The 7 Best Credit Cards for Free Global Entry & TSA PreCheck [September 2024]
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What Is Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?
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.
Top Picks (Quick Summary)
Card | Welcome Bonus and Annual Fee | Benefits for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. Annual fee of $695 (rates & fees) | Statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee Authorized users also qualify for fee reimbursement |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee of $550 | Application fee reimbursement every 4 years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee of $395 (rates & fees) | Application fee reimbursement every 4 years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel Annual fee of $95 (rates & fees) | Application fee reimbursement every 4 years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS |
| United℠ Explorer Card | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee of $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 | Application fee reimbursement every 4 years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS |
The 5 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 luxury travel benefits, higher earnings potential, and travel/shopping statement credits.
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express (Best for Luxury Travel Perks & Lounge Access)
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
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When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.
- The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
- 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
- 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
- $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
- Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.¤
- Terms Apply.
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
- Up to $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $100 statement credit Global Entry application fee
- Authorized users qualify for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
The Amex Platinum card is truly one of our favorite cards. From the perspective of luxury travel and lifestyle benefits, it just can’t be beaten.
To start, the welcome bonus is enormous — you’ll also earn a whopping 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year in purchases). For lodging, earn 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
In addition, this card boasts worldwide airport lounge access to more than 1,400 properties, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying on a same-day Delta ticket), and so much more.
The travel benefits extend beyond airport lounges, including Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold status upon enrollment, rental car program benefits and elite status, access to Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection, travel insurance, and so much more.
Every year, this card offers 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 $199 CLEAR Plus credit.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options out there.
The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.
Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!
- 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
- 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
- 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
- $550 annual fee
- Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
- APR: 22.49%–29.49% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS Benefit
- Receive $100 reimbursement for Global Entry, $78 for TSA PreCheck, or $50 for NEXUS once every 4 years
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is Chase’s exceptional, ultra-premium credit card. It offers the ability to use your application fee reimbursement towards NEXUS, as well.
This benefit is unique to Chase, but it shouldn’t be the sole reason why you get the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. You’ll love the $300 annual travel credit, complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, and the ability to earn up to 10x points on purchases:
- 10x Ultimate Rewards points on dining, hotels, and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel
- 10x Ultimate Rewards points at Lyft through March 31, 2025
- 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
- 5x Ultimate Rewards points on airfare booked through Chase Travel
- 3x Ultimate Rewards points on all other restaurants and travel
- 1x Ultimate Rewards points on all other purchases
Beyond rewards, another layer of this credit card is the benefits afforded to you; the Chase Sapphire Reserve card boasts the best travel insurance of any credit card, the ability to redeem points through Chase Travel for a 50% bonus, purchase protection, and extended warranty. There are also no foreign transaction fees on this credit card.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (Best for Priority Pass Lounges)
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesThe Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.
Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.
Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.
- 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
- 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
- $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
- Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
- Up to $78 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $120 statement credit Global Entry application fee
With Capital One’s ultra-premium credit card, you can enjoy exceptional travel benefits, which include a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck benefit.
But the other reasons to get this card are compelling. Watch those rewards multiply with up to 10x Capital One miles earned on purchases:
- 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles on all other purchases
This card earns bonus points even on miscellaneous purchases, which is huge.
As if that weren’t enough, this card offers awesome worldwide airport lounge access, including a Priority Pass Select membership, Capital One Lounge, and Plaza Premium Lounge access, in addition to the $300 Capital One Travel credit every year.
You’ll even get a bonus of 10,000 miles every cardmember anniversary, cell phone insurance, and quintessential travel protections like primary rental car insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and trip cancellation and interruption coverage.
This card comes with extended warranty, purchase security, return protection, no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees), and up to 4 authorized users for no additional fee (rates & fees).
4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesGet 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.
Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.
- 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
- Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- $95 annual fee (rates & fees)
- Limited elite benefits
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
- Receive 1 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement every 4 years
The Capital One Venture card is one of the top choices if you want terrific rewards without a huge annual fee.
It earns up to 5x Capital One miles:
- 5x earnings on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x earnings on every purchase you make with the card
Although you won’t get the top-shelf benefits from the Capital One Venture X card, you’ll still get some toned-down perks like the ability to transfer miles to airline and hotel partners
The Capital One Venture card contains purchase protection, extended warranty, travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees), and no-additional-fee authorized users (rates & fees).
5. United℠ Explorer Card
With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.
You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.
You should consider the United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!
- 2x miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays
- 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
- First checked bag free for you and up to 1 traveling companion
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee
- Does not earn transferable rewards
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
- Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
- Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Member FDIC
- APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
- Cardholders qualify for up to a $100 fee reimbursement every 4 years
Another great mid-tier credit card that has a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement is the United Explorer card, which is issued by Chase.
Currently, this card has a welcome bonus and the ability to earn up to 2x United MileagePlus miles per dollar spent. This is broken down as follows:
- 2x miles on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases
- 1x miles on all other purchases
Uniquely, the United Explorer card has some great United-specific benefits that will benefit United’s frequent flyers.
For example, you’ll get your first bag for free when you use your card to purchase your ticket, priority boarding, a 25% discount on inflight purchases aboard United flights, and 2 complimentary United Club passes per year.
Furthermore, this card has no foreign transaction fees, decent travel insurance, and no additional fees for authorized users.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
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.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here.