Frequent travelers know that having TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry access makes your airport experience significantly more pleasant. Both programs fall under the Trusted Traveler umbrella operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), alongside of other programs such as NEXUS and SENTRI.
How to Get TSA PreCheck Free
Many of the best travel rewards credit cards — including the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express — offer a statement credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment. This credit is available once every four to four and a half years, just in time for you to renew your five-year membership.
Simply pay your enrollment fee using a credit card with this benefit, and you'll receive a statement credit for what you pay.
Our experts typically recommend applying for Global Entry because this program includes complimentary enrollment into the TSA PreCheck® program. If you only want TSA PreCheck®, you can also apply directly for that program and have the application or renewal fee credited back to your credit card.
If you're already enrolled in a Trusted Traveler program, you also can use your card to pay for a friend or family member's application fee to get the statement credit.
Pro Tip: CBP recently raised the cost of Global Entry enrollment to $120, up from $100. Fortunately, most credit card issuers have also increased the credit amount for Global Entry applications.
$550
N/A
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Earn 60,000 bonus points
Good to Excellent
- Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
- Strong travel insurance
- Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
- Very high annual fee
If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.
Chase Sapphire Reserve- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
Best Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Credit Cards
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- United℠ Explorer Card
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
Compare the Best Credit Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
$695
N/A
See Pay Over Time APR
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points
Good to Excellent
- Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
- Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
- Bonus categories leave something to be desired
- One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards
If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, and more.
Amex Platinum Card- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
$395
N/A
19.99% - 29.24% variable
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Excellent
- Excellent welcome bonus and miles earning
- Premium perks including airport lounge access and credits for certain purchases
- Visa Infinite benefits including travel and shopping protections
- High annual fee
- Annual travel credits only apply to Capital One Travel purchases
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for frequent travelers, with top-notch benefits and a wide range of built-in protections. It comes with a generous welcome bonus and credits that can help offset the annual fee — which is much lower than similar premium cards.
Capital One Venture X Rewards- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
$95
N/A
19.99% - 29.24% variable
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Good to Excellent
- $50 experience credit and free upgrades on Capital One Lifestyle Collection bookings
- Includes a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Other credit cards offer higher rewards in certain categories of spending
If you want an easy, no-fuss travel rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great fit. For a moderate annual fee, it offers plenty of value, useful benefits, and a substantial welcome bonus.
Venture Rewards Card- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
$550
N/A
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Earn 60,000 bonus points
Good to Excellent
- Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
- Strong travel insurance
- Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
- Very high annual fee
If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.
Chase Sapphire Reserve- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
$650
N/A
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points
Good to Excellent
- Annual statement credits can save you money on Marriott stays
- You get a free reward night each year after your renewal month
- High annual fee
- Other cards are more rewarding for earning points on your spending
If you're loyal to Marriott, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card can help you save money and improve your stays, thanks to automatic Marriott Platinum Elite status and lots of opportunities to earn additional points.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card- Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
- With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
$99
N/A
19.99% - 28.49% Variable
Earn 170,000 Bonus Points
Good to Excellent
- Anniversary reward night can be worth more than the annual fee
- Could offer better rewards on non-IHG purchases
If you stay at IHG properties even just a few times a year, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a great way to save money on your hotel stays and enjoy extra benefits. The annual free night alone can easily be worth much more than the annual fee, and perks like up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash and valuable annual spending incentives make the card even more compelling.
IHG One Rewards Premier Card- Limited Time Offer! Earn 170,000 Bonus Points
- Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
- Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
N/A
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Earn 50,000 bonus miles
Good to Excellent
- Annual fee is waived the first year
- Earns bonus miles on several purchase categories, including dining
- Includes an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Gets you a free checked bag on United when you pay with the card
- Not the most rewarding card for most non-United travel purchases
The United Explorer card is the best all-around credit card for United flyers, offering a generous range of benefits for a modest annual fee. Cardholders receive a free checked bag, priority boarding, and inflight discounts on United flights, plus two one-time United Club airport lounge passes each year for your anniversary.
