6 Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated August 21, 2025

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry make airport security faster and less stressful for frequent travelers. This article highlights six credit cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees, with each option offering unique perks tailored to different travel styles and budgets.

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express

    The Platinum Card® from American Express is a popular premium travel card. It offers a range of travel perks, including a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees. This makes it easier and cheaper to access faster airport security programs.

    This card is designed for frequent travelers looking for luxury benefits. It also provides access to airport lounges and concierge services, making travel more comfortable.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
    • Earn 5X points on eligible hotels booked through Amex Travel
    • Earn 1X point on other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    You may be eligible for up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in your first 6 months. Offers vary; eligibility and bonus will be confirmed upon application.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $695
    • TSA PreCheck / Global Entry credit: Up to $120 every 4 years
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Walmart+ monthly credit, Digital Entertainment credit, CLEAR® Plus credit, and more

    Key Benefits:

    • Priority Pass, Centurion, and Delta Sky Club lounge access
    • Annual airline fee credit
    • Uber VIP status and monthly Uber credits
    • Fine Hotels & Resorts program benefits

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners for better value.

    Credit Requirements:

    This card needs a high credit score for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not suit occasional travelers or those on a strict budget.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers valuable travel benefits that quickly pay off for frequent flyers willing to invest in premium travel experiences.

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is designed for travelers who want to earn rewards on everyday spending while enjoying Global Entry or TSA PreCheck benefits. It offers points on all purchases with no categories to track, making it simple to use.

    This card appeals to those who want a straightforward way to earn travel rewards and save time at airport security.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn 2X miles on every purchase, every day
    • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

    Welcome Bonus:

    Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within 3 months from account opening (equal to $750 toward travel).

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • TSA PreCheck / Global Entry credit: Up to $120 every 4 years
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Key Benefits:

    • Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee
    • Simple rewards system with consistent earning rates
    • Travel-related perks like access to Capital One Travel Portal
    • No additional fees for authorized users

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, including flights and hotels, or transferred to partner loyalty programs for more value.

    Credit Requirements:

    The card generally requires good to excellent credit.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The $95 annual fee may not suit occasional travelers who do not use travel benefits often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its easy earning structure and travel credit make it simple to understand and valuable for those new to travel rewards cards.

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a high-end travel rewards card designed for frequent flyers and food lovers who want premium benefits. It delivers exceptional value through travel credits, lounge access, and strong point-earning potential.

    Its perks include trip protection, dining credits, and complimentary streaming subscriptions. With luxury features and flexible redemption options, it’s ideal for those who maximize travel spending.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn 8X points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
    • Earn 4X points on flights and hotels booked directly
    • Earn 3X points on dining worldwide
    • Earn 1X point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 100,000 bonus points + a $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $795
    • TSA PreCheck / Global Entry / NEXUS credit: Up to $120 every 4 years
    • $300 annual travel credit
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Key Benefits:

    • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee reimbursed every four years
    • Priority Pass lounge access at over 1,300 airports
    • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
    • Rental car insurance and travel accident protection

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® at a 1.5 cents per point rate, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or redeemed for cash and gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need excellent credit to qualify for this card.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not suit infrequent travelers or low spenders.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers straightforward travel benefits and valuable fee credits that offset costs, helping new travelers get value from their spending.

  • IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

    The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is ideal for travelers loyal to IHG hotels, including Holiday Inn, InterContinental, and Kimpton. It combines strong hotel-specific perks with travel-friendly benefits like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit.

    Cardholders enjoy bonus points, elite status, and an annual free night—making it valuable for frequent hotel stays. It’s built to reward spending across travel, gas, and dining categories while enhancing the IHG loyalty experience.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels & Resorts
    • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
    • Earn 3 points per $1 on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $99
    • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit: Up to $120 every 4 years
    • Automatic Platinum Elite status
    • Anniversary Free Night (up to 40,000 points)
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Key Benefits:

    • 4th night free when booking reward stays of 4+ nights
    • Ability to top up points for higher-value reward nights
    • Travel and purchase protections through Chase

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for free nights at IHG properties worldwide or transferred to airline partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    This card generally requires good to excellent credit.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Benefits like Global Entry credit only apply once every four years, and the $99 annual fee may not suit occasional travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its straightforward rewards and travel perks make it easy for new travelers to earn points and enjoy useful benefits.

  • The New United℠ Explorer Card

    The New United℠ Explorer Card is built for travelers who frequently fly with United Airlines. It combines airline-specific perks with broader travel benefits like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursement.

    Cardholders enjoy valuable savings on baggage, lounge access, and in-flight purchases, making it a strong pick for loyal United flyers looking to elevate their experience.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases and dining at restaurants
    • Earn 2 miles per dollar on hotel stays booked through United
    • Earn 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn up to 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months after account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150
    • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit: Up to $120
    • 2 United Club℠ passes annually
    • Free first checked bag for cardholder and one companion
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Key Benefits:

    • Priority boarding on United flights
    • 25% back on United food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to exclusive cardmember promotions

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for United flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals, offering flexible travel rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit scores to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card’s value is most noticeable for United flyers; its benefits are limited if not flying United frequently.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It combines easy-to-understand perks with solid travel benefits, making it a good start for someone new to travel rewards cards.

  • Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

    The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is designed for travelers who want a mix of rewards and premium perks. It offers strong earning rates on travel and dining purchases, plus a variety of credits and benefits that help reduce costs.

    This card also provides a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit every four years. It aims to deliver value through points earned on key travel categories and lifestyle credits.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn 12x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked via Citi Travel℠
    • Earn 6x points on air travel booked through Citi Travel℠
    • Earn 6x points on restaurants and delivery services every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET on CitiNights℠
    • Earn 3x points on restaurant purchases outside of CitiNights℠ window
    • Earn 1.5x points on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $595
    • Hotel credit: Up to $300 off per year on 2+ night hotel stays booked through Citi Travel℠
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Key Benefits:

    • Helps save on airport security wait times with fee credit
    • Access to airport lounges enhances travel comfort
    • Valuable statement credits reduce overall costs
    • Travel and dining bonus categories boost points earnings

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits, offering flexible ways to use rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not suit casual travelers or those who don’t use card benefits enough to offset the cost.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Earnings from travel and dining, along with simple fee credits, help new users understand and enjoy premium card benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which credit cards offer a fee credit for TSA PreCheck?

Several travel credit cards offer a statement credit of up to $85 or more to cover the TSA PreCheck application fee. The Chase Sapphire Reserve®, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, and The Platinum Card® from American Express all include this benefit. The reimbursement typically renews every four years.

Are there any credit cards that cover Global Entry application fees?

Yes, cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, United℠ Explorer Card, and Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offer up to $120 in statement credits for Global Entry fees. These cards also include TSA PreCheck as part of the Global Entry membership. This benefit refreshes every four years.

Can you get TSA PreCheck for free with certain credit cards?

Yes, eligible cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card automatically reimburse the TSA PreCheck fee. The fee must be charged to the card to activate the statement credit, making TSA PreCheck effectively free for cardholders every four years.

How does Global Entry credit card reimbursement work?

Cardholders pay the Global Entry fee using a card like the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or Citi Strata Elite℠ Card. The card issuer then reimburses the amount as a statement credit, typically within one or two billing cycles. This benefit resets every four years.

What are the differences between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits?

TSA PreCheck speeds up domestic airport screening by allowing travelers to keep shoes and electronics in place. Global Entry, offered by cards like the United℠ Explorer Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express, expedites international reentry and includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Global Entry is the broader program, especially valuable for frequent international travelers.