5 Best Cards for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated October 3, 2025

Travelers who want to save time at the airport often turn to programs like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR to make security and customs lines faster. Many premium credit cards cover the enrollment cost for these programs, making them more accessible and cost-effective. This article highlights the five best cards that provide these benefits, along with details on rewards, perks, and overall value.

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel credit card designed for frequent travelers. It provides strong rewards, practical credits, and access to travel perks that make trips smoother.

    Cardholders benefit from features that reduce travel stress, such as credits for expedited airport security programs. It also includes flexible reward options that appeal to those who value both travel and dining.

    Earning Structure:

    • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠
    • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
    • 3x points on dining worldwide
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders may qualify for a 125,000 point bonus after spending $6,000 in the first three months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $795
    • APR: 20.24%–28.74% variable
    • Other benefits: $300 annual travel credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS fee credit, airport lounge access
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • $300 annual travel credit
    • Credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS every 4 years
    • Priority Pass Select airport lounge access
    • Strong travel and dining rewards
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel with Chase Ultimate Rewards, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for cash back and gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need excellent credit, with a FICO score starting at 740.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be worth it for those who travel infrequently.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers easy-to-use credits and straightforward reward categories, making it accessible even for those new to premium travel cards.

  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card designed for frequent flyers. It not only offers flexible rewards but also includes a credit to cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, helping travelers save time at airport security.

    Beyond these security perks, the card earns strong rewards on flights, hotels, and everyday purchases. Cardholders benefit from lounge access and travel credits, making it a great option for business trips and international vacations.

    Earning Structure:

    • 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
    • 2x miles on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $395
    • APR: 19.99%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: $300 annual travel credit, up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, 10,000 anniversary miles
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Airport security credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
    • $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
    • 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
    • Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for travel expenses, statement credits, gift cards, or shopping with select partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score starting at 740.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be cost-effective for those who travel infrequently.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its simple earning structure and flexible redemption options make it easy for new travelers to use rewards without confusion.

  • U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

    The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is designed for travelers who want speed and convenience at the airport. It includes credits toward trusted traveler programs like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

    This card also offers a solid rewards program on travel and everyday spending. It works best for people who want consistent value without complicated redemption rules.

    Earning Structure:

    • 4x points on travel and at gas stations
    • 2x points on grocery store purchases, dining, and streaming services
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: Variable, typically around 18.24%–28.24%
    • Other benefits: Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
    • Network: Visa Signature
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
    • Strong rewards on travel and gas
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Useful categories like dining and streaming
    • Visa Signature travel protections

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits through U.S. Bank’s rewards portal.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score starting at 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The limited transfer options may reduce flexibility for some users.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning categories and clear redemption options, making it easy for new travelers to manage rewards.

  • The Platinum Card® From American Express

    The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card designed for frequent flyers. It offers a wide range of travel perks that focus on convenience and comfort, including credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck to speed up the airport security process.

    Cardholders gain access to airport lounge networks, travel credits, and expedited security benefits. It is best suited for those who travel often and value premium services.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
    • 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
    • 1x point on most other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 within the first six months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $695
    • APR: Pay Over Time APR
    • Other benefits: Airport lounge access, travel credits, CLEAR/Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Charge card with pay-over-time option
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
    • Access to 1,400+ lounges worldwide
    • Hotel elite status with select programs
    • Annual airline fee credit
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, gift cards, or transfers to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, often a score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be worth it for travelers who fly less often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides simple ways to earn and redeem points while offering clear travel perks that are easy to use.

  • The Business Platinum Card® From American Express

    The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium business travel card designed for frequent flyers. It offers access to valuable travel credits and services that help streamline airport experiences.

    Cardholders gain access to airport security programs like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR® Plus with statement credits. The card also provides a wide range of travel perks that support both business and personal trips.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
    • 1.5x points on eligible purchases in select business categories and large transactions
    • 1x point on other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    The card often offers 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 within the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $695
    • APR: 18.49%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: CLEAR® Plus credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, lounge access
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Charge card with pay-over-time option
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Credits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or CLEAR® Plus
    • Access to Amex Global Lounge Collection
    • 35% airline bonus when using points for eligible flights
    • Premium travel protections
    • Expanded earning on large business purchases

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants usually need good to excellent credit, often a score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be worth it for businesses that travel infrequently.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It helps new business travelers save time at airports and earn rewards on common business expenses.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top credit cards that cover the cost of Global Entry?

The Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Capital One Venture X Rewards all cover the Global Entry application fee. Each issues a statement credit when the fee is charged to the account. The benefit usually renews every four to five years, matching Global Entry’s enrollment period.

Can you get TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement with a credit card without an annual fee?

Most cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck come with an annual fee. No-fee cards generally do not provide this benefit. Travelers looking for reimbursement usually need a premium travel card.

Which credit cards provide complimentary CLEAR membership?

The Platinum Card from American Express covers the cost of a CLEAR Plus membership. This benefit applies once per year and can be used at participating airports and stadiums. Other premium Amex cards may offer partial credits toward CLEAR.

How does the Global Entry benefit work on credit cards that offer it?

When a cardholder pays the Global Entry fee with an eligible card, the issuer automatically applies a statement credit. The credit covers the full cost of the application. This benefit is available once every four to five years, depending on the card.

Is TSA PreCheck included when you get Global Entry through a credit card program?

Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Travelers approved for Global Entry automatically receive access to TSA PreCheck lanes. This means no separate application or payment is required.