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TSA Benefits for Military Service Members [Free TSA PreCheck]
Carissa Rawson
Carissa Rawson
Senior Content Contributor
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Carissa served in the U.S. Air Force where she developed her love for travel and new cultures. She started her own blog and eventually joined The Points Guy. Since then, she’s contributed to Business ...
A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca...
With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in ...
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But did you know there are more perks available to you when you’re flying? As a service member, you’re entitled to TSA PreCheck, the airport service that allows you to speed through security. Let’s take a look at what TSA PreCheck is, how to get it, and why you should.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
You’ll be able to spend less time in line with TSA PreCheck. Image Credit: TSA
When was the last time you made your way through the airport? How early did you need to arrive? And when you finally made it through check-in and headed over to security, how long was the line? Did it feel a little weird traipsing through the airport without any shoes?
If, like many others, you find the general airport experience stressful, TSA PreCheck is probably a good option for you. TSA PreCheck is a program administered by the Transportation Security Administration that allows you to speed right through the airport. Among its many other benefits, it allows you to:
Keep your shoes on
Leave your laptop in your bag
Keep liquids in your luggage without having to worry about digging them out
Even better, most of the time, the line for TSA PreCheck is much shorter and proceeds much more quickly than regular security, which means you can save valuable time at the airport. According to the TSA’s website, 98% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited 5 minutes or less in line. That’s a hefty time savings — and especially important when you’re trying to get through the airport with family.
Your TSA PreCheck is good for you and your children under 12. Image Credit: Monkey Business Images via Shutterstock
TSA PreCheck is a must-have for the savvy airport traveler. As a traveler with kids under 12, you and your family can use the TSA PreCheck line without having to complete additional paperwork.
In addition, since spring 2023, children 17 and under who are flying on the same reservation as a TSA-approved adult may also use the TSA PreCheck line!
This can be a lifesaver when you’ve got 4 iPads, bags of toiletries, and 5 sets of shoes that you’d otherwise have to remove from bags.
Although TSA PreCheck isn’t available at all airports, it has a huge presence throughout the U.S. — with lines located at 200+ airports and 85+ participating airlines. This means that whether you’re flying from Los Angeles (LAX) or Raleigh (RDU), you’ll be able to make use of this service.
Aside from those flying with families, TSA PreCheck can be especially helpful when flying through large airports. We’ve all seen those long lines snaking back for miles at New York (JFK), and while there may still be a bit of a line even with TSA PreCheck, you’re still going to save a lot of time.
Finally, if you’re a frequent flyer or someone who likes to piece together separate tickets — such as positioning flights, award and cash tickets, or cheap one-ways — getting TSA PreCheck can mean peace of mind (and actually making your next flight) during a tight connection.
Which Military Members Get TSA PreCheck?
Image Credit: TSA via Department of Homeland Security
The partnership between the DOD and TSA is far more generous than most military benefits. It extends to all service members — whether you’re active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard, you can take advantage of this benefit. In short: as long as you have a DOD ID card and thus a DOD ID number, you can use the TSA PreCheck for U.S. Armed Forces.
Even better, you can still use the program if you aren’t quite in the military yet. If you’re a cadet or midshipman of the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Air Force Academy, you can get and use TSA PreCheck for free.
Unfortunately, veterans are not able to take advantage of this perk. Once you’ve received that DD214, you’ll no longer be eligible to use the partnership. In this case, you’ll need to separately apply for and receive TSA PreCheck.
Navy sailor goes through TSA Checkpoint. Image Credit: TSA
For Service Members
Getting TSA PreCheck as a member of the military is simple. Since service members undergo their own strenuous levels of screening, there is no additional interview or application required for TSA PreCheck. Instead, you’ll simply need your DOD ID card, which will act as a military Known Traveler Number.
In order to actually utilize your access, you’ll first need to begin booking your flight. How you’re booking will change how you add your number. If you’re booking through an online travel agency (OTA) or a website that otherwise doesn’t save your information, you’ll input your information during the booking process.
Many websites, such as Delta’s, will save passenger information on your account so you won’t have to enter it every time you book. This option can be found within your online profile.
In any case, you’ll need to enter the 10-digit DoD ID number located on the back of your card into the “Known Traveler Number” section of your booking.
This can be done at the time of booking, after booking, or even once you’ve checked in and arrived at the airport.
Hot Tip:
You can still get TSA PreCheck after you’ve checked in. You’ll just need to head to the airline service desk and ask them to add your Known Traveler Number to your booking. They can reprint any boarding passes for you — which should refresh to populate with TSA PreCheck.
Do note that if you’ve entered your DOD ID number and TSA PreCheck doesn’t show up on your boarding pass, you’ll need to speak to the airline desk at the airport. While TSA PreCheck isn’t necessarily guaranteed 100% of the time, if you’ve entered your number correctly you should be getting clearance. There may be an issue with what you’ve put in or it may not have been saved — in any case, be sure to speak to someone in order to get the issue rectified.
