TSA Reduces PreCheck Enrollment and In-person Renewal to $78

The cost of a TSA PreCheck membership just got $7 cheaper.

Let’s take a look at the news!

TSA Reduces PreCheck Fee From $85 to $78

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it has reduced the enrollment and in-person renewal fee for a TSA PreCheck membership from $85 to $78, just in time for the busy holiday season.

Keep in mind that the cost to renew your membership online is still $70. 

“For individuals and families with plans to fly this holiday season, now is the time to enroll or renew in TSA PreCheck,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement.

“TSA PreCheck offers significant benefits to those who meet its enrollment standards – less physical contact, fewer items on the conveyor belt and faster screening,” the statement continued.

If you aren’t familiar, TSA PreCheck is 1 of 5 Trusted Traveler Programs (the other 4 are Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST).

It is operated by the Transportation Security Administration and allows the agency to expedite the security screening process for low-risk travelers.

One of the most popular perks of a TSA PreCheck membership is the ability to leave on shoes and jackets and keep laptops and small liquids in your bag. There is also, typically, a separate line for TSA PreCheck members at many airports.

Many airlines, including foreign carriers with operations in the U.S., participate in the program.

There are 500 enrollment centers across the U.S. The agency says members will receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) roughly 3 to 5 days after enrollment. Those who successfully enroll in TSA PreCheck will keep their membership for 5 years.

Skip the Fee and Get a Complimentary Membership

While a reduction in cost is good news for travelers looking to save some money, there are ways to get a complimentary TSA PreCheck membership through certain personal and business travel credit cards.

Cards such as The Platinum Card^® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One., and Southwest^® Rapid Rewards^® Performance Business Credit Card all offer statement credits for a TSA PreCheck membership or Global Entry (which comes with TSA PreCheck).

Bottom Line: If you’re not getting a complimentary TSA PreCheck membership, make sure to check out our guide to the best credit cards with statement credits for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry!

Final Thoughts

A lower TSA PreCheck enrollment fee is great news for travelers who might not have a TSA PreCheck membership, particularly those who don’t have a credit card that covers the fee. Now might be a perfect time if you’ve been debating signing up for TSA PreCheck.