The Cheapest Credit Cards That Get You Free TSA PreCheck & Global Entry

No matter if I'm heading off somewhere fun or returning home from a big trip abroad, waiting in a ridiculously long line at the airport is the last thing I want to do. Lucky for me – and you – there are a handful of credit cards that will cover the cost of enrolling in either TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry … and not just the top-dollar premium travel cards with high annual fees, either.

TSA PreCheck gets me in a faster airport security lane, where I can keep my liquids and electronics in my bag – and, most importantly, keep my shoes on. Meanwhile, Global Entry takes the pain out of returning to the states with a fast-track lane through customs and immigration. They cost $78 and $120 (respectively) for a five-year membership – but Global Entry is a two-for-one program: It comes with PreCheck benefits, too.

More and more travel cards have added credits that cover the cost of either program, including some popular, entry-level options with annual fees of $100 or less. Why not make your travels smoother and more efficient with this valuable credit card perk? Especially if it's a relatively cheap one you've already got in your wallet.

Check out our roundup of the most cost-effective ways to get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry

A Primer on TSA PreCheck

It’s not just the shorter, faster line that makes TSA PreCheck invaluable for travelers.

You also get to leave your shoes, a belt, and a light jacket on. Your laptop and the carry-on-approved liquids in your bag can also stay put as you go through the baggage screeners. Your first time going through the TSA PreCheck line, you’ll wonder why you didn’t join the program sooner.

One catch is that TSA PreCheck only partners with specific airlines, so you may not always get that quick pass through security. However, all major domestic airlines, as well as many small U.S. carriers, are included. More international airlines are joining the program each year. All told, nearly 100 airlines currently participate in TSA PreCheck.

Signing up for TSA PreCheck is pretty straightforward. You’ll fill out a quick application and pay the fee. From there, you will head to a certified enrollment center for a short interview (bring your passport!), fingerprinting, and a photo. If everything checks out, you should get the OK within a week or two.

After you’ve been approved, there's one critical step: add your new Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline profile and ensure TSA PreCheck is on your boarding pass. That’s the key to getting TSA PreCheck benefits when it's time to fly.

TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership.

Thrifty Tip: Don't see the PreCheck logo on your boarding pass? DM your airline and see if they can sort it out for you!

Read our full guide on TSA PreCheck!

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a two-for-one: a fast pass through immigration when you re-enter the United States and a membership in the TSA PreCheck program, too.

So, while it costs a bit more, $120 for a five-year membership, it is the no-brainer choice for most travelers with plans to head abroad. The one hitch? Backlogs in processing applications and trouble securing the final in-person interview to wrap up your enrollment often mean it can take many weeks (if not months) to get enrolled in the Global Entry program.

But once you've got that membership, it's invaluable.

Instead of waiting in massive lines for customs and immigration upon your return, you get access to a dedicated lane where members usually snap a quick selfie at one of the Global Entry kiosks or via the new Global Entry smartphone app. After that, you just walk over to an immigration agent, who confirms your information and allows you to walk through. The entire process typically takes less than two minutes without any pause!

So, even if you travel internationally just once during the year, Global Entry is the easy choice over PreCheck.

Read our guide on Global Entry!

The Cheapest Credit Cards for Global Entry or PreCheck

From cards with fees under $100 to the top-dollar premium cards that cost almost $900, plenty of popular travel cards will cover the cost in either airport program. But we're focusing on the cheapest options from banks like Capital One, Chase, and American Express.

Pay for either membership with one of these cards, and you're set – a credit will work once every four (or so) years, helping you keep your membership current. If you've already got PreCheck or Global Entry, you can even use these credits to sign up a friend or family member at no cost!

Just remember to keep your expiration date in mind and renew it every five years before it lapses. Since most cards offer this benefit once every four years, you should be set to keep your membership active for as long as you have the card.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

First on our list is the *capital one venture card*. This incredibly popular travel card has an annual fee of only $95, which you'll be on the hook for right away in year one. 

But even for that modest annual fee, you get a credit of up to $120 to cover a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership. Pay for your membership fee in either program with your Venture Card, and you're set.

You'll earn a flat 2x Capital One Miles per dollar spent, making this a solid card for everyday spending to keep racking up miles. 

Welcome Bonus Offer: bonus_miles_full
 

Learn more about the *capital one venture card*

The United Explorer Card

The *united explorer* is another great option for signing up for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® … or NEXUS, which allows pre-screened travelers to receive faster processing when crossing the border between the U.S. and Canada. Simply pay for one of these programs with the card, and you'll receive up to $120 in statement credits, covering the cost of your application fee. 

For frequent United flyers, this card makes total sense. In fact, it's one of the cheapest options on our list to get Global Entry or PreCheck through a credit card. The card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then a $150 annual fee thereafter. 

The United Explorer card also earns 3x miles per dollar spent on United purchases – and 2x at restaurants, delivery services, and hotels. If you pay for your flight with your United card, you'll also get your first checked bag free. You'll also get priority boarding privileges and two one-time passes to the United Club lounge each year on your cardmember anniversary – passes that normally cost $50.

Welcome Bonus Offer: bonus_miles_full

Learn more about *united explorer*.

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The *ihg rewards club premier* is another great option, especially if you often stay at IHG properties. This card comes with up to $120 in credit to cover the costs of NEXUS, TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry. The card offers a free night each year on your cardmember anniversary for properties that cost 40,000 points or fewer.

As soon as you get the card, you will also automatically receive IHG Platinum Elite Status. Platinum Elite status with IHG offers complimentary room upgrades when available and a 60% point bonus on paid reservations. It also guarantees room availability, priority check-in, and free late checkout.

You will earn up to 26x points per dollar spent at IHG hotels, 5x points per dollar spent on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants, and 3x points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

The card has an annual fee of $99, which isn't waived for the first year.

Welcome Bonus Offer: bonus_miles_full

Learn more about the *ihg rewards club premier*.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Alright, this one isn't exactly cheap. At $350 a year (see rates & fees), the *delta skymiles platinum card* is the most expensive card on this list, by far.

But plenty of diehard Delta flyers have this card in their wallets without realizing it can also unlock complimentary TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Pay for your application with your SkyMiles Platinum Card, and you're set – up to $120 in credit will kick in to cover the entire cost.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum card also comes with other great benefits, like free checked luggage on every Delta flight, priority boarding, and a 15% discount when you redeem Delta SkyMiles on an award ticket. Starting in your second year with the card, you get one of the best perks: a free Delta companion certificate for a buy-one-get-one flight to destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Welcome Bonus Offer: bonus_miles_full

Learn more about the *delta skymiles platinum card*

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business Card

For business owners, the *CapOne Spark Miles*  is one of the cheapest options on the list to get Global Entry or PreCheck through a credit card. The card has an annual fee of $95, but that's waived for the first year of card membership. 

Like the other cards on this list, it comes with an up to $120 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment.

Welcome Bonus Offer: bonus_miles_full

Learn more about the *CapOne Spark Miles*

Bottom Line

Still rushing to the airport early to get ahead of the general security line? Those days are over – or at least they should be.

Many popular travel credit cards with annual fees of $100 or less offer a credit toward TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or even NEXUS enrollment, making security a breeze at your home airport and allowing a seamless return to the U.S. after a trip abroad.