For Everyone Else
Unfortunately for your friends and family, the DOD/TSA partnership providing free TSA PreCheck doesn’t extend beyond the service member. In this case, they’ll have to apply for and receive TSA PreCheck just like everyone else.
What About Global Entry?
Global Entry lets you skip the line at passport control. Image Credit: Larry Panetta via U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Global Entry is a program offered by Customs and Border Protection. It allows travelers returning from abroad to speed through customs instead of having to wait in lines. Unfortunately, unlike TSA PreCheck, Global Entry is not automatically granted to service members. It also isn’t free, though several credit cards (detailed in the next section) offer a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. But if you’re going to be traveling overseas anytime soon, it’s well worth getting Global Entry.
You’ll first need to create a Trusted Traveler Program account via the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website. You can then complete the application for Global Entry. After completing your forms, you’ll have to go to an appointment to complete enrollment. You can either schedule an appointment in advance — or some locations offer walk-in service.
The regular fee for Global Entry is $120 and membership is good for 5 years, after which you’ll need to renew (and possibly complete another interview). Global Entry comes with the added benefit of TSA PreCheck, so if you’re trying to enroll your family you may as well opt straight for Global Entry rather than just TSA PreCheck. This is doubly true once you get out of the military and TSA PreCheck is no longer a complimentary offering.
Bottom Line:
Global Entry is an invaluable benefit when traveling internationally, even if you’re only using it once or twice a year. Use a credit card that does not charge the annual fee to get your membership for free.
Mobile Passport Control
If you’re dead set against getting Global Entry or have a trip coming up too quickly for you to complete your Global Entry application, you may want to consider the CBP’s Mobile Passport Control app.
This free application allows you to fill out your personal information prior to getting to passport control. This allows you to bypass the snaking lines of folks waiting for kiosks. Although it isn’t always as fast as Global Entry, it is completely free and a good option to use while you’re waiting for your membership to be approved.
Credit Cards That Offer a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Credit
Although the Global Entry fee is not charged for active-duty military, you can still snag Global Entry (and thus TSA PreCheck) for free by using the right credit cards. Every credit card that’ll give you a TSA PreCheck reimbursement of up to $85 can instead give you a Global Entry credit of up to $120. This credit renews every 4 or 5 years, depending on which card you hold. You can use the credit for yourself or a family member or friend.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points
Up to $1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits including 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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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 (enrollment required), 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
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.
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.
With American Express Global Lounge Collection® eligible Card Members can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
$200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
$199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Use the dedicated CLEAR Lane to confirm your identity without taking out your passport or ID – this can mean shorter lines, less waiting. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card®.
Receive either a $120 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.
Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
$695 annual fee.¤
Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
One of our favorite cards for military members due to its absurdly generous benefits, the Amex Platinum card normally comes with a hefty $695 annual fee (rates & fees) — one of the steepest you’ll find anywhere). If you’re an active-duty military member, Amex doesn’t charge the annual fee and you’ll be able to get all of those perks for no additional fee.
Along with the TSA PreCheck credit, you can also get these perks (some of which require enrollment) with the Amex Platinum card:
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
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.
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.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 points
$1,200
$550
20.24% - 28.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card
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!
Pros & Cons
Pros
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
5x points on airfare booked through Chase TravelSM
3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 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.
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 $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Up to 150,000 points
Up to $1,050
$650
20.24%-29.24% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.
So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?
Pros & Cons
Pros
6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoyprogram
3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
$300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
With Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when the stay is booked with a Qualifying Rate at hotels that participate in Marriott Bonvoy, subject to availability upon check-in.
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
$100 Marriott Bonvoy® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
Enroll in Priority Pass Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
With Cell Phone Protection*, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. *Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
$650 Annual Fee.
Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.
The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
140,000 points
$700
$99
19.99% - 28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card
If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.
The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Although the IHG Premier card is considered a mid-tier credit card from Chase, you’ll still find plenty to like about this card, which offers a $120 Global Entry or NEXUS credit.
Free anniversary night certificate good for hotels up to 40,000 points
Bottom Line:
Although your family members don’t qualify for TSA PreCheck by virtue of your military status, you can still get them free TSA PreCheck status by using a credit card that reimburses membership fees.
Final Thoughts
TSA agent with a soldier. Image Credit: TSA
As a military member, there are so many benefits to take advantage of, especially when flying. Don’t waste your time in line at security — simply use your DOD ID number to score complimentary TSA PreCheck and keep those liquids in your bag.
If you’re flying with family or traveling overseas, consider getting a credit card that features a statement credit that will reimburse you for any Global Entry or TSA PreCheck costs. As long as you’re on active duty, those annual fees won’t be charged and you’ll be able to enjoy easy airport access without encountering any costs.
And don’t forget to hit up the USO airport lounge! Visit our extensive list of detailed U.S. airport guides to find out more about the lounges military members can access at the airports you plan to transit through.
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