United Explorer Card- Earn 50,000 bonus miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
- Member FDIC
$595
N/A
20.24% – 29.24 Variable
Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles
Excellent
- Full Admirals Club membership gets you (and authorized users) access to American Airlines lounges
- Lots of American Airlines benefits, including priority boarding and check-in and a free checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions
- High annual fee
- Only earns bonus miles on American Airlines purchases
This is a terrific card for frequent American Airlines flyers who can take advantage of its included Admirals Club membership and other day-of-travel perks to offset the high annual fee. Authorized users also get Admirals Club access, so there's extra value to be had there, too. However, it's not the best card for earning AA miles on everyday spending, and the lack of travel protections isn't ideal for an airline credit card.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
$350
N/A
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Earn 90,000 bonus miles
Good to Excellent
- Earns bonus miles at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets
- Annual companion certificate can help you recoup most, if not all, of the annual fee
- You get a free checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights
- High annual fee
Delta's mid-tier card is a good choice for frequent flyers who can take advantage of money-saving benefits like a free checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights, an annual companion certificate, and a statement credit for the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee. However, if you're unlikely to maximize these perks or you don't fly Delta that often, a travel credit card with a lower annual fee is a better choice.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card- Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card with MQD boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $350 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
$650
N/A
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Earn 100,000 bonus miles
Good to Excellent
- Annual companion certificate benefit, which is valid for first class and Comfort+ as well as the main cabin to select destinations
- Access to American Express Centurion Lounges and 15 Delta Sky Club visits each Medallion® Year
- Earns 3 miles on Delta purchases
- Very high annual fee
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is one of the best airline credit cards for frequent Delta flyers who can use benefits like airport lounge access, which can make the annual fee worthwhile.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/2/2025.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion tier and fare class grouping while flying Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
$0
18.24% - 29.24% Variable
Earn 20,000 bonus points
Excellent/Good
- Great earning rate on travel and at gas stations
- Bonus points on streaming services plus $30 yearly streaming credit can save you money
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit is worth up to $100
- Annual fee after the first year
- No airline or hotel transfer partners
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is a good choice if you're looking for a card that earns a substantial welcome bonus along with strong bonus categories for a moderate annual fee. It also offers excellent perks like Priority Pass airport lounge access, SmartDelay protection, cell phone protection, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, and an annual streaming credit.
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature
$400
N/A
21.24% - 28.24% Variable
Excellent
- Substantial welcome bonus and great earning opportunities, especially with mobile wallets
- $325 annual travel and dining credit can offset most of the $400 annual fee
- Top-notch travel insurance and protections
- You must have an existing relationship with US Bank to be approved
- Limited to a 12-month complimentary Priority Pass membership with only four free visits for cardholder (plus a guest) included
- No airline or hotel transfer partners
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is a premium credit card with benefits that have no trouble offsetting the annual fee. One of its most unique (and valuable) qualities is its ability to earn 3x points on all purchases made through a mobile wallet, so if you use payment methods like Apple Pay or Samsung Pay, you'll have no problem accruing points in a hurry.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve CardGlobal Entry and TSA PreCheck Credit Cards
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® memberships are valid for five years, and all of the cards on this list cover the cost of your application when it's time to renew.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual Fee: $695 (Terms Apply)
The Platinum Card® from American Express is consistently one of the top-ranking cards for air-travel rewards. Among the best benefits is an annual airline incidental fee credit of up to $200 for checked baggage fees, lounge day passes, and more when you enroll and select one airline, and extra points on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel (Terms Apply).
To start, you can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. That's worth about $1,440 in travel, according to Business Insider's valuation of Amex points (Terms Apply).
Though this is not an airline rewards card, Amex Platinum Card cardholders have access to some of the best airport lounges in the world, including Delta Sky Clubs while flying with Delta Airlines, over 1,400 Priority Pass lounges around the world, and the luxurious American Express Centurion Lounges (Terms Apply).
American Express gives a statement credit to offset the application fee of either TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry (up to $120 every 4 years for Global Entry and up to $85 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck®). You'll see the credit appear on your account within eight weeks of payment (Terms Apply).
