annual Fee: $550 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here. Did you know that you may qualify for a welcome bonus of up to 125,000 points? See which personalized offers you're eligible for by checking the CardMatch tool. There's no hard pull on your credit to check your offers. Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Platinum, see our thoughts on its benefits & perks, hotel and car elite status, and unbeatable airport lounge access. Take a look here for our full review.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

• Cardmembers can receive either $85 or $100 statement credit depending on the program
• TSA PreCheck reimbursements are available every 4.5 years and Global Entry every 4 years
• Authorized users qualify for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement

Additional Reasons to Get the Card

• Worldwide airport lounge access to more than 1,200 properties including Centurion Lounges
• 5x earnings on flights booked directly with the airlines plus flights and pre-paid hotels via Amex Travel
• Uber, airline incidentals, and Saks Fifth Avenue statement credits worth $500
• Marriott and Hilton hotel elite status
• Rental car program benefits and elite status

Travel and Shopping Benefits/Protections

• Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay insurance
• Secondary car rental insurance
• Baggage insurance plan
• Purchase protection and extended warranty

For more information on the benefits of the Amex Platinum card, discover our informative guide.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Apply Now (at Chase's secure site)

Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards® $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year 3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit. 3X points on dining at restaurants. Access to 1,000+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select Annual Fee: $550 annual fee Must Reads: For more on the Chase Sapphire Reserve, see our thoughts on its benefits, global airport lounge access, and travel insurance protection. Take a look here for our full review.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

• Receive $100 reimbursement for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck once every 4 years

Additional Reasons to Get the Card

• Generous welcome bonus
• Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership
• $300 annual travel statement credit (including gas and grocery purchases through June 30, 2021)
• 3x earnings on travel and at restaurants (and up to $1,000 in monthly grocery store purchases from November 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021)
• Transfer points to airline and hotel partners
• Elevated rewards redemption at 1.5 cents per point

Travel and Shopping Benefits/Protections

• Primary car rental insurance
• Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage
• Emergency evacuation and transportation
• Premium roadside assistance
• Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage

If you’re wanting a deep dive into the benefits, explore the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

• Get reimbursed once every 4 years, up to $100, for either program

Additional Reasons to Get the Card

• Generous welcome bonus
• 3x earning on travel and mobile wallet purchases
• $325 annual travel statement credit per card anniversary year
• 12 GoGo Inflight Wi-Fi passes per year
• Priority Pass single visit passes (4 for cardholder + 4 guest passes per year)
• 30% Silvercar rental discount

Travel and Shopping Benefits/Protections

• Primary car rental insurance
• Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Extended warranty, purchase security, and return protection

Citi Prestige® Card

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

• Receive 1 statement credit every 5 years for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

Additional Reasons to Get the Card

• Priority Pass lounge access for cardholder plus 2 guests or immediate family
• Fourth hotel night free up to 2 times per year when booking through thankyou.com
• $250 annual travel credit
• 5x earnings on airline, restaurant, and travel agency purchases
• 3x earnings on hotels and cruise lines

Bottom Line: You won’t be selecting a travel rewards card based solely on whether it provides Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement. However, selecting a premium travel rewards cards with a complete package of value-added benefits that includes Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement makes a lot of sense for the frequent traveler.

Best Hotel and Airline Credit Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Card	Hotel Rewards	Sample Benefits/Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)	6 Marriott Rewards Points/$1 spent at marticipating Marriott Bonvoy hotels $300 statement credit for purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels	Gold Elite status, Priority Pass Select Membership, complimentary anniversary night, premium internet access Annual fee: $450 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card, click here.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

• Receive credit for the Global Entry fee once every 4 years, or
• Receive credit for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years

Top Card Benefits

• Welcome bonus worth several free hotel nights
• 6x earnings at participating Marriott Bonvoy Hotels
• 3x earnings at U.S. restaurants
• $300 annual statement credit for purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Free hotel night worth up to 50,000 points at each card anniversary
• Complimentary Gold Elite status

To learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, the best ways to maximize your Marriott rewards points, and how to earn lots of Marriott points, our articles have all the information you need.

