Unlock TSA PreCheck Perks: Your Guide to Expedited Airport Security
If you travel often, you know the drill – the time-consuming hassle of airport security lines. TSA PreCheck can streamline that experience, saving you valuable time. Let’s dive into what TSA PreCheck is, its costs, and the easiest way to snag it for free.
TSA PreCheck Tips: The Lowdown
- TSA Phone
- TSA Email
This Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program grants you access to faster security lanes. The perks? Keep your shoes, light jackets, and belts on. Plus, laptops and those small liquids stay safely tucked in your carry-on. The TSA boasts that 99% of PreCheck members breeze through security in 10 minutes or less. I can personally attest to even faster times at some airports!
Another TSA PreCheck Tips TSA PreCheck Participating Airlines
TSA PreCheck Tips, TSA is widely available, covering over 200 airports and 90+ airlines. To enroll, you’ll submit an online application, visit an enrollment center for ID checks, fingerprinting, and payment, and then receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Add your KTN to your airline bookings, and your boarding pass will proudly display that “TSA PreCheck” status.
Costs and Eligibility
New PreCheck applications generally cost $78-$85, with renewals at a slightly reduced $70. Enrollment partners help streamline the process which can get a bit backed up.
TSA PreCheck Tips to qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a citizen of a partner country with Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI membership. Canadian NEXUS members are also eligible. Certain aspects of your background check could lead to disqualification.
The Global Entry Advantage
Global Entry is another Trusted Traveler Program, geared towards expediting your re-entry into the U.S. after international travel. Picture this: a quick facial recognition scan at a Global Entry kiosk, then a brief chat with a customs agent. It’s a lifesaver, and I highly recommend it! While the $100 application fee and approval process are more involved, the benefits are well worth it – Global Entry automatically includes TSA PreCheck.
Your Ticket to Free PreCheck: Credit Cards
More TSA PreCheck Tips. The best way to score TSA PreCheck without paying out-of-pocket? Many credit cards reimburse your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee. Simply charge the fee to your eligible card, and within a few weeks, a statement credit will magically appear!
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Important Note: Remember to carefully review your specific credit card’s terms. Most cards reimburse your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee only once every 4-5 years. Also, some cards may only cover TSA PreCheck and not the full Global Entry fee.
Your Credit Card Might Pay for PreCheck
Here’s a comprehensive list of TSA PreCheck Tips about credit cards that currently reimburse most or all of your TSA PreCheck application fee, along with their annual fees:
Annual Fee Under $100
- Aeroplan® Credit Card: $95
- Arvest Visa Signature® Credit Card: $0
- Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card: $95
- Capital One Venture Card: $95
- Choice Privileges Select Mastercard®: $95
- Commerce Bank World Elite Mastercard®: $95
- HSBC Premier World Mastercard: $0 (for qualifying clients)
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: $99
- Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card: $49
- PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: $95 (waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members)
- Provident World+ Travel Visa Signature Card: $0 intro fee for the first year, then $45
- Truist Enjoy Travel Credit Card: $0
- United Explorer Card: $0 intro fee for the first year, then $95
- USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature Credit Card: $95
- U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card: $0 intro fee for the first year, then $95
- U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold American Express Card: $85
TSA PreCheck Tips about Premium Cards
- Capital One Venture X Card: $395
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card: $550
- Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard: $595
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum/Reserve American Express Cards: $350/$650
- HSBC Elite World Elite Mastercard: $395 (for qualifying clients)
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: $650
- MasterCard Black/Gold Cards: $495/$995
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: $695
- SKYPASS Select Visa Signature Card: $450
- Truist Enjoy Beyond Credit Card: $195
- UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card: $495
- United Club Infinite Card: $525
- United Quest Card: $250
- U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card: $400
Business Cards
- Capital One® Venture X® Business Card: $395
- IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: $99
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: $199
- Truist Business Travel Rewards Credit Card: $0 intro fee for the first year, then $49
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: $695
- Capital One Spark Miles for Business: $0 intro fee for the first year, then $95
More Ways to Score Free PreCheck Perks
- Traveling with Kids: Children 12 and under can often join you in the TSA PreCheck lane, even without being enrolled. Teens aged 13-17 might snag PreCheck access if their boarding pass indicates it, otherwise, they’ll use the standard security line. Solo travelers 17 and under need their own PreCheck membership.
- Loyalty Programs (But Consider the Value): Certain programs, like United MileagePlus, IHG Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, allow you to use points to pay for TSA PreCheck. However, since your points can often be used for more valuable travel redemptions, it’s usually wiser to use a credit card for the application fee.