Read more about this card in our American Express Platinum credit card review.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee: $395
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Capital One's first premium card, is packed with benefits that can more than offset the annual fee. It offers a hefty welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That's worth about $1,275 in travel, according to Business Insider's valuation of Capital One miles.
Other benefits include $300 per year in credits toward travel booked through Capital One and Capital One airport lounge access (even for authorized users), a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth $100 in travel), and Visa Infinite travel and purchase benefits.
Once every four years, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders can receive a statement credit to reimburse you for the cost of either TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry (up to $120).
Learn more about the card Business Insider rated "best affordable premium credit card" in our Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card review.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee: $95
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the best travel rewards cards available. The simple rewards structure means that it's easy to earn miles on all your everyday purchases — you'll earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.
You can redeem Capital One miles toward travel at a flat rate of 1 cent each, or transfer them to Capital One's airline and hotel partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways, and Wyndham.
With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you can earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening (worth about $1,275 in travel, based on Business Insider's valuations).
Capital One gives a statement credit of up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years, but you won't see the credit on your statement until two billing cycles after paying the application fee.
Read more in our Capital One Venture card review.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee: $550
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers new cardholders 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (worth about $1,080 in travel according to Business Insider's valuation of Chase points).
The Chase Ultimate Rewards® points you'll earn with the card are simple and lucrative, with 5x points on air travel and 10x points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (after earning the $300 annual travel credit) and 3x points on all other travel and dining. For booking travel, you can book flights, hotels, rental cars, and more through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal, and redeem points for 1.5 cents each.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a statement credit of up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years, and you'll see the credit appear on your account 24 hours after paying the application fee.
Pro Tip: Chase has expanded the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® application fee credits on its cards to include reimbursement for NEXUS, a joint Canadian/U.S. Trusted Traveler program. So if you prefer to apply for NEXUS, sign up for that program and pay with your Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Read more in our Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Annual Fee: $650 (Terms Apply)
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is Marriott's premium credit card, and despite a high annual fee, it offers perks that can be well worth it for frequent Marriott guests. It comes with an intro bonus offer of 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership (Terms Apply).
Cardholders receive a free night worth up to 85,000 points after each annual card renewal month, and up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide. It also offers Priority Pass airport lounge access**, automatic Marriott Platinum elite status, and 25 elite night credits each calendar year (Terms Apply).
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers a statement credit of up to $120 every 4 years for Global Entry and up to $85 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck® applications (Terms Apply).
Read more in our Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex card review.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Annual Fee: $99
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is offering a welcome bonus of 170,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Based on Business Insider's estimate of IHG points value, that's worth around $1,105 in travel.
IHG is an often-overlooked option, but this credit card is one of our picks for best hotel credit cards; it's made for travel enthusiasts and making the most out of stays at IHG properties
The card's most significant reward is a reward anniversary night each year that is valid on hotels costing up to 40,000 points. Additionally, cardholders earn 10x points with IHG properties (up to 26x points), though IHG points are nowhere near as valuable as others listed in this article.
Pro Tip: Read Business Insider's points and miles valuations to find out how much your airline miles, hotel points, and credit card rewards are worth.
This card also earns 5x points at restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores, and 3x points on all other purchases. Cardholders are also eligible for a fourth reward night when using points to book a hotel stay of three or more consecutive nights at eligible properties.
Chase issues this card, so you're eligible for a statement credit of up to $120 every four years for NEXUS enrollment, if you prefer it toGlobal Entry or TSA PreCheck®. You'll see the statement credit on your account within 24 hours of making that payment.
There's a small-business version of this card as well: the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card also comes with a NEXUS, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck® fee credit of up to $120 every four years.
Read more in our IHG One Premier Business credit card review.
United℠ Explorer Card
Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95
The United℠ Explorer Card comes with a welcome bonus offer of 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. That's worth around $650 in flights, according to our valuation of United miles.
Cardholders earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 25% back on inflight purchases. To sweeten your airline experience, you and one companion on the same reservation can check your first bag for free when you use your United℠ Explorer Card to book your ticket (a savings of up to $160 per round trip), and you'll get two one-time passes for the United Club each year on your anniversary.
