Bank of america travel rewards card tsa precheck

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bank of america travel rewards card tsa precheck

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel 660 - 850 $95

Apply Now

On Capital One's Secure Website

United Airlines

United℠ Explorer Card

Bank of america travel rewards card tsa precheck

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. 660 - 850 $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95

Apply Now

On Chase's Secure Website

Dining and travel

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Bank of america travel rewards card tsa precheck

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 720 - 850 $550

Apply Now

On Chase's Secure Website

Compare all cards

Welcome Offer

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Credit Score Needed

660 - 850

660 - 850

Annual Fee

$95

$0 Intro for the First Year, then $95

Best Global Entry or TSA Precheck® credit card overall and for everyday spending

Everyday spending

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Sign Up Bonus

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

APR

18.99% - 26.99% (Variable)

The Global Entry and TSA Precheck benefit on the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is similar to what is offered by the other cards on the list: up to $100 fee reimbursement, depending on the program you choose. You're eligible for this statement credit every four years.

Submit your Global Entry or TSA Precheck application and charge the application fee to your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Within two billing cycles, a credit for the purchase will appear on your statement.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for travelers with a lower spending profile or who don't want to shell out $550 in annual fees. Compared to the other cards on this list, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has better general spending rewards (2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5 Miles per dollar when you book on Turo, the world’s largest car sharing marketplace, through May 16, 2023) and a competitive welcome bonus: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Best Global Entry or TSA Precheck® (or NEXUS) credit card for dining and travel

Dining and travel

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Sign Up Bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

APR

19.24% - 26.24% Variable

Earns transferable points

Like most of the other cards on this list, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides up to a $100 credit that can be applied once every four years. It can be used on either Global Entry, which costs the full $100, NEXUS, which costs $50, or TSA Precheck, which costs $85. Once you charge the application fee to your Chase Sapphire Reserve®, a statement credit for the application fee will be posted within 24 hours.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is often heralded as the best travel rewards card — and with good reason. In addition to the up to $100 Global Entry/TSA Precheck/NEXUS application credit, it comes with a $300 annual travel credit, free Priority Pass™ Select membership for airport lounge access and a fantastic rewards rate: 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Keep in mind that this card comes with a $550 annual fee, but the credits alone will take care of most of this cost.

When redeeming your points for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal, you'll get 50% more redemption value. This means that 60,000 points are worth $900 in travel. Alternatively, you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to Chase's 14 loyalty partners.

Best Global Entry or TSA Precheck® credit card for luxury travel

Luxury travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Pay for the Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee with The Platinum Card® from American Express, and a statement credit will appear on your account within eight weeks. You'll receive this credit every four years for Global Entry and every four-and-a-half years for TSA Precheck.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For those who are looking for luxury perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is the best card that comes with a Global Entry or TSA Precheck credit. The card has a steep $695 annual fee, but one of the highest rewards rates on flights and hotel spending. And if you love airport lounges, you'll enjoy complimentary access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection, including The Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required) and Delta Sky Clubs.

Best Global Entry or TSA Precheck® credit card for free hotel stays

IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card

With this card, you'll enjoy reimbursement for TSA Precheck or Global Entry once every four years. Charge the Global Entry application fee to the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card, and a statement credit will appear on your account within 24 hours of the purchase being charged to the credit card.

The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is ideal for frequent IHG hotel visitors when on the road. With a reasonable $99 annual fee, you'll also enjoy travel perks such as Global Entry or TSA Precheck reimbursement.

You'll be rewarded more for general spending and non-IHG travel expenses by other cards on this list, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express. However, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card can earn you complimentary hotel stays and Platinum Elite IHG status.

Best Global Entry or TSA Precheck® credit card for luxury hotel perks

Hotel perks

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 3 months.

APR

18.74%-27.74% Variable

After paying your TSA Precheck or Global Entry application fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, a statement credit will be posted to your account within eight weeks. You'll receive this credit every four years for Global Entry and every four-and-a-half years for TSA Precheck.

