Best Credit Cards With TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Credits in 2026
Air travel just got a fast new normal. With airports rolling out 3D baggage scanners and security lines that can still stretch around the terminal, the question on travelers’ minds is: how do I skip the wait? The answer for millions of Americans is enrollment in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry — and the smartest travelers are getting that enrollment paid for by their credit card.
Here’s the good news: many of the best travel credit cards on the market reimburse your application fee, effectively giving you five years of expedited airport security for free. Here is everything you need to know to pick the right card and claim the perk.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Know the Difference
Both programs get you faster through security, but they’re not the same:
- TSA PreCheck — $78 for five years. Gives you access to dedicated PreCheck lanes at U.S. airports, where you keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on and leave liquids and laptops in your bag. Faster, easier domestic travel.
- Global Entry — $120 for five years. Includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited U.S. customs screening when returning from international trips. The better deal if you travel abroad at all.
Since Global Entry includes PreCheck, anyone who travels internationally even occasionally should pick Global Entry and let the card cover the full $120.
How the Credit Card Reimbursement Works
Most premium travel cards give you a statement credit to cover the application fee — commonly up to $85 for TSA PreCheck or $100–$120 for Global Entry. Here’s the catch worth knowing: apply and pay the fee with the card first, and the credit arrives on your next statement. You don’t need to finance anything or carry a balance; you just need to pay the fee with the eligible card.
Crucially, the credit usually refreshes every four to five years — which lines up almost perfectly with your enrollment period, so you can let the card pay for each renewal too.
The Top Cards Features and How to Choose
Rather than list every card on the market, here’s what separates the best options and how to match one to your habits:
For Global Entry and serious points
Premium travel cards — the ones with high annual fees in the several-hundred-dollar range — almost always include a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Their real value is the suite of perks: airport lounge access, priority boarding, trip insurance, and elevated earning on travel. If you fly regularly, the fee pays for itself and the travel credit becomes a free bonus.
For a no-annual-fee way to get PreCheck
Several mid-tier and even no-annual-fee cards now offer up to a $100 credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry as a sign-up perk. If you want to avoid an annual fee entirely but still travel a few times a year, this is the smartest first card. Just check whether the credit is a one-time sign-up bonus or recurring.
For the everyday traveler
Travel cards without a lounge tier can still cover PreCheck while earning solid cash back or points on flights, hotels, gas, and dining. If you’re not loyal to one airline, an issuer-neutral travel card gives you the most flexibility.
Other Perks to Stack With Your Enrollment
Once you’re set with expedited security, make sure you’re not leaving value on the table. The strongest travel cards bundle in:
- Trip delay and cancellation insurance — reimbursement if your flight is delayed or you have to cancel for a covered reason.
- Baggage delay and lost-luggage coverage.
- Rental car insurance. Decline the counter’s coverage and let the card protect you (check the card’s terms for what’s primary vs. secondary).
- No foreign transaction fees — essential for any international trip so you’re not paying an extra ~3% on every purchase.
Review your card’s full benefits guide when you’re approved — many travelers never claim perks they’re already paying for.
A Step-by-Step Plan to Get Started
- Decide which program — Global Entry if you ever fly internationally, TSA PreCheck if you’re purely domestic.
- Pick a card that covers it. Compare the annual fee against how much you travel; the credit alone can justify a premium card if you fly several times a year.
- Apply and pay with the eligible card. Submit your enrollment to the CBP or TSA and pay the fee on the card that offers the credit.
- Wait for the statement credit. It typically shows up on the next billing cycle — no action needed on your part.
- Renew with the same card. Since credits reset every 4–5 years, let the card cover future renewals too.
If you’re flying soon, check your existing cards’ benefits before applying — you may already have a $100 travel credit sitting unused that you can put toward Global Entry today.
FAQ
Do credit cards pay for TSA PreCheck every year?
No. The credit typically refreshes every four to five years, matching the enrollment period’s length. TSA PreCheck costs $78 and Global Entry $120 for five years, so a card’s credit covers one application or renewal at a time.
Which is better to get, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, so if you ever travel internationally, Global Entry gives you more value for the same practical benefit. Choose TSA PreCheck only if you’re purely domestic and want the lower-cost program.
Can I get the travel credit with a no-annual-fee card?
Yes. Some no-annual-fee travel cards offer a one-time TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit as a sign-up perk. They’re a good low-cost way to get started if you travel only occasionally.
The Bottom Line
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are among the highest-ROI travel purchases you can make — and with the right credit card, they cost you nothing. Whether you pick a premium travel card for the full perks suite or a no-fee card for a one-time credit, the strategy is the same: apply, pay with an eligible card, and let the statement credit do the work.
Before you book your next flight, look through your current travel rewards strategy and see which card should be paying for your next enrollment. Faster security lines, covered — that’s a travel win worth taking.
This article is for educational purposes and is not financial advice. Card benefits and credit amounts vary by issuer and change over time; always verify current terms before applying.
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Photo: Poster Boy NYC via Openverse/Flickr (CC BY)