6 Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.