The best credit cards with Global Entry and TSA PreCheck application fee credits of 2023

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Frequent travelers know that having TSA PreCheck or Global Entry makes your airport experience significantly more pleasant, especially during peak travel times. Nobody likes waiting in crowded security and customs lines, even more so now with travel delays and backlogs affecting many airports.

With a TSA PreCheck membership, you’ll have access to an expedited security screening line, and you won’t have to take off your shoes, belt, or jacket. You can also leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag, which speeds up the security screening process.

Global Entry members can get faster customs screening when they return to the US from abroad. Instead of waiting in a long line, you can enter your details at a Global Entry kiosk without having to fill out paperwork. The kiosk prints out a slip that allows you to bypass the long lines and get on your way faster.

Many top travel rewards cards — including the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express
— will reimburse you for the cost of the Global Entry application (which includes access to TSA PreCheck), or the TSA PreCheck application fee, up to $100, usually every four years. And if you already have one of these Trusted Traveler memberships, you can use your card to pay for a friend or family member’s application fee and still get reimbursed.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships last for five years, and all the cards on this list cover the cost of your application when you need to renew.

Here are 16 of the best credit cards that cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.

We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.

Compare the best credit cards with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry credits

Annual fee: $695

Notable features: 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 up to $200 for checked baggage fees, lounge day passes, and more at one selected airline**, and extra points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel.

To start, you can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Though this is not an airline rewards card, 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 1,300 Priority Pass lounges around the world**, and American Express’ own luxurious Centurion Lounges.

American Express gives a statement credit to offset the application fee of either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (up to $100 every four years). You’ll see the credit appear on your account within eight weeks of payment.

Annual fee: $395

Notable features: Capital One’s first premium card, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit 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 3 months from account opening.

Other benefits include up to $300 per year in statement credits toward travel booked through Capital One, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, 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 $100). 

Annual fee: $95

Notable features: 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 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles when booking on Turo (offer ends May 16, 2023), and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. You can redeem 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 after spending $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

Capital One gives a statement credit up to $100 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.

Annual fee: $550

Notable features: New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

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 $100 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.

Annual fee: $695 

Notable features: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers many enticing benefits, and takes rewards to the next level for qualifying cardholders. You can earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first 3 months of card membership, which more than offsets the annual fee.

Amex gives 5 points per dollar for booking prepaid hotel rooms and airfare through Amex Travel. The standard reward for spending with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is 1 point per dollar spent, but this increases to 1.5 points per dollar for purchases of $5,000 and more.

The best way to redeem points to get the most value is by transferring them to partner airlines and hotels, and booking travel through Amex Travel.

The primary cardholder, as well as authorized users on the card, are eligible for up to $100 in reimbursements for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years.

Annual fee: $95, waived the first year

Notable features: If you’re a small-business owner looking for a travel rewards card, the Capital One Spark Miles for Business is a compelling choice. It comes with a solid welcome bonus offer of 50,000 miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, and has a straightforward earning structure. Cardholders earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.

You can redeem Capital One miles at a flat rate of 1 cent each to erase eligible travel purchases from your statement, or transfer them to airline and hotel partners for potentially even more value. This card also comes with two free Capital One Lounge visits each year.

Cardholders receive up to $100 in credit toward the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four years.

Annual fee: $650

Notable features: 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 excellent welcome bonus offer: 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months from account opening.

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. 

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers a statement credit of up to $100 for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four years.

Annual fee: $99

Notable features: IHG is an often-overlooked option, but its credit card is one of the best for hotel rewards; it’s made for travel enthusiasts and making the most out of stays at IHG properties. Right now, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is offering an excellent welcome bonus of 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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.

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.

You’re eligible for a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS statement credit up to $100 every four years, and 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® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card also comes with a NEXUS, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck fee credit of up to $100 every four years. Here’s our IHG Rewards Premier Business card review with more details.

Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95

Notable features: The United℠ Explorer Card comes with a welcome bonus offer of 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Cardholders earn 2x miles for every dollar spent 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 $140 per round trip), and you’ll get two one-time passes for the United Club on your cardholder anniversary.

You’re eligible for a NEXUS, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck statement credit up to $100 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.

Annual fee: $199

Notable features: This is Southwest’s top-of-the-line business credit card, with benefits including four upgraded boardings per year when available, inflight Wi-Fi credits, and 9,000 points every year on your cardmember anniversary.

The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card earns 4 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, 3x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners, 2x points on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), 2x points on social media and search engine advertising, and 2x points on internet, cable, and phone services (and 1 point per dollar on everything else).

You’re eligible for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit once every four years. The statement credit should appear within 24 hours of the application fee posting to your credit card account.

Annual fee: $450

Notable features: 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 is available once every five years.

Annual fee: $250

Notable features: The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is offering a welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months. It earns 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases and on purchases made directly with hotels, in addition to 2x miles at restaurants including takeout and delivery and US supermarkets. 

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card also offers a companion certificate each year upon renewal. This lets you bring along someone on a domestic itinerary in the main cabin — they’ll just pay taxes and fees that max out at $75.

Another benefit is a statement credit up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications 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 (read our Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business card review).

Annual fee: $550

Notable features: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers a welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months. Plus, you’ll earn 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases. You’ll get both Delta Sky Club access and Amex Centurion lounge access when you fly Delta.

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.

If you want to earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) toward Delta Medallion status and you can meet high spending thresholds, the Delta Reserve gives you plenty of opportunities to rack up the MQMs. You’ll earn 15,000 MQMs after you spend $30,000 in a calendar year, up to four times per year.

Cardholders receive up to $100 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 (read our Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card review).

Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95

Notable features: The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is a recent addition to US Bank’s card lineup, and it’s a good choice for frequent travelers who don’t want to pay a high annual fee. Along with a welcome bonus offer of 50,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days from account opening (worth $500), it earns 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Altitude Rewards Center, 4x points on travel and at gas stations, 2x points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services, and 1 point per dollar everywhere else.

Cardholders receive a $30 annual streaming bonus for eligible services like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Spotify, cell phone protection, and Visa Signature benefits.

Once every four years, U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card cardholders can receive up to a $100 statement credit to cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application or renewal.

Annual fee: $400

Notable benefits: 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 $100 statement credit every four years to offset the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

Annual fee: $95

Notable features: The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card is designed to make the most on travel, dining, and more. You can earn 50,000 bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening, and also get up to a $100 annual statement credit for airline fees.

The card earns 2x points on travel and dining purchases and 1.5x points spent on all other purchases. Points can be used with an exchange rate of 1 cent per point on a range of gift cards, or the same rate for cash back, travel, or a statement credit.

This card offers a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit of up to $100 every four years.

How to get CLEAR for free with credit cards

A handful of travel cards offer statement credits to offset the fees associated with (the much more expensive) CLEAR program. CLEAR 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 is $189 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 spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first 3 months of card membership
• American Express® Green Card
  — 40,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening

These cards will give you $189 toward CLEAR each year. It’s technically possible to get CLEAR for less than $189, which means a single card could potentially get two free membership. For example, CLEAR is

• Free for Delta Diamond Medallion and United 1K elite members
• $109 per year for: Platinum, Gold, and Silver elite members of both Delta and United
• $109 per year for: Cardholders of most Delta or United credit cards
• $119 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 travel rewards cards for expedited security.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Jasmin Baron, CEPF

Editor

Caroline Lupini

Freelance reporter