How to Get Your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for Free

I used to arrive at the airport two hours before every domestic flight because the security line was unpredictable. Sometimes it took 10 minutes. Sometimes it took 45 minutes. I never knew which it would be, so I always budgeted for the worst case. Then I got TSA PreCheck, and my airport experience changed completely. I now arrive 45 minutes before domestic flights, walk through the PreCheck lane in under five minutes, and keep my shoes on, my laptop in my bag, and my belt around my waist. The time savings over the past three years has been enormous, and I did not pay a cent for the application fee.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are trusted traveler programs that expedite security screening at US airports and customs processing when returning from international travel. Both programs cost $78 to $100 for a five-year membership, but several credit cards and programs will cover the fee. Here is how to get both programs for free.

TSA PreCheck: How It Works and How to Get It Free

TSA PreCheck gives you access to a dedicated security lane at over 200 US airports. In the PreCheck lane, you do not need to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket, and your laptop and liquids stay in your bag. The average wait time in the PreCheck lane is under five minutes, compared to 15 to 30 minutes in the regular lane. Over the course of a five-year membership, the time savings alone are worth hundreds of dollars.

The application process involves an online form, a 10-minute in-person appointment at an enrollment center, and a background check. The total time from application to approval is typically two to four weeks. The application fee is $78, but it is waived for the following groups: members of the US military, members of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and holders of certain credit cards.

The credit cards that cover the TSA PreCheck fee are the most practical way to get it for free. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Capital One Venture X, and the American Express Platinum all offer a $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees every four to five years. I used my Chase Sapphire Reserve to pay the $78 fee, and the credit appeared on my next statement. The effective cost was zero. Other cards that cover the fee include the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, the Hilton Aspire American Express Card, and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card.

Global Entry: International Travel Made Easy

Global Entry is a program that expedites customs and border protection when returning to the US from international travel. Instead of waiting in the regular customs line, which can take 30 to 60 minutes, Global Entry members use automated kiosks that process their entry in under five minutes. Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, so you get both benefits from a single membership.

The application process for Global Entry is more involved than TSA PreCheck. It requires an online application, a background check, and a 15-minute in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. The interview is conducted by a CBP officer and includes questions about your travel history and the purpose of your trips. The total time from application to approval is typically four to eight weeks, though it can be longer during peak application periods.

The application fee for Global Entry is $100 for a five-year membership. As with TSA PreCheck, several credit cards cover this fee. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Capital One Venture X, and the American Express Platinum all offer a $100 statement credit for Global Entry fees. I used my Capital One Venture X to pay the $100 fee, and the credit appeared on my next statement. Because Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, I did not need to apply for PreCheck separately.

One important tip: apply for Global Entry rather than TSA PreCheck if you travel internationally even occasionally. The Global Entry membership costs $22 more but includes TSA PreCheck as a benefit, so you get both programs for a single application. The only reason to apply for TSA PreCheck alone is if you never travel internationally and want to save the $22 difference.

The time savings from TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are significant but often underestimated. I estimate that PreCheck saves me 15 to 20 minutes per domestic flight, and Global Entry saves me 30 to 45 minutes on every international return. Over a five-year membership, that is roughly 40 to 60 hours saved, which is a full work week. The credit card that covers the fee costs nothing if you are already paying an annual fee for the card's other benefits. If you travel more than twice per year, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are the best travel investment you can make, and getting them for free makes the decision even easier.