Best Credit Cards for Free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Complimentary Reimbursement in 2024

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The Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler Programs are handy when you want to avoid long airport wait times. Many travel credit cards and airline credit cards reimburse your application fee so you won’t pay out of pocket for this travel investment.

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers several Trusted Travel Programs to help you skip lengthy security wait times. Another benefit is a relaxed security screening as you undergo an enrollment interview when you apply, similar to getting a travel passport.

Here is a closer look at the differences between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. You can also read our full TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry guide.

Global Entry

Global Entry costs $100 every five years and provides expedited security benefits at domestic and international airports. Consider this service if you intend on traveling overseas several times.

However, it takes more effort to receive your credentials as you must schedule an interview at an enrollment center which is usually at a major airport. 

To make the Global Entry interview process more manageable, you can schedule an Enrollment on Arrival interview when returning from an overseas trip.

This program includes TSA PreCheck so you can breeze through security lines on domestic flights. As a result, it’s worth choosing Global Entry if you can schedule an interview and have total airport access.

Further Reading: How to Get a Global Entry Interview Appointment Faster and Known Traveler Number Guide.

TSA PreCheck

For expedited domestic airport security benefits only, TSA PreCheck has a 78 non-refundable application fee every five years ($70 per online renewal). 

Consider this service if you cannot easily reach a Global Entry enrollment center or don’t plan on traveling overseas.

You must schedule an in-person interview but there are plenty of enrollment centers nearby. 

Further Reading: How to Get Through TSA Airport Security Faster and TSA PreCheck Renewal Guide.

How Does Free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Work?

Participating travel credit cards offer up to $100 in application fee credits every four years per account. Essentially, one person receives a full Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit for the initial application and renewal.

Any person can use this application fee credit, including:

• Primary cardholder
• Authorized users
• Non-cardholder friends and family

You don’t have to link your Social Security number to claim this benefit. This convenience is unlike connecting a loyalty account with the same member name to complete point transfers.

Receiving Application Fee Reimbursement

You will pay the non-refundable application fee with a participating credit card. 

The credit card provider automatically reimburses the first application fee you charge to your account. It usually takes up to 8 weeks (1-2 billing cycles) to receive reimbursement, according to most credit card terms and conditions. 

Note: Chase credit cards issue credit within 24 hours.

After redeeming the benefit, you’re eligible for a repeat statement credit in four years. 

However, American Express credit cards have a 4.5-year waiting period for TSA PreCheck. This additional six-month window shouldn’t put your renewal at risk of being unreimbursed.

Do Authorized Users Get Extra Global Entry Credits?

Unfortunately, authorized user credit cards don’t receive their own Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit. However, one notable exception is The Platinum Card® from American Express.

As a result, you must have different credit lines for each person in your household to get free Trusted Traveler status. 

You may decide to carry cards from several travel niches to unlock additional travel benefits like airport lounge access or loyalty club perks.

Best Flexible Credit Cards

Luxury travel cards can be your best option if you want a portfolio of travel benefits that you can enjoy throughout the year.

If a premium card isn’t within your travel budget, a couple of cards with an annual fee near $100 provide free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. You also have several ways to redeem your points.

Platinum Card from American Express

Up to $100 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck and 4 years for Global Entry. Authorized users receive their own credit.

The American Express Platinum Card can have the most valuable reimbursement policy as your secondary cards can also receive their own credit. It’s also possible to receive a CLEAR® application fee credit. 

Unlike most travel rewards cards, authorized users can get their own application fee credit. The basic card has a $695 annual fee (see Rates & Fees – Terms Apply) