How to Get TSA Precheck or Global Entry Free with a Credit Card

Even the best airports make you wait in line; those who fly have no choice but to show up and go through the motions to get to their gate. The process often starts with a long, boring wait to check in your bags and get boarding passes. From there, a trek across the airport to head through security is inevitable. And, once you get past the rigmarole, you may still have to wait in line for drinks or a snack, and you’ll surely have to wait in line once again to board your plane.

While there’s not much you can do about airport queuing, one perk can help make the worst part — TSA security — a lot easier to deal with. With TSA Precheck, you can avoid the regular security line and the crowds. Since you’ve been preapproved by security, you can also skip some of the most annoying aspects of this part of flying — things like having to take off your shoes and your belt and having to take your laptop out of your bag.

But, what about your journey home? On the arrival side of the equation, another perk can make your return to the U.S. much speedier when you travel abroad. With Global Entry, you can skip the regular customs and immigration line and head through a shorter Global Entry line instead. Global Entry tends to require shorter interviews upon arrival, if you have to answer any questions at all. On a crowded day at the airport, this perk can easily save you hours of wait time.

How Much Does it Cost for TSA Precheck and Global Entry?

So, why wouldn’t everyone sign up for TSA Precheck and Global Entry? If you fly often enough — and especially if you fly outside the U.S. often enough — these programs can make a lot of sense. But since an in-person interview is required for both TSA Precheck and Global Entry, many busy people never take the time to sign up and get approved.

Then, there are the costs of these programs to consider, since neither is free. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), TSA Precheck costs $85 while Global Entry membership costs $100. However, Global Entry comes with TSA Precheck automatically, making it a much better deal. Both memberships last five years.

How to Get Global Entry and TSA Precheck Free with a Credit Card

While saving hours of wait time and stress is probably worth $100 over five years, there are credit cards that actually offer this perk for free. Since most cards with this benefit are travel credit cards, many also come with additional perks like the ability to earn rewards points, no foreign transaction fees, and various types of travel insurance.

If you’re ready to make your flying experience more pleasant, the following rewards credit cards are ones you’ll want to consider:

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The is a premium travel credit card that offers benefits for frequent flyers. Not only will you be able to earn and use American Express Membership Rewards points, but you’ll get a $200 credit toward a pre-selected airline each year, airport lounge access, and other perks.

Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card

The is one of the most affordable cards on this list with a $95 annual fee that is waived the first year. Once you sign up, you can earn a healthy signup bonus and 2x miles for every dollar you spend. You’ll also get a $100 Global Entry statement credit every four years you’re a cardmember.

The Business Platinum® Card from American Express OPEN

lets you earn a lucrative signup bonus and ongoing points with the American Express Membership Rewards program. In addition to getting a credit for Global Entry every four years and 2x points while you’re a cardmember, you’ll also get perks such as airport lounge access at 5x points on airfare and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.

Barclays Arrival® Premier World Elite Mastercard®

The is a newer rewards card that promises an annual “bonus” instead of a signup bonus you only earn once. This card offers a Global Entry credit along with Lounge Key Access and 2x miles on all other purchases — and all for an annual fee of $150 (waived the first year).

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

The offers a huge signup bonus, exciting earning tiers, and additional perks for Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients. You also get up to $200 in Global Entry or TSA Precheck and airline incidental credits.

The Bottom Line

If you are tired of waiting in long airport lines, having TSA Precheck and/or Global Entry can help. These memberships won’t help you avoid all the stress and inconvenience of air travel, but they can make it possible for you to breeze through security and customs instead of languishing in long lines.

Many of the cards listed above also come with other perks that can make travel more comfortable as well. Having access to airport lounges can make layovers much easier to endure, as well as helping you save money on drinks, internet access, and snacks.

And, let’s face it. Having a premier travel credit card can make a lot of sense if you travel all the time. Not only can you earn valuable perks, but you can earn points and miles for every dollar you spend on your card.

Keep in mind, however, that having a travel credit card (or any other credit card) is typically a bad idea if you’re prone to credit card debt or living with debt already. The interest you’ll pay on carried balances will likely wipe out all the rewards you earn and then some, so make sure you’re debt-free before you sign up for a card to earn travel perks.

Holly Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer and the author of Zero Down Your Debt. Johnson shares her obsession with frugality, budgeting, and travel at ClubThrifty.com.

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