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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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12 key things to know about TSA PreCheck
Featured image by GEORGE FREY/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES
TPG's director of travel content Eric Rosen has used points and miles to visit some of the world's most remote corners, including swimming with whale sharks off Western Australia's Ningaloo Coast, exploring the wilds of Botswana's Okavango Delta and tasting the high-altitude wines of Argentina's Mendoza region.
April 21, 2023 • 8 min read
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
TSA PreCheck is an expedited airport security program that allows approved travelers to use faster security lanes at over 200 U.S. airports.
Members are not required to remove shoes, belts, laptops or liquids, and typically experience shorter wait times, with most clearing security in five minutes or less.
The application process involves an online form and an in-person appointment for fingerprinting and a background check, with membership valid for five years.
Many travel-focused credit cards offer a statement credit that can cover the application or renewal fee, making enrollment more accessible.
What to consider
TSA PreCheck does not include expedited customs processing; for that, Global Entry is required, which also includes PreCheck benefits.
Membership is open to U.S. citizens, nationals and legal permanent residents, and children 12 and under can use PreCheck lanes when traveling with an eligible adult.
You must add your Known Traveler Number to your airline accounts or reservations to access PreCheck lanes, and membership must be renewed every five years.
What you'll miss from the article
Step-by-step application tips, eligibility nuances and comparisons to similar programs like Global Entry and Clear.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
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If you haven’t already considered getting TSA PreCheck, now — ahead of the busy summer travel season — is the time to apply.
As the pioneer expedited airport security program, TSA PreCheck is a timesaver and stress reliever well worth the $78 five-year membership fee (and $70 online or $78 in-person renewal thereafter).
Here’s what you need to know before you apply.
It gets you through airport security faster
ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES
Launched in 2013, TSA PreCheck is a program for travelers who are deemed low-risk by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. PreCheck members go through specially designated security lines at airports that often move much faster than the standard TSA security lane.
PreCheck users do not have to take off their shoes or belts or remove laptops or liquids from their bags. Travelers are also usually screened with walk-through X-ray machines rather than the full-body scanners most people are subjected to.
In March, 89% of PreCheck travelers experienced wait times of five minutes or less, per TSA data.
It costs $78, but you can get it for free
To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must pay a nonrefundable $78 fee.
However, many credit cards offer a statement credit for this application fee (usually worth up to $120) that can be used once every four or five years as part of their benefits, including:
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (every four years).
Chase Sapphire Reserve® (every four years).
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (every four years, see rates and fees).
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (every four years).
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (every 4 1/2 years).
The Platinum Card® from American Express (every 4 1/2 years).
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (every 4 1/2 years).
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (every four years).
United Explorer Card (every four years).
If you have multiple credit cards with this perk, you can even use them to pay for friends' or family members’ applications.
It’s not the same as Global Entry or Clear
CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY
TSA PreCheck gets you into expedited security lines with fewer hoops to jump through when you get there. However, it will not help you speed through customs and immigration when returning to the U.S., as Global Entry does.
Although Global Entry includes membership to TSA PreCheck, it does not work the other way around. If you are a frequent international traveler, apply for Global Entry first to get access to both programs’ benefits for an extra $42 more than TSA PreCheck.
Clear is a biometric verification program that sends members to the front of security lines at airports. However, it will not get you into TSA PreCheck lanes if you do not also have PreCheck.
It’s for security at US airports, but you can use it for international travel
So, even if you are traveling abroad from the U.S., you might still be able to use PreCheck lanes during the security process. You just won’t be able to take advantage of it when originating abroad and returning to the U.S.
Non-US citizens can join
The program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and legal permanent residents, so some foreign residents might be eligible to apply. For more information, see here.
There are 2 steps to the application
DANIEL ACKER/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES
First, you must submit an online application. The form is brief and asks for identifying information, including your date and location of birth, address, height, weight and eye color, among other metrics.
Once you’re conditionally approved, you must schedule an in-person appointment at one of the 400 enrollment centers nationwide, which will include fingerprinting and a background check. This process usually only takes a few minutes, but it could take weeks or even months to schedule an interview, so apply in advance.
If you are unable to schedule an appointment at your desired location, check all the enrollment centers in your area for open slots. Or, consider using one at an airport whose enrollment center allows walk-in appointments if that fits your travel plans.
After your interview, you will receive the result in writing within two or three weeks. However, you can also check your application status online.
You must add your Known Traveler Number to your accounts and reservations
Even if you are accepted to TSA PreCheck, you won’t automatically get to use the expedited security lines. Although you do not receive a membership card, as you do with Global Entry, you will be given a Known Traveler Number, which you must add to your frequent flyer accounts or during the booking process so that it is attached to your reservations.
When traveling, you will know if you are able to use the TSA PreCheck lanes when you see it noted on your boarding pass with a green check mark. If you don't see it, ask the agents at your airline’s check-in desk whether your Known Traveler Number is attached to your reservation. If it's not, you should be able to add it at the airport so you can access the PreCheck lines.
Your membership expires every 5 years
PATRICK T. FALLON/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES
A TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years, which means you must reapply and pay the application fee ahead of its expiration.
You can renew your membership up to six months before the expiration date in order to ensure your membership does not lapse, and the process is easier than joining initially. Most people can renew online, though some might have to return to an enrollment center to complete the process.
If you violate federal security laws and regulations, such as interfering with security operations, using fraudulent documents, making a bomb threat, bringing a firearm on board or a variety of other actions, you can be disqualified from PreCheck.
You need to update your membership if your personal information changes
If your name or address changes, contact the TSA regarding what documentation you need to provide in order to process the change.
There are no age restrictions
You don’t have to be a certain age to apply for TSA PreCheck. However, kids age 12 and under can use the lanes when traveling with an eligible parent or guardian, even if they are not members themselves.
You won’t get to use the faster lines every time
Even if you have TSA PreCheck, you may be directed to use the normal security lines at times. This can be for any number of reasons, including PreCheck being closed. View the checkpoint schedule before you travel.
If you are unable to use TSA PreCheck every single time you fly, though, you might want to contact the TSA to see if there is an issue with your membership.
Bottom line
TSA PreCheck has made the airport experience much quicker and easier for flyers who have chosen to participate. While you do have to jump through a few hoops to apply and attach it to your flight reservations, that extra few minutes is well worth the many minutes saved to skip the ever-growing lines at security checkpoints in airports around the U.S.
You can even enroll for free by paying for your application with a credit card that refunds the application fee.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
