TSA PreCheck: Everything You Need To Know [Application, Benefits, Costs & More]

Key Takeaways

• TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening for approved travelers, allowing them to keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and leave electronics and liquid in carry-on bags.
• Enrollment requires a background check and in-person interview, with approval lasting 5 years for a $78 fee.
• TSA PreCheck significantly reduces airport wait times and is available at over 200 U.S. airports.

Anyone who’s been through airport security knows how much of a hassle it can be to simply reach your departure gate. But, as many of you probably know, having TSA PreCheck can make the airport-security experience much more tolerable.

For those of you who don’t already have it, let’s run through the ins and outs of the program, how it can help improve your travel experience, and show you how to get access.

What Is the TSA?

In response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) was created as an agency within the Department of Transportation. It was later moved to the Department of Homeland Security where it currently operates.

The agency’s main function is to provide security for the commercial aviation industry, which includes the administration of the screening process at airports. Additional security measures, including canine units and Federal Air Marshals, are also used by the TSA at airports.

Hot Tip: Still have questions? Check out these TSA airport security FAQs.

What Is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is 1 of 5 Trusted Traveler Programs, which also include Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS. These 4 are intended for personal and business travelers, while the fifth program is for commercial trucking (FAST).

Unlike the other trusted-traveler programs that are administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), TSA PreCheck is run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The program was started in October 2011 and allows the TSA to expedite the security screening process for low-risk travelers.

What Airlines Participate in TSA PreCheck?

Below are the airlines that are currently part of the TSA PreCheck program:

TSA PreCheck Airport Locations

200+ airports in the U.S. participate in the program, including the 30 busiest airports in the nation:

Note that if you’re at an airport outside the U.S., you’ll have to wait in the “normal” security line with everyone else.

Hot Tip: TSA PreCheck can be especially helpful if you regularly fly out of an airport that has consistently long TSA wait times. 

What Are the Benefits of TSA PreCheck?

The most noticeable perk of TSA PreCheck may very well be that you can leave your shoes on when passing through the security checkpoint. Additional benefits include the ability to leave on light outerwear, jackets, and belts, and keeping laptops and small liquids in your bag.

Essentially, it makes having carry-on luggage a breeze as you won’t have to take everything you carefully packed out again to go through the security line!

All of these benefits combined make the screening process much quicker, which is perhaps the best benefit of all, especially on busy travel days.

Even with these perks, some travelers will still be pulled at random for extra screening, but the overall time spent being screened will still be lower compared to a non-TSA PreCheck screening. In fact, the TSA reported that 89% of travelers in TSA PreCheck lines waited less than 5 minutes (as of March 2023).

How Does the Program Work?

To use TSA PreCheck, you must complete the membership application and approval process. If approved, your membership will be active for 5 years — after that period, you’ll have to renew your membership if you wish to keep it.

Once you’ve completed the in-person appointment (assuming everything is in order with your background check), you’ll be notified. Then, you’ll receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and become eligible to use the TSA PreCheck security lanes.

Hot Tip: Some airports have launched the ability to create a screening time reservation, further reducing the time to wait in line during busy times. 

Before traveling, make sure you add your Known Traveler Number to your reservation to ensure you have access to TSA PreCheck. Many airlines allow you to do this online, but you can also call the airline to have your number added to your reservation.

You can also add your KTN to your frequent flyer accounts so that it will be automatically included when you book flights.

If you notice that “TSA PreCheck” is not printed on your boarding pass or visible on your mobile boarding pass, speak with the appropriate airline check-in desk for assistance. It must be listed on your boarding pass, or you will not be allowed to access those security lanes.

For parents and guardians with children ages 12 and under, know that your children are eligible to use the TSA PreCheck security lanes with you. Children ages 13 to 17 may accompany a TSA PreCheck-approved parent when they are on the same reservation and have the TSA PreCheck designation on their boarding pass.

If you’re flying with an airline that is not one of the 80+ partners of the program, you won’t be able to utilize the program. Fortunately, TSA continues to partner with more and more airlines.

Who Is Eligible? What Are the Requirements and Restrictions?

To apply, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident and pass a background check.

Violations of transportation security regulations and incomplete or false information on your applications can disqualify you from membership.

Additionally, there are several criminal offenses and factors that can disqualify you.

If you are a citizen of the following countries, you can apply for Global Entry and may be granted the benefits of TSA PreCheck even though you can’t apply directly for the TSA PreCheck program:

How Much Does TSA PreCheck Cost?

The initial application fee is $78 and is good for 5 years. If you’re rejected from the program, you will not receive a refund.

If you choose to renew your application online, it will cost $70 and is still valid for the same 5-year timeframe. If you choose to renew in person, the fee remains $78.

Fortunately, there are several credit cards that will reimburse the fee regardless of approval.

Hot Tip: The cost of TSA PreCheck was reduced from $85 to $78 in November of 2022.

What Credit Cards Reimburse the TSA PreCheck Application Fee?

We’re big fans of credit cards and the many travel benefits they provide, so, naturally, we want to share with you our recommended cards that will reimburse the application fee for TSA PreCheck.

If you use one of the cards in the table below to pay the $78 application fee or the $70 to $78 renewal fee, you will receive a statement credit. You could also use any of these cards to pay — and then get reimbursed — for the $100 fee for Global Entry ($120 starting 10/1/24) instead, since Global Entry provides automatic access to TSA PreCheck.

Cardholders are eligible for the statement credit once every 5 years, which corresponds with the length of your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership.

