Free Guide to Travel Cards With TSA PreCheck Benefits
What TSA PreCheck Is and How Travel Cards Connect to It
TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government screening program that allows participating travelers to move through airport security checkpoints faster. The program costs $78 to $85 for five years of membership, depending on where you apply. When you participate in TSA PreCheck, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can add to your airline reservations.
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Travel cards—also called travel rewards cards or airline credit cards—are issued by major banks and credit card companies. These cards let you earn points or miles when you make purchases. Many travel card issuers partner with TSA PreCheck programs or offer credits that help cover the cost of TSA PreCheck membership.
The connection between travel cards and TSA PreCheck works like this: some premium travel cards include a statement credit that reimburses part or all of your TSA PreCheck fee. For example, certain cards offer a $100 credit every four or five years specifically for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or similar trusted traveler programs. Global Entry is a separate program that includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus faster customs screening when returning to the United States.
As of 2024, over 12 million Americans hold TSA PreCheck memberships. The program operates at more than 200 U.S. airports. When you use your KTN at participating airports, you typically go through a dedicated security lane where you can leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. You may also keep your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on luggage.
Practical takeaway: Before paying for TSA PreCheck out of pocket, research whether any travel cards you already own or are thinking about getting offer a statement credit that covers the cost.
Types of Travel Cards That Offer TSA PreCheck Credits
Travel cards come in several categories, and not all of them offer TSA PreCheck credits. Premium travel cards—those with annual fees ranging from $95 to $550—are most likely to include this benefit. These cards target frequent travelers who fly multiple times per year or plan to use airline lounges and other travel perks.
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Airline-branded credit cards issued by carriers like American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest often include TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits as a cardholder benefit. For instance, the American Airlines AAdvantage Premium Card includes a $100 statement credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers a $100 Global Entry credit every four years, which covers TSA PreCheck as part of the Global Entry benefit.
Co-branded travel cards—issued jointly by banks and travel companies—also frequently offer these credits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card, a popular premium travel card, provides a $100 Global Entry credit every four years. The American Express Platinum Card includes a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit annually for card members.
Some business travel cards for self-employed people and small business owners include the same credits. The American Express Business Platinum Card offers an annual $100 credit toward trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck.
Cards without annual fees or with lower annual fees ($0 to $95) less commonly include TSA PreCheck credits, though a few do. When comparing cards, check the official card details on the bank's website, as benefits change periodically and may vary based on your location or card version.
Practical takeaway: If you fly at least twice per year for business or pleasure, research premium travel cards in your price range. The TSA PreCheck credit alone may offset a portion of the card's annual fee, particularly if you were planning to pay for TSA PreCheck separately.
How to Match Travel Cards to Your Spending and Travel Patterns
Finding a travel card that makes sense requires honest reflection about your actual travel habits and where you spend money. The wrong card—even with a TSA PreCheck credit—costs more than it saves if you don't use the benefits or accumulate rewards that match your lifestyle.
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Start by tracking your annual spending across categories: airfare, hotels, dining, gas, groceries, and other common expenses. Many travel cards offer higher rewards rates (sometimes called "bonus categories") in specific areas. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card gives 3 points per dollar spent on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel purchases. If you spend $12,000 yearly on dining and $8,000 on flights, a card that rewards dining heavily may earn you significantly more points than a flat-rate card.
Next, calculate how often you actually fly. TSA PreCheck makes the biggest practical difference for people who fly five or more times per year. If you fly once annually, the time saved through PreCheck might be minimal. However, if your job requires frequent travel or you take multiple leisure trips yearly, PreCheck can save 10 to 15 minutes per airport visit. Over five years, that adds up.
Consider whether you travel domestically only or also internationally. Domestic-only travelers benefit from TSA PreCheck. International travelers may benefit more from Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck plus customs and immigration expediting. Some travel cards offer Global Entry credits instead of TSA PreCheck credits—that may be better value if you cross borders regularly.
Look at the card's annual fee and honestly assess whether the TSA PreCheck credit, sign-up bonus, and ongoing rewards justify it. For example, if a card costs $150 yearly but includes a $100 TSA PreCheck credit, the net annual cost is $50. If you earn 50,000 bonus points on the sign-up bonus and those points are worth $500 in travel value, the card essentially pays you in year one. But this only works if you meet the sign-up spending requirement and value the points realistically.
Practical takeaway: Use online card comparison tools and calculator websites to estimate yearly rewards based on your actual spending patterns. This prevents overpaying for benefits you won't fully use.
Understanding the TSA PreCheck Credit Mechanics
TSA PreCheck credits on travel cards work as statement credits, meaning the bank reimburses you for money you've already spent on your TSA PreCheck membership or renewal. This is different from a discount or coupon applied at the point of purchase.
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Here's how the process typically works: you pay for your TSA PreCheck membership (either online at tsa.gov or at an enrollment center) using the travel card that offers the credit. You receive a receipt or confirmation showing the charge. The card issuer then reviews your account and credits the statement within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the card. Some card issuers process these credits faster—sometimes within 2 to 4 weeks.
The credit amount varies by card. Most commonly, cards offer $100 credits, which covers the full TSA PreCheck cost ($78 to $85 for five years). A few premium cards offer larger credits ($150 or more), which may cover Global Entry instead. Some cards renew the credit periodically—typically every four or five years to align with TSA PreCheck renewal cycles—while others offer it once per year or once per card membership.
Important details to check: some cards limit the credit to once per cardholder per year, while others may allow it once per calendar year. A few cards only credit the benefit once during the life of the card, meaning you won't receive a second credit when you renew your TSA PreCheck five years later. Read the card's terms carefully or contact customer service to understand the credit's restrictions.
The credit typically applies only to the official TSA PreCheck program fee. It usually does not cover fees for other trusted traveler programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, unless the card explicitly states otherwise. However, some cards offer credits for "trusted traveler programs" broadly, which may include multiple program types.
Practical takeaway: Before charging your TSA PreCheck fee to a new card, contact the card issuer or check the online terms to confirm the credit applies and understand how long reimbursement takes. Keep your receipt until the credit appears on your statement.
What Information This Guide Covers About Travel Card Benefits Beyond TSA PreCheck
Travel cards offer rewards and benefits beyond TSA PreCheck credits, and understanding the full value helps you decide whether a card makes sense for your situation. This section describes common benefits you'll
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.