A U.S. government trusted traveler program, TSA PreCheck, gives approved members access to dedicated expedited security lanes at more than 200 participating airports. Members can keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on and leave laptops and liquids in their bags while clearing security. A five-year membership costs $85 or less for new applicants, and many travel credit cards offer a statement credit that covers the enrollment fee entirely.
TL;DR / Key takeaways
- TSA PreCheck is a U.S. Trusted Traveler Program that grants prescreened, low-risk travelers access to faster, less invasive security screening at participating airports.
- Members use dedicated lanes and skip the standard requirements to remove shoes, belts, laptops and 3-1-1 liquids from bags. The TSA reports that 99% of PreCheck users wait fewer than 10 minutes.
- A five-year membership costs less than $85 for new applicants. Many travel credit cards include a statement credit that reimburses this fee, making enrollment effectively free for eligible cardholders.
- Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and costs $120 for five years. If you travel internationally, it is generally the better value since most travel cards with a PreCheck credit will cover the higher Global Entry fee.
- To use PreCheck, add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline frequent flyer profile or individual flight reservation so the TSA Pre indicator appears on your boarding pass.
How TSA PreCheck works
TSA PreCheck streamlines the airport security process for travelers who have passed a government background check. Rather than waiting in standard screening lines, PreCheck members access shorter, dedicated lanes with a simplified screening process.
The core benefit is what you do not have to do. PreCheck travelers keep their shoes, belts and light outerwear on throughout screening. Laptops and 3-1-1 liquids bags stay inside carry-on bags instead of being removed and placed in separate bins. Screening typically uses walk-through metal detectors rather than full-body scanners. According to TSA data, 99% of PreCheck members clear security in fewer than 10 minutes.
The program works at more than 200 U.S. airports and across more than 100 participating airlines. To activate PreCheck on a boarding pass, members must add their Known Traveler Number to their airline frequent flyer profile or directly to an individual reservation. Once saved to your airline profile, the TSA Pre indicator should appear automatically on future boarding passes for qualifying flights. If it does not show up, double-check that the KTN is correctly saved in the right airline profile.
How to apply for TSA PreCheck
Applying is a straightforward process that takes place mostly online, with one required in-person appointment. Here is how enrollment works:
- Complete the online application at tsa.gov with a participating enrollment provider. TSA currently authorizes three providers: IDEMIA, Telos and CLEAR.
- Schedule and attend an in-person enrollment appointment at an approved location. You will need to bring an acceptable form of identification (such as a passport or driver’s license) and be fingerprinted.
- Pay the application fee at the time of your appointment. New applicant fees range from $78 to $85, depending on the provider.
- Receive your Known Traveler Number. Most applicants receive their KTN within three to five business days, though processing can take up to 60 days in some cases.
- Add your KTN to your airline frequent flyer profiles. Once added, TSA PreCheck should populate on your boarding passes for eligible flights.
PreCheck membership is valid for five years. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date. Renewal can be completed online through an authorized provider and typically costs between $58.75 and $79.975 depending on the provider and whether you renew online or in person.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR
TSA PreCheck is one of three expedited screening programs widely available to U.S. travelers. Understanding the differences helps you decide which is worth applying for and whether your travel credit card benefit covers the program you need.
| Factor | TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | CLEAR+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Faster domestic security lanes | Expedited customs plus PreCheck included | Biometric ID verification |
| Cost (new) | $85 or less for 5 years | $120 for 5 years | $209 per year |
| Best for | Frequent domestic travelers | International travelers | Pairing with PreCheck |
| Credit card reimbursement | Yes, select travel cards offer a statement credit that covers the fee | Yes, same cards typically offer a statement credit up to $120 | Some premium cards offer a credit |
Global Entry is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and is designed for international travelers. It provides expedited customs and immigration screening when reentering the U.S. from abroad, and enrollment in Global Entry automatically includes TSA PreCheck. The $120 fee is less than $40 more than the standalone PreCheck, and most travel cards that offer a PreCheck credit will also reimburse the full Global Entry fee. For anyone who travels internationally even occasionally, Global Entry is generally the stronger value.
CLEAR+ is a separate biometric identification service that uses fingerprints and iris scans to verify your identity at the security checkpoint, escorting you to the front of the ID check line. CLEAR does not replace the physical screening process, so pairing it with TSA PreCheck delivers the fastest combined experience. Some premium travel cards also offer a statement credit toward CLEAR membership. Note that CLEAR membership fees and card reimbursement amounts vary. (See rates and fees for your specific card.)
How to get TSA PreCheck for free with a credit card
One of the most practical credit card travel benefits is a statement credit that covers the application or renewal fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Many travel credit cards include this perk, from cobranded airline and hotel cards to general-purpose rewards cards.
The credit is typically worth up to $120 and is available once every four to five years, depending on the card. Because TSA PreCheck costs less than $120, most cards that offer this benefit will cover the full enrollment fee. To receive the credit, simply pay the application fee using your eligible card. The reimbursement posts as a statement credit automatically, usually within a billing cycle.
A few things worth knowing about using this benefit:
- Frequency: The credit resets on a schedule tied to your card, typically every four to 4.5 years for Global Entry and every four years for PreCheck. Check your specific card’s benefits guide for the exact timing.
- Global Entry vs. PreCheck: Since most cards reimburse up to $120, using the credit for Global Entry instead of PreCheck costs nothing extra and unlocks both programs. It is usually the smarter use of the benefit.
- Family members: If you hold multiple cards that include this benefit and have already used one for yourself, you can use a separate card to pay for a family member’s application. The card issuer only sees a charge from the enrollment provider and will issue the credit regardless of whose name is on the application.
- Annual fee math: If your card charges an annual fee, the PreCheck or Global Entry credit alone can meaningfully offset that cost in years when you apply or renew.
