The Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry, & CLEAR
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Long airport lines can feel like the hardest part of a trip. Luckily, programs like TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry help you move through security and immigration faster — and many travel cards will even cover the cost of joining. In this guide, we’ll break down each program, share which one fits your travel style, and highlight the best cards that can reimburse your fee.
Travel Freely tip: Both you and your partner can open up credit cards that reimburse cardholders for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry/CLEAR application fees. Then you can get through security and immigration quicker together. Check out this article for more information.
Travel Freely pro tip: If you travel both domestically and overseas, consider getting Global Entry. It includes TSA PreCheck, so you’re getting 2 for the price of 1!
How do these programs work?
TSA PreCheck
- What it is: Expedited security for U.S. domestic flights. Keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and leave laptops/liquids in your bag.
- Cost: $76.75 for 5 years (new enrollment). Renewals are $58.75 online or $66.75 in person. Children under 18 can accompany a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck at no additional cost, as long as they are on the same reservation and have TSA PreCheck printed on their boarding pass.
- Best For: Frequent U.S. travelers who want faster airport security lines.
Quick Tip: Once you’re approved for TSA PreCheck, you’ll get a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Be sure to add that number to your airline loyalty account before you fly. If it’s not in your profile, “TSA PreCheck” won’t show up on your boarding pass — and you won’t get access to the shorter line. It only takes a minute to update, but it needs to be done in advance.
Global Entry (Trusted Traveler program)
- What it is: Includes all TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited U.S. Immigration & Customs re-entry when returning from international trips.
- Cost: $120 for 5 years; children under 18 are free so long as a parent or guardian is an enrolled member of the Trusted Traveler program.
- Best For: International travelers who also fly domestically.
Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Sapphire Reserve for Business℠— Statement credit up to $120 every 4 years for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS
- The Platinum Card® from American Express — Statement credit up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years or up to $120 for Global Entry every 4 years
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Statement credit up to $120 every 4 years for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- Citi Strata Elite℠ Card — Statement credit up to $120 reimbursement every 4 years for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — Statement credit for up to $120 every 4 years for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- The New United℠ Explorer Card — Statement credit for up to $120 every 4 years for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS
- IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card — Statement credit for up to $120 every 4 years for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card — Statement credit for up to $120 every 4 years for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card — Statement credit for up to $120 reimbursement every 4 years for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
CLEAR+
- What it is: A private biometric verification service that lets you skip the ID line at TSA checkpoints. Works best when paired with TSA PreCheck.
- Cost: $209 per year per adult; can purchase Clear+ as a family bundle where each additional membership is $125/person/year; can also purchase in conjunction with TSA PreCheck for a total of $209 ($79.95 for TSA PreCheck + $129.05 for Clear+).
- Best For: Heavy domestic travelers who want the fastest security option; Clear+ is also used at select stadiums and arenas throughout the U.S. for faster entry to events.
Best Credit Cards for CLEAR+
Unlike the government-run programs, CLEAR+ is trickier since fewer cards directly cover the cost:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express — Reimburses up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal)
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — Reimburses up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal)
- American Express Hilton Honors Aspire — Reimburses up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year (enrollment required)
- American Express® Green Card — Reimburses up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal)
Bonus: What is NEXUS?
- What it is: A U.S.–Canada joint program that speeds up border crossings on land and by air. Includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.
- Cost: $120 for 5 years for adults; children under 18 are free.
- Best For: Travelers between the U.S. and Canada.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you’re flying — domestically or internationally — there’s a program that can make your airport experience faster and less stressful.
Even better, you may not have to pay out of pocket if your card reimburses the fee. If you’re a domestic traveler, TSA PreCheck may be enough. If you go abroad, Global Entry is worth the slight upgrade and it includes TSA PreCheck. Cross the U.S.–Canada border often? NEXUS is a must. And if you’re after the ultimate speed, add CLEAR into the mix.
Don’t forget! Both you and your partner can open up credit cards that reimburse cardholders for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry/CLEAR application fees. Then you can get through security and immigration quicker together. Check out this article for more information.
Check your CardGenie™ for recommendations on which card fits your travel style. And whichever program fits your style, be sure to apply using a card that covers the fee — and start breezing through airports like a pro. And for free.