For rates and fees of Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, please click here.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is a solid premium card for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties. In addition to up to a $100 credit for Global Entry application, the card will also get you up to a $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide to help recover the $650 annual fee.

To enhance the value even further, The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card offers competitive rewards on travel and dining. If you're looking for travel perks in addition to free Global Entry, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card should be on your shortlist.

Best Global Entry or TSA Precheck® credit card for American Airlines

American Airlines

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Sign Up Bonus

Earn 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening

APR

18.99% - 27.99% (Variable)

To activate the Global Entry or TSA Precheck reimbursement benefit, you'll charge the application fee on your card and receive a statement credit within one to two billing cycles. This benefit is renewable every five years.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is one of American Airlines' luxury card offerings with a $450 annual fee. On top of the Global Entry/TSA Precheck application credit, cardholders will enjoy a complimentary Admirals Club membership — up to a $650 value — along with free checked bags and priority access at the airport. This card is most rewarding for American Airlines flyers, as you can jumpstart your way to elite status with American Airlines.

Best Global Entry or TSA Precheck® credit card for United Airlines

United Airlines

United℠ Explorer Card

Sign Up Bonus

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Annual Fee

$0 Intro for the First Year, then $95

APR

18.74% - 25.74% Variable

Use your United℠ Explorer Card to pay for your Global Entry or TSA Precheck application, and up to a $100 statement credit (or an $85 credit for Precheck) will be posted to your account within 24 hours. You'll receive this benefit every four years.

Most mid-tier airline cards don't offer Global Entry or TSA Precheck reimbursement, but the United℠ Explorer Card is the exception. If you're a loyal United Airlines customer or fly on any Star Alliance partners, the United℠ Explorer Card is a sublime choice. Better yet, this card offers an annual fee of $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95.

You'll enjoy United-specific benefits, such as a free first checked bag and two annual United Club passes. However, if you're not a United Airlines loyalist or Star Alliance traveler, one of the general rewards cards on this list will better suit your needs.

Best Global Entry or TSA Precheck® card with a no annual fee credit

No Annual Fee Credit

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express Card

Sign Up Bonus

50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days

APR

14.99% to 17.99% variable

Cardholders will enjoy a $100 Global Entry or $85 TSA Pre-check statement credit every five years when the application fee is charged to your card. You can expect to see a statement credit reimbursement on your account within six to eight weeks of applying for Global Entry or TSA Precheck.

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express Card is a great choice for those looking for Global Entry and TSA Precheck access without having to pay an annual fee. However, because you must be a PenFed Honors Advantage member for the card's $95 annual fee to be waived, this card will be most beneficial for people who have an active checking account with PenFed or are in the military.

Best Global Entry or TSA Precheck® credit card for Bank of America

Bank of America

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Sign Up Bonus

50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

APR

18.99% - 25.99% Variable APR

You'll receive up to $100 in statement credits for either Global Entry or TSA Precheck, valid every four years with your Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card. It will take two to three weeks for this credit to hit your account.

The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card nicely complements customers who already own checking or savings accounts with Bank of America. This card is part of the Preferred Rewards program, offering benefits including a 25% to 75% rewards bonus depending on your combined account balances. The $95 annual fee is justifiable thanks to the Global Entry or TSA Precheck application credit and an annual up to $100 airline incidentals statement credit.

Are Global Entry and TSA Precheck® worth it?

Both Global Entry and TSA Precheck are useful programs but Global Entry is the better choice if you're deciding between the two.

According to the TSA website, 94% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes in December 2021. And that program is available at more than 200 airports and 80 airlines. Global Entry only costs $15 more ($100 versus $85), and it gets you expedited customs clearance plus the expedited security access of TSA Precheck.

Even if your international travel is infrequent, the small premium for Global Entry will save you both time and frustration when you do travel internationally. And if you don't want to pay this fee out of pocket, consider one of the cards on this list.

If you don't want to open a Global Entry or TSA Precheck card, or if you don't fly often, you may be debating whether skipping the customs line is worth $100. Since either benefit is good for five years, you're essentially paying $20 per year. Finally, consider the fact that you could be waiting more than half an hour to get through customs on any given afternoon, especially at a busier airport.