This card is also issued by Chase, meaning NEXUS enrollment also qualifies for reimbursement. You're eligible for a NEXUS, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck® statement credit of up to $120 once every four years, and the credit will post to your account 24 hours after making the payment.
The premium United credit cards — United Quest℠ Card and United Club℠ Infinite Card — also offer a Global Entry fee reimbursement, but their annual fees are much higher.
Learn more about this card in our United Explorer card review.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Annual Fee: $595
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is American Airlines' top-of-the-line co-branded option, with full Admirals Club access for cardholders and immediate family members or up to two guests. Buying an Admirals Club membership would cost you $550. So if you really want to access American's airport lounges, this card can be a good deal.
Other benefits include a first bag checked for free on domestic AA itineraries, priority boarding on American flights, and the ability to earn 10,000 Loyalty Points toward American elite status after spending $40,000 on the card during the qualifying status year.
The Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit of up to $120 is available once every five years.
Learn more in our Citi AAdvantage Executive Card review.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Annual Fee: $350 (Terms Apply)
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is offering a welcome bonus of 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. According to our estimate of Delta miles value, that's worth about $990 in flights (Terms Apply).
It earns 3 miles on eligible Delta purchases and on purchases made directly with hotels, in addition to 2 miles at restaurants including takeout and delivery and U.S. supermarkets (Terms Apply).
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card also offers a Delta companion certificate each year upon renewal. This lets you bring along someone on an itinerary in the main cabin — they'll just pay taxes and fees (Terms Apply).
Another benefit is a statement credit of up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fees after you apply through any authorized enrollment provider, which the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers once every four years. This perk is available on the business version of this card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, as well (Terms Apply).
Read more about this airline credicard in our Delta Skymiles Platinum American Express card review.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Annual Fee: $650 (Terms Apply)
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers a welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership (offer ends 4/2/25). Based on Business Insider's valuations, that's worth about $1,100 in travel (Terms Apply).
Plus, you'll earn 3 miles on eligible Delta purchases. You'll get both Delta Sky Club access and Amex Centurion lounge access when you fly Delta (Terms Apply).
Delta SkyClub Airport Lounge Access
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card card members will also receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. Cardholders must spend $75,000 or more on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year in order to qualify for unlimited Delta lounge access (Terms Apply).
Like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers a companion certificate each year after you renew your card — but in this case, it's valid for first-class and Delta Comfort+® as well as the main cabin (Terms Apply).
Cardholders receive up to $120 in credit toward the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee every four years after applying through any authorized enrollment provider. This is also available on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (Terms Apply).
Read our Delta Skymiles Reserve Amex card review to learn more about this card.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
Annual Fee: $0
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is a good U.S. Bank credit card for frequent travelers who don't want to pay a high annual fee. Along with a welcome bonus offer of 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in eligible net purchases in the first 90 days from account opening, the card earns 5x on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Altitude Rewards Center, 4x on travel and at gas stations, 2x at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services, and 1x per dollar everywhere else.
Cardholders receive a $30 annual streaming bonus for eligible services like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Spotify, cellphone protection, and Visa Signature benefits.
Once every four years, U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card cardholders can receive up to a $120 statement credit to cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application or renewal.
Read more in our U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card review.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
Annual Fee: $400
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is an excellent pick if you're looking for a premium card with an annual fee that's easy to offset with statement credits. New cardholders can earn 50,000 points after you spend $4,500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening (worth $750 in travel).
The card offers a wide range of perks, including up to $325 annual credit that reimburses travel and dining purchases and top-notch Visa Infinite travel and purchase protections.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card cardholders get up to a $120 statement credit every four years to offset the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee.
Read more in our U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve review.
How Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Work
A TSA PreCheck® membership lets you access an expedited security screening line where you don't have to take off your shoes or take out your laptop. Meanwhile, Global Entry members get faster customs screening when they return to the U.S. from international travel.
Is Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Free?
Trusted Traveler membership isn't free. In addition to passing a background check and in-person screening process, you'll need to pay for approval into either Trusted Traveler program. You'll also need to renew your Trusted Traveler status every five years, incurring the same fee again.