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

• Receive 1 reimbursement every 4 years for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

Top Card Benefits

• Generous welcome bonus worth several free hotel nights
• Free hotel night certificate each card anniversary (limits apply)
• Complimentary Platinum Elite status
• 25x earnings at IHG, 2x earnings at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants
• Low annual fee

United Explorer℠ Card

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

• Cardholders qualify for up to $100 fee reimbursement every 4 years

Top Card Benefits

• Generous welcome bonus
• Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United Airlines
• Free checked bag, priority boarding, and 25% discount on inflight purchases on United
• 2 United Club passes per year
• Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay insurance

Learn more about all the benefits of the United Explorer card.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

• Receive 1 reimbursement of up to $100 every 5 years

Top Card Benefits

• 2 miles per dollar spent on American Airlines
• Admirals Club membership
• No charge to add authorized users who also receive Admirals Club access
• Free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 8 companions, priority boarding, and inflight discounts on purchases

Hot Tip: Want more airline or hotel cards? Here are our recommendations for the best airline-branded credit cards and the best hotel credit cards.

Best Business Credit Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

If you own a business and travel frequently, having a business travel rewards credit card is a smart decision. Having your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees reimbursed by your business card is a bonus.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Credit Card

Card Overview

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $15,000 within your first 3 months of Card Membership. Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com. Access more than 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries and counting, including the amazing Centurion® lounges. Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit. Terms Apply Annual Fee: $595 For rates and fees of The Business Platinum, click here. Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Business Platinum, see our insights on its benefits, and the 24 best airport lounges you can access. Go here for our full review.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

• Cardmembers can receive 1 credit of $100 or $85 depending on the enrolled program
• TSA PreCheck reimbursement is available every 4.5 years and Global Entry every 4 years
• Authorized users also qualify for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement

Top Card Benefits

• 5x earnings through Amex Travel
• 1.5x earnings on purchases $5,000 or over
• Worldwide airport lounge access for over 1,200 properties, including Centurion Lounges
• Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors elite status
• Rental car program benefits and elite status
• Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay insurance
• $200 airline incidentals statement credit

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

• Receive 1 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement every 4 years

Top Card Benefits

• Generous welcome bonus
• 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines
• 2 points per $1 spent on social media/search engine ads, internet, cable, and phone service
• 9,000 points at card anniversary
• 4 upgraded boardings each year

Additional Cards That Reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Fees

Capital One® Venture® Rewards card

Credit Card	Benefits & Info
Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card	Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3000 on purchases in the first 3 months Annual Fee: $95 Learn More Must Reads: For more info on the Venture Card, see our thoughts on its benefits and our full review.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

• Receive 1 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement every 4 years

Top Card Benefits

• Generous welcome bonus
• Low annual fee that may be waived the first year depending on the current offer available
• 2x earnings on every purchase you make with the card
• Transfer miles to airline partners

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Card

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

• Receive 1 statement credit every 4 years for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

Top Card Benefits

• Earn 2x points on travel purchases and at restaurants
• Earn 1.5x points on all other purchases
• $100 airline incidentals credit
• Redeem for travel, gift cards, and more
• Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance

Everything Else You Need to Know

There are additional Trusted Traveler programs such as SENTRI (Mexico), NEXUS (Canada), and Mobile Passport (U.S.) that also expedite the security and customs screening process. SENTRI and NEXUS fees are not reimbursed by credit card companies and Mobile Passport is a free service.

Since the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee reimbursements are not limited to your personal use, you can normally use the credit for another person. You must charge the application or renewal fee to your eligible card. This option can be especially useful if you have the reimbursement benefit on more than 1 card.

The list of additional benefits provided for each of the featured cards in this article has been abbreviated and not all benefits are included. Please utilize the additional links provided or access the specific card’s Guide to Benefits for complete benefits and terms/conditions.

Also note that this is not an exhaustive list of every credit card that reimburses for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, just our pick of some of the best cards.

Hot Tip: TSA PreCheck can be especially helpful if you consistently fly out of an airport with a pretty awful average TSA wait time.

Final Thoughts

Getting reimbursed for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee is a nice benefit, but with a maximum value of $100 every 4 years, it’s hardly a reason to secure a specific credit card.

When it comes to selecting a travel rewards card, it’s best to look at the overall benefits package to determine if a card is a match and delivers good value for you.

Select a card that rewards your spending habits, offers benefits you can use, and that has redemption options that align with your travel objectives.

The information regarding the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, Citi Prestige® Card, United Explorer℠ Card, Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card, and Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.