Here are a few of our favorite cards that offer complimentary Global Entry and TSA PreCheck:

+ NEW BENEFITS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

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 Now(at Amex's secure site)

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.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 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

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
• More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card^® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
• More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card^® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
• More Value! $209 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. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $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 the 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.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card^®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

ELEVATED WELCOME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

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.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 200,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $4,400

Annual Fee

$895

APR

18.24% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,550 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
• Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $895 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
• See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
• New! Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
• Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
• New! Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
• New! Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
• Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Enhanced! 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
• 1X points on other eligible purchases
• $895 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.24% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

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 points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.99% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

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.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

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.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 28.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This 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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 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

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 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
• 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

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

If you already have a membership and don’t need the credit, you can pay for a friend or family member’s application and receive the credit that way. Not a bad birthday gift if you ask us!

Several of these cards will extend this benefit to authorized users as well. While you may be charged for adding authorized users on some cards, the $100 credit can help make it more manageable.

Applying for TSA PreCheck

To apply, you must fill out an online application so that the TSA can conduct a background check. You’ll have to include information such as citizenship, address, date of birth, and immigration documentation (if applicable).

Hot Tip: The TSA has a handy tool to determine which documents will be necessary here.

Once you’ve finished your application, you’ll need to make an appointment at an enrollment center. There are over 500 locations throughout the U.S.

At your interview, you’ll be required to show a valid photo ID, proof of citizenship, and immigration documentation if applicable.

The interview is quick and mostly for verification. You can expect questions about yourself and your travel, and you’ll be fingerprinted during the process.

You’ll be notified of approval (or denial) within 60 days once the in-person interview is complete, but many people are approved within 3 to 5 days. During this time, you can check your application status online.

Don’t wait to apply as in-person appointment slots can fill up quickly.

How Did I Get TSA PreCheck Without Applying?

When the program was first rolled out in late 2011, some members of frequent flyer programs were invited to participate free of charge. These frequent flyers were not given KTNs, though, so they were still required to formally enroll in the program.

However, you have 3 other options for getting access without directly applying for it. If you’re approved for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, you’ll be given access to TSA PreCheck.

A Step-by-Step Application Walkthrough

If you’re looking for a quick rundown on the initial application process, we have you covered. Let’s dive right into it:

Step 1: Visit the TSA PreCheck Home Page

Once on the homepage, you need to click on the red Apply Now button in the middle of the page. This will bring you to the first page of the application, which asks for biographical information.

Step 2: Complete the Application

Work your way through each page of the application. The application is simple and won’t take more than 15 minutes if you have all the necessary information on hand.

Step 3: Schedule Your In-Person Interview

The final piece of the application process is to select a location for your in-person interview. You’ll need to search for your location. The search results will show options near you and how many appointment slots are available in the next 45 days.

After selecting a location, you will need to choose a date and time for your in-person interview.

Step 4: In-Person Interview

Bring all the required documents. You’ll select which 2 forms of ID you’ll bring in the online application. This could be a driver’s license and a passport. If applicable, bring any required immigration documents as well.

You’ll also need to bring a credit card to pay the $78 fee. You could pay by cashier’s (or certified) check, but with so many credit cards that reimburse you for the fee, why would you?

Step 5: Wait for an Update

Most will be notified within 3 to 5 days after their appointment, but it can take up to 60 days to hear back. Keep this in mind when planning a trip: you don’t want to leave your application and interview to the last minute!

Step 6: Add Your Known Traveler Number to Frequent Flyer Accounts

Once approved, you’ll be notified and provided with your Known Traveler Number. Add this to your frequent flyer accounts so it’s automatically included in your itineraries going forward.

Step 7: Enjoy the Benefits

You can now use the TSA PreCheck security lanes at over 200 airports nationwide. Enjoy your expedited screening experience!

Compared to Other Trusted Traveler Programs

With 4 common Trusted Traveler Programs, how do you know which one to choose? This section compares each of the different programs so you have a better idea.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry

Global Entry provides expedited screening upon re-entering the U.S. from abroad. The program is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security.

If you’re a member of Global Entry, you’re provided access to TSA PreCheck. However, having a membership to TSA PreCheck does not provide access to Global Entry.

The enrollment process is similar as each requires an application and an in-person interview. The Global Entry application is available online. The fee for Global Entry is $120 starting in October but can be reimbursed by several credit cards, similar to TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck vs. NEXUS

NEXUS is a joint program between the U.S. and Canada designed to allow more efficient travel between the 2 countries, and it provides access to both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

In addition, NEXUS provides expedited entry into Canada. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck members do not get this benefit.

The cost is only $50, which is a fantastic deal, but you’ll have to visit one of the enrollment centers located in select cities in the northern U.S.

TSA PreCheck vs. SENTRI

On the southern border of the U.S., the SENTRI program provides similar benefits to that of NEXUS in the north. The cost of SENTRI is higher though — $122.25. So unless you’re planning on frequenting the land border to Mexico, this extra cost might not be worth it.

To receive expedited entry into Mexico, you’re required to have a SENTRI membership, so, again, neither Global Entry nor TSA PreCheck on their own will be enough. Enrollment centers are located in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.

Final Thoughts

If you’re going to travel often, you definitely want to sign up for the TSA PreCheck program to make the security screening process a little less painful!

With so many credit cards that will reimburse you for not only TSA PreCheck but Global Entry as well, you might as well sign up for Global Entry, if possible. You get the same access to TSA PreCheck, and it will make your return to the U.S. much easier.

If you know you won’t travel outside of the U.S. for 5 years, though, perhaps you only need TSA PreCheck.

Whatever the case may be, think about enrolling in this program to save time and increase efficiency at the airport.

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