Luckily, many of the best credit cards will pay you back for the money you spend enrolling in these programs. These are our top recommendations for you, as chosen by Business Insider's personal finance experts.
Pro Tip: There's one exception for free Global Entry enrollment — children under 18 do not need to pay the enrollment fee if their legal guardian has Global Entry membership (or has pending membership).
How to Get CLEAR Plus for Free With Credit Cards
A handful of travel cards offer statement credits to offset the fees associated with (the much more expensive) CLEAR Plus program. CLEAR Plus is an expedited security screening program that allows you to cut the line at many TSA checkpoints around the country (and even some stadiums).
The standard price for CLEAR Plus is $199 per year — a hefty price for anyone not carrying one of the following cards:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express — 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership (Terms Apply)
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the card within the first three months of card membership (Terms Apply)
- American Express® Green Card — 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership and earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases, up to a total of $200 back, made during your first six months of card membership (Terms Apply)
Each of these credit cards comes with a $199 statement credit toward CLEAR Plus each year. It's technically possible to get CLEAR Plus for less than $199, which means a single card could potentially get two free memberships. For example, CLEAR Plus is discounted at the following rates for certain individuals:
- Free for Delta Diamond Medallion and United 1K elite members
- $149 per year for: Platinum, Gold, and Silver elite members of both Delta and United
- $149 per year for: Cardholders of most Delta or United credit cards
- $179 per year for: General Delta or United members (no elite status required)
The two Platinum cards above also offer free TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry, so they're arguably the best rewards cards for expedited security.
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions
Credit cards that cover Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®TSA PreCheck enrollment help you save time, money, and stress at the airport. Both programs are part of the Trusted Traveler umbrella program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, allowing you to get through airport security screening quickly and easily. These cards also often come with additional travel perks such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and higher rewards rates on travel-related purchases.
Credit cards that reimburse for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck allow frequent travelers to cut down on wait times at airport security and customs. Members can also keep their shoes on when going through security, and do not need to remove laptops for separate screening. These cards often include additional premium benefits, such as travel credits, lounge access, and elevated rewards rates on travel spending.
One downside of credit cards that offer TSA PreCheck and Global Entry credits is that many of them come with annual fees. Some premium cards can cost more than $600 a year in annual fees alone. Some cards may also require a high credit score for approval.
To maximize benefits, use your card for travel-related purchases to earn higher rewards rates. Take full advantage of the fee credits for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, and utilize other travel perks such as lounge access and travel insurance. Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Some of the best credit cards that offer Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits include The Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. Each of these cards offers unique features and benefits that cater to different travel needs and preferences.
TSA PreCheck® allows you to pass through most domestic airport security checkpoints without a lot of rigmarole. You don't have to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket; you don't have to take your laptop out of your bag; you don't even have to put your carry-on compliant toiletries in a separate bin.
To boot, there's also (usually) a separate lane exclusively for TSA PreCheck® members. Not only is this lane often shorter, but it processes much faster because you're behind others who don't have to remove their shoes and belt, either.
Global Entry gives you an expedited experience at immigration at many U.S. airports when returning home from overseas. Instead of waiting in long lines, you can find a Global Entry kiosk, answer a few questions, and the kiosk will print out a paper that you can simply hand to an officer before leaving the airport. This can quite literally save hours during a single use.
Both TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry memberships last five years.
TSA PreCheck® costs $78 or $85 for five years. But as covered above, many credit cards will reimburse this fee automatically as long as you pay the fee with a qualifying card.
You can submit a Global Entry application online — but similar to TSA PreCheck®, you'll have to actually visit an enrollment center to complete the process.
However, Global Entry differs from TSA PreCheck® in that it's much more difficult to achieve. There are dramatically fewer enrollment centers around the country, and the soonest appointment can be months away.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Credit Cards for Complimentary TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Enrollment
Our list of the best credit cards for TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry was informed by our extensive credit card reviews, which follow our methodology on how we rate credit cards to assign a score from 1 to 5.
The top credit card factors we consider include the welcome bonus, ongoing rewards rates, annual fee, other benefits and perks, and how easy it is to get good value out of the card.
