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Round 2: Answering more questions about TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
Featured image by Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag
A classically trained journalist, Caroline Tanner covers news and travel for TPG. She is a dual-journalism graduate of Mizzou and Northwestern.
November 26, 2021 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Quick summary
Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck access, allowing travelers to use expedited security by entering their Known Traveler Number when booking flights.
Memberships for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are valid for five years, while Clear is valid for one year, with all fees paid upfront.
Renewals for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can be completed online, and some members may not need an interview for renewal; Clear requires annual renewal.
Certain credit cards offer statement credits that can offset the cost of these programs, and some loyalty programs allow members to redeem points or miles for TSA PreCheck fees.
What to consider
Renewal eligibility for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry begins one year before expiration, and benefits may continue for up to 24 months after expiration if renewal is in process.
TSA PreCheck offers quick online renewal and widespread enrollment centers, while Global Entry may involve longer wait times and in-person appointments for new applicants.
Clear membership is valid for one year and may be reimbursed by select credit cards, but terms and coverage vary.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed guidance on maximizing membership benefits, renewal processes and how to leverage loyalty programs or credit card perks for fee reimbursement.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Last week's column discussed the differences between two of the U.S. government's "trusted traveler" expedited security programs — TSA PreCheck and Global Entry – along with Clear, the private sector's offering.
This week I am diving into the three even more, including how you can save money on each and what to do if your membership is set to expire.
Here are this week’s top five questions:
1. Since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, how do you use PreCheck?
As previously mentioned, a Global Entry membership also includes a membership to TSA PreCheck, meaning you'll automatically get access to TSA PreCheck by signing up for Global Entry.
To use TSA PreCheck, the TSA PreCheck logo, accompanied by a green checkmark must be displayed on your boarding pass (digital or paper copy). In order to ensure that's the case, you must enter your Known Traveler Number when requested when booking flights departing from the U.S.
“The 'Pass ID' number on the back of the Global Entry card serves as your TSA PreCheck 'Known Traveler Number (KTN)' which when populated into the airline reservation offers you eligibility for TSA PreCheck,” TSA confirmed to TPG. "Because of this, there is no need to enroll in TSA PreCheck [separately] if you are already a member of Global Entry.”
(Screenshot from southwest.com)
2. How long does each program last?
All of the Department of Homeland Security's Trusted Traveler Programs are valid for five years, including TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, so once you pay for a membership, you will not have to do so again until it's set to expire. Clear is valid for one year. All fees for the three must be paid upfront.
(Screenshot from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
3. How do you go about renewing – and how far in advance should you do so?
You can renew your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry within one year of expiration, but you can also renew your membership after it has expired.
"You become eligible to renew your membership 1 year prior to program expiration," says DHS. "If you submit a renewal application before your membership expires, you will be able to continue to use benefits up to 24 months after your membership expiration date."
You can renew your PreCheck entirely online and DHS lowered TSA PreCheck renewal fees from $85 to $70 on Oct.1.
Since June, eligible Trusted Traveler Program members have been able to complete the interview portion of the Global Entry renewal process online through video teleconferencing. Currently, new applications still require an in-person appointment.
CBP also has a program called “Enrollment upon Arrival” to allow for online candidates who have received conditional approval to set up an in-person appointment. If you have been conditionally approved and happen to be traveling abroad, you can set up that appointment upon arrival back in the U.S.
In the case of renewals, an interview may not be required.
"TSA PreCheck does not have any delays in appointments or processing," according to TSA. "We have 400+ enrollments centers nationwide, and most people are approved within a week. Conversely, Customs and Border Protection has about 100 locations and ... some wait times for appointments."
(Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
4. What credit cards offer reimbursement?
Several credit cards offer up to $100 for reimbursement for the fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
The below cards offer a statement credit for TSA PreCheck and or Global Entry (up to $100):
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees).
The Platinum Card® from American Express.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.
"With any of the cards above, you’re eligible for a fee credit every four or five years for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck when you pay for the membership with the card," writes TPG's Madison Blancaflor. "Note that you don’t need to be paying for your own membership: as long as the application fee is charged to the card and you haven’t already utilized the perk, the credit should automatically be applied to your next statement."
A one-year Clear membership costs $189. Many cards offer a statement credit to use for Clear, including the American Express® Green Card, which comes with up to a $189 annual credit for Clear Plus membership. American Express Centurion Cardholders receive an annual statement credit for up to three family members to purchase Clear and The Platinum Card® from American Express offers cardholders up to $189 annually via statement credit for Clear Plus membership (enrollment required).
Travelers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Nov. 19, 2021. (Photo by Al Seib/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images).
5. Are there any additional benefits?
TSA PreCheck is a redemption option for several loyalty programs, including United MileagePlus, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Rewards Club, Radisson Rewards and Choice Privileges, so members can redeem miles/points for the $85 fee for friends and family. That's in contrast to credit card reimbursements, which generally apply to only the member themselves.
And TSA says be sure to select the program that is right for you.
"TSA PreCheck does not compete with Global Entry," per TSA. "We both want the consumer to be fully informed so they select the program that is right for them. Both are government programs that increase security, while providing a better traveler experience."
Passengers at Boston Logan International Airport in Boston on Nov. 18, 2021. (Photo by Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Have a question for next week? Email me at caroline.tanner@thepointsguy.com or tips@thepointsguy.com.
Comments
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.
