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

TSA Airport Security Line
BY 
Christine Krzyszton
- UPDATED:
  1. Credit Cards  / 
  2. Strategies & Guides

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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 four or five 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 those 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 United States.

Global Entry allows international travelers expedited immigration and customs security screening when entering the United States. 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 United States. 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

Global Entry card and passport
You’ll need a valid passport to apply for Global Entry but not for TSA PreCheck. Image Credit: Shutterstock

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.

  • Argentina
  • Colombia
  • Germany
  • India
  • Mexico
  • New Zealand
  • Netherlands
  • Panama
  • South Korea
  • Singapore
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Kingdom

If you qualify, and you can 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

Priority Pass - Turkish Airlines Lounge Washington
In addition to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement, premium cards offer benefits such as complimentary worldwide lounge access. Image Credit: Priority Pass

There are several credit cards that 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

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

  • Card members 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

Travel and Shopping Benefits/Protections

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

United Polaris Middle Seats
Premium travel rewards cards reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fees but also offer benefits that can upgrade your travel experience. United Polaris Class. Image Credit: United

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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
  • 3X earnings on travel and at restaurants
  • Transfer points to airline and hotel partners
  • Elevated rewards redemption at 1.5 cents per point

Travel and Shopping Benefits/Protections

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

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

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

  • Get reimbursed once every 5 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
  • 4th 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

Please note that Citi removed the majority of its travel benefits effective 9/22/2019. Always review the current terms of the offer and associated benefits before applying.

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

United Banner
Some airline and hotel branded credit cards reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fees. Image Credit: United

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

  • Receive a credit for the Global Entry fee once every 4 years, or
  • Receive a 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 (worth up to 40,000 points)
  • 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 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

Business Man Walking with Suitcase
If you travel often for business, you’ll want a business credit card that offers travel benefits in addition to reimbursing Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees. Image Credit: Jacob Lund via Shutterstock

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 an extra bonus.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

  • Card members can receive one 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
  • $200 airline incidentals statement credit

New! Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

  • Receive one 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 Credit Card

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

  • The Venture Rewards card reimburses for either program fee once 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
  • 10X earnings at hotels.com/venture (expires January 2020)
  • Transfer miles to airline partners

Bank of America® Premium Rewards Credit Card

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit

  • Receive one 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
  • 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 one 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.

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 benefit 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.

Featured Image Credit: Bignai via Shutterstock

FAQ

Which is the best credit card for Global Entry fees?

The best card for Global Entry reimbursement fees is the one that has a complete package of benefits you can use, matches your spending patterns, and that charges an annual fee with which you’re comfortable.

The best premium credit cards that reimburse for Global Entry (and TSA PreCheck) are the Platinum Card from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve because they come with a long list of additional luxury travel benefits.

Is Global Entry or TSA PreCheck better?

If you travel internationally at all, Global Entry is better because it also includes TSA PreCheck at no extra charge.

The application fee is $100 which is $15 more than TSA PreCheck but you’ll then have both services for 5 years.

Even if you have no plans to travel internationally, you may in the future, so signing up for Global Entry initially may be the better choice.

Can I use my Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit for someone else?

The statement credit for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement is not tied to a specific person.

If you can pay for the application or renewal fee with your eligible card, even if it is for another person, you will generally receive the reimbursement credit.

Do credit cards reimburse for SENTRI or NEXUS?

Unfortunately, credit cards do not reimburse for other trusted traveler programs such as SENTRI or NEXUS.

How do I get my Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursed on my credit card?

Fortunately you do not have to notify the credit card company or make a claim to have your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursed.

Simply pay for the application or renewal fee with your eligible card and the reimbursement will show up automatically on your monthly statement. It may take a couple statement periods to show up.

Keep in mind that cards have reimbursement frequencies that vary, either once every 4, 4.5, or 5 years.

Christine Krzyszton

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine, who lives in Northern Michigan, travels about 300,000 miles a year despite her remote location. Her expertise is traveling the world on a weekend with no pre-determined destination in mind, letting the cost of the airfare determine where she will go. She has over four million flown miles and elite status on all three major domestic carriers.
Read More | Christine Krzyszton's Twitter

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