How to Use Global Entry and TSA Precheck®

TSA Precheck

  1. Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your reservation when purchasing your ticket. (This will put a TSA Precheck indicator on your boarding pass and another special indicator in the barcode)
  2. Let the TSA agent scan your pass at the first checkpoint
  3. Go to the expedited Precheck line, as directed by the TSA agent
  4. Go through security without removing your belt, shoes, laptop, liquids or light jacket

Note: To use TSA Precheck, you need to be flying on an airline that participates in the program. All of the major U.S. airlines currently take part in the program, and you can check for other airlines on the TSA's list of participating airlines.

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Global Entry

  1. Go to a designated Global Entry kiosk at the airport
  2. Present your passport or permanent resident card
  3. Scan your fingerprints
  4. Declare any goods and cash that you're bringing back into the country
  5. Take your receipt and show it to the CBP officer at the exit as you leave customs

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Using TSA Precheck with different airlines

Airline

How to use Precheck

American Airlines Either add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your travel reservation, or add it to your AAdvantage account:

  1. Log in
  2. Select "Your account", and then choose "Information and password"
  3. Add your KTN under the "Secure traveler" section

Show All Rows

How to get Global Entry and TSA Precheck

The processes for getting Global Entry and TSA Precheck are relatively similar. Both require you to submit an online application, and appear in person for an interview. Unless you've gotten into serious legal trouble or are the subject of a government investigation, you should have no problem getting approved for either program.

Global Entry application process

  • Step 1: Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry site.
  • Step 2: Once your account is created, log in, submit an application for Global Entry status and pay the $100 fee.
  • Step 3: After the CBP approves your application, you should set up an appointment at a Global Entry Enrollment Center — be sure to bring all valid passports and an additional form of ID. *Be aware that you’ll be ineligible for Global Entry if you provided false or incomplete information on your application, have pending or convicted criminal charges or violations with laws in any country.*

In most cases, you've been preapproved for Global Entry if you make it to the interview phase of the application process. After this appointment, you'll likely be verified as a Global Entry member, so long as you don't have a problematic criminal record, your application information is truthful, and you've been confirmed as low risk. Through a program called Enrollment on Arrival, you also have the option of interviewing at an airport anytime you return from a trip. You'll need your valid passport or permanent resident card and documents proving residency. (You’ll also become eligible for Global Entry renewal one year before that five-year expiration date.)

TSA Precheck application process

  • Step 1: To become a TSA Precheck member, fill out an online application
  • Step 2: Set up an appointment at an enrollment center *Steps 1 and 2 should take roughly five minutes to complete.*
  • Step 3: Once you attend your appointment and are approved for Precheck, you can add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to future ticket reservations and enjoy the benefits of expedited security.

You'll have your fingerprints taken. If your criminal record is clean, there should be no problems. In total, the interview should take no longer than 10 minutes.


Global Entry

TSA Precheck

{"backgroundColor":"butter","content":"\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch2\u003EHow to get Global Entry and TSA Precheck\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe processes for getting Global Entry and TSA Precheck are relatively similar. Both require you to submit an online application, and appear in person for an interview. Unless you've gotten into serious legal trouble or are the subject of a government investigation, you should have no problem getting approved for either program.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EGlobal Entry application process\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--root \"\u003E\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--content ShortcodeList--content-margin\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--column\"\u003E\n \u003Cul class=\"ListUnordered--root ListUnordered--bullet\"\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cstrong\u003EStep 1\u003C\/strong\u003E: Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account on the \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"How to Apply for Global Entry\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbp.gov\/travel\/trusted-traveler-programs\/global-entry\/how-apply\"\u003EU.S. Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry site\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E.\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cstrong\u003EStep 2\u003C\/strong\u003E: Once your account is created, log in, submit an application for Global Entry status and pay the $100 fee.\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cstrong\u003EStep 3\u003C\/strong\u003E: After the CBP approves your application, you should set up an appointment at a \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Global Entry Enrollment Centers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbp.gov\/travel\/trusted-traveler-programs\/global-entry\/enrollment-centers\"\u003EGlobal Entry Enrollment Center\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u2014 be sure to bring all valid passports and an additional form of ID. *Be aware that you\u2019ll be ineligible for Global Entry if you provided false or incomplete information on your application, have pending or convicted criminal charges or violations with laws in any country.*\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003C\/ul\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EIn most cases, you've been preapproved for Global Entry if you make it to the interview phase of the application process. After this appointment, you'll likely be verified as a Global Entry member, so long as you don't have a problematic criminal record, your application information is truthful, and you've been confirmed as low risk.\nThrough a program called Enrollment on Arrival, you also have the option of interviewing at an airport anytime you return from a trip. You'll need your valid passport or permanent resident card and documents proving residency. (You\u2019ll also become eligible for Global Entry renewal one year before that five-year expiration date.)\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003ETSA Precheck application process\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--root \"\u003E\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--content ShortcodeList--content-margin\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--column\"\u003E\n \u003Cul class=\"ListUnordered--root ListUnordered--bullet\"\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cstrong\u003EStep 1\u003C\/strong\u003E: To become a TSA Precheck member, fill out an \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"TSA PreCheck\u00ae\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tsa.gov\/precheck\"\u003Eonline application\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cstrong\u003EStep 2\u003C\/strong\u003E: Set up an appointment at an \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Enrollment Center Locator\" href=\"https:\/\/universalenroll.dhs.gov\/locator?serviceCode=11115V\"\u003Eenrollment center\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E *Steps 1 and 2 should take roughly five minutes to complete.*\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cstrong\u003EStep 3\u003C\/strong\u003E: Once you attend your appointment and are approved for Precheck, you can add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to future ticket reservations and enjoy the benefits of expedited security.\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003C\/ul\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EYou'll have your fingerprints taken. If your criminal record is clean, there should be no problems. In total, the interview should take no longer than 10 minutes.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Chr\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EHelpful links\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Ch4\u003EGlobal Entry\u003C\/h4\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--root \"\u003E\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--content ShortcodeList--content-margin\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--column\"\u003E\n \u003Cul class=\"ListUnordered--root ListUnordered--bullet\"\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"How to Apply for Global Entry\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbp.gov\/travel\/trusted-traveler-programs\/global-entry\/how-apply\"\u003EOnline application\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003C\/ul\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--column\"\u003E\n \u003Cul class=\"ListUnordered--root ListUnordered--bullet\"\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Global Entry Enrollment Centers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbp.gov\/travel\/trusted-traveler-programs\/global-entry\/enrollment-centers\"\u003EEnrollment Center\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003C\/ul\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch4\u003ETSA Precheck\u003C\/h4\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--root \"\u003E\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--content ShortcodeList--content-margin\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--column\"\u003E\n \u003Cul class=\"ListUnordered--root ListUnordered--bullet\"\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"TSA PreCheck\u00ae\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tsa.gov\/precheck\"\u003EOnline application\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003C\/ul\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--column\"\u003E\n \u003Cul class=\"ListUnordered--root ListUnordered--bullet\"\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Enrollment Center Locator\" href=\"https:\/\/universalenroll.dhs.gov\/locator?serviceCode=11115V\"\u003EEnrollment center\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003C\/ul\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\n","padding":"double"}

How long does it take to be approved for Global Entry and TSA Precheck®?

For Global Entry, the CBP usually processes applications within six months while TSA Precheck's approval process takes approximately two to three weeks.

  • Global Entry: If you applied through the Trusted Traveler Program website, you can check the status of your application on your dashboard. If the status reads "Pending Review," your application has been received by the CBP and is being processed. Once your status is updated to "Conditionally Approved," you'll receive a notification to schedule an appointment at an enrollment center.
  • TSA Precheck: Once you're preapproved, you'll go into an enrollment center for a quick background check and fingerprint scan. You'll be officially registered as a TSA Precheck member after this appointment, and after you’ve paid the Precheck fee.

All credit cards that come with free Global Entry or free TSA Precheck

The cards listed above are the best overall credit cards that also have a Global Entry refund. However, other cards offer the Global Entry and TSA Precheck benefit that might work better for your travel needs and spending habits. Each card provides the benefit once every four to five years. Here's the list of all the widely available cards that we came across in our search.

What is Global Entry and TSA Precheck®?

Both Global Entry and TSA Precheck® are part of the Trusted Traveler program from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and they’re both designed to help travelers save time on travel.

(Other examples of trusted programs include Sentri, FAST and the Nexus program.) Here’s what you should know about these popular travel options:

Global entry

Global Entry is a program sponsored by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows trusted travelers to bypass long customs lines by re-entering the U.S. with expedited clearance after traveling internationally. You'll forgo any processing lanes or paperwork upon reentry. Enrolling for Global Entry includes complimentary TSA Precheck®.

TSA Precheck®

TSA Precheck® gives preapproved travelers access to an expedited security line at over 200 airports and 80 airlines. With this benefit, you do not need to remove shoes, belts, liquids, food or light jackets. As of December 2021, 94% of TSA Precheck® passengers waited less than five minutes to go through security. TSA Precheck® alone does not include Global Entry.

Admission to either program is good for five years and requires an in-person interview, background check and fingerprinting.

Global Entry

TSA Precheck®

Cost $100 $85
Available for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of select countries U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents
Valid for five years
Requires application and interview
Reduces time waiting in customs
Reduces time waiting in airport security
Includes TSA Precheck

It's advisable for most travelers to select Global Entry over TSA Precheck®. For an extra $15, you can enjoy expedited customs clearance. Any of the credit cards listed above will cover application credits up to $100, so Global Entry is the clear winner here.

Global Entry and TSA Precheck® FAQs

Global Entry is generally the better choice, if you're deciding between the two because of the similar cost (it’s only $15 more than Precheck), and it gets you expedited customs clearance plus the expedited security access of TSA Precheck®.

The best options will cover up the full cost of the application ($100 for Global Entry, or $85 for Precheck.)

You usually only have to charge the application to the specified card, then you’re automatically reimbursed. But timelines and requirements can vary, so you should check with your issuer.

Methodology

To make choosing the right card easier, we've looked at credit cards reviewed on ValuePenguin as well as cards on major issuer sites to compile a list of the best rewards credit cards available right now. Our top picks for Global Entry and TSA Precheck not only offer application reimbursement but other meaningful benefits that will improve your travel experience as a whole — including the rewards value, cost of ownership and value of benefits such as travel and purchase protections, lounge membership and airline companion passes. Our choices are not influenced by our advertisers. Learn more on how we calculate rewards.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, please click here.

The information related to Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Citi Prestige® Credit Card and Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi and PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express Card has been independently collected by ValuePenguin and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply to American Express credit card offers. See americanexpress.com for more information.

How do I get reimbursed for TSA PreCheck Bank of America?

After you sign up through the Trusted Traveler Program website, pay the fee ($100 for Global Entry, $85 for TSA PreCheck) with your credit card, and you'll be automatically reimbursed for the fee on your statement. Most credit cards that offer this benefit will only reimburse one fee every 5 years, so choose wisely.

How do I get TSA PreCheck for free?

The best way to get TSA PreCheck for free is by carrying an eligible credit card. Dozens of credit cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee if you use that card to pay upfront.

Can you use a credit card for TSA PreCheck?

You may pay the TSA PreCheck® Application Program fee with a credit card, debit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier's check.

Which TSA PreCheck cards are free?

Best Credit Cards for Free Global Entry and TSA Precheck® in October 2022 (Updated Monthly).
Winner. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Learn More..
Dining and travel. Chase Sapphire Reserve® On Chase's Secure Website..
United Airlines. United℠ Explorer Card. On Chase's Secure Website..

What can you use Bank of America travel Rewards for?

Points earned through the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card can be redeemed for statement credits to pay for flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars and baggage fees. Each point is worth one cent when redeemed this way.