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, or 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 prescreened 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 can scan their passport or utilize facial recognition software, answer a few security questions, and receive 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. Prescreened 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
You’ll need a valid passport to apply for Global Entry but not for TSA PreCheck. Image Credit: Arne Beruldsen via 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 (check your eligibility here), you can start the process by visiting the Trusted Traveler Programs website and selecting 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.
The 5 Best Premium Travel Rewards Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
In addition to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement, premium cards offer benefits such as complimentary worldwide lounge access. Turkish Airlines Lounge at IAD. Image Credit: Priority Pass
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.
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
- Cardmembers can receive 1 credit of $100 for Global Entry every 4 years or $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 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 1,400 properties including Centurion Lounges
- 5x earnings on flights booked directly with the airlines plus flights and prepaid hotels via Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
- Over $1,400 in statement credits, including up to $200 airline incidentals credit, up to $200 Saks Fifth Avenue credit, up to $200 prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, up to $240 digital entertainment credit, up to $155 Walmart+ credit, $200 Uber Cash, up to $300 Equinox credit, and a $179 CLEAR credit
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold status upon enrollment
- Rental car program benefits and elite status
Travel and Shopping Benefits/Protections
Be sure to note that terms apply and enrollment may be required, so explore your American Express account to ensure you’re getting the most out of your benefits.
Premium travel rewards cards reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fees and also offer benefits that can upgrade your travel experience. United Polaris class. Image Credit: United
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Benefit
- Receive $100 reimbursement for Global Entry, $85 for TSA PreCheck, or $50 for NEXUS once every 4 years
Additional Reasons To Get the Card
- Priority Pass Select membership
- $300 annual travel statement credit
- 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 5x total points on air travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x earnings on all other travel and at restaurants
- Transfer points to airline and hotel partners
- Elevated rewards redemption on the Chase travel portal at 1.5 cents per point
Travel and Shopping Benefits/Protections
If you’re wanting a deep dive into the benefits, explore the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
- Reimbursement of up to $100 for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck once every 4 years
Additional Reasons To Get the Card
Travel and Shopping Benefits/Protections
- Cell phone protection
- Hotel and car rental perks
- Primary car rental insurance
- Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay insurance
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Extended warranty, purchase security, and return protection
4. 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
- 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
5. Citi Prestige® Card
UPDATE: At this time, the Citi Prestige card is no longer available for new applicants. If you have the card, however, we detail what you can expect.
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
- 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 card 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.
The 5 Best Hotel and Airline Credit Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
1. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
- Receive credit for the Global Entry fee once every 4 years or TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years
Top Card Benefits
- 6x earnings at participating Marriott hotels
- 3x earnings at U.S. restaurants
- $300 annual statement credit for purchases at Marriott hotels
- Free hotel night worth up to 50,000 points at each card anniversary
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
To learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, the best ways to maximize your Marriott Bonvoy points, and how to earn lots of Marriott Bonvoy points, our articles have all the information you need.
2. IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Benefit
- Receive 1 reimbursement every 4 years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS
Top Card Benefits
3. United Explorer℠ Card
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
- Cardholders qualify for up to $100 fee reimbursement every 4 years
Top Card Benefits
- Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases
- 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.
4. 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
5. Aeroplan® Credit Card
| CARD | BENEFITS & INFO |
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Learn More
(at Chase's secure site)
| - Earn a Welcome Flight Reward worth up to 50,000 points after you spend $3,000 + up to 51,000 points through 10x total points on travel and dining
- Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on grocery stores, dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Free first checked bag.
- 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month.
- Earn 1x points for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840)
- Annual Fee: $95
$1,500
|
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Benefit
- Receive 1 reimbursement of up to $100 every 4 years
Top Card Benefits
- 3 miles per dollar spent on dining, grocery stores, and Air Canada
- Free checked bag on Air Canada flights for you and up to 8 companions
- 500 bonus points every month you spend at least $2,000 in a calendar month
Hot Tip: Want more airline or hotel cards? Here are our recommendations for the best airline-branded credit cards and the best hotel-branded credit cards.
The 2 Best Business Credit Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
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 a bonus.
1. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
- Cardmembers can receive 1 credit of $100 for Global Entry every 4 years or $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years
- Authorized users also qualify for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
Top Card Benefits
- 5x earnings on flights and prepaid hotels on Amex Travel
- 1.5x earnings eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
- Worldwide airport lounge access for over 1,400 properties, including Centurion Lounges
- Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay insurance
- Over $1,000 in statement credits, including up to $200 airline incidentals credit, up to $400 Dell credit, annual CLEAR credit, up to $360 in Indeed credit, up to $150 in Adobe credit, and up to $120 in wireless phone service credits
Be sure to note that terms may apply and enrollment may be required for some offers, so explore your American Express account to ensure you’re getting the most out of your Amex Business Platinum card benefits.
2. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Benefit
- Receive 1 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS reimbursement every 4 years
Top Card Benefits
- 4 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases
- 3 points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners
- 2 points per $1 spent on rideshare, social media/search engine ads, and internet, cable, and phone service
- 9,000 points at card anniversary
- 4 Upgraded Boardings each year when available
2 Additional Cards That Reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Fees
1. Capital One Venture Rewards Card
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
- Receive 1 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement every 4 years
Top Card Benefits
- 5x earning on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x earnings on every purchase you make with the card
- Transfer miles to airline and hotel partners
2. 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 fees are not reimbursed by credit card companies, though Chase now reimburses for NEXUS on select cards. 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, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS 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 has redemption options that align with your travel objectives.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, Citi Prestige® Card, Capital One Venture Rewards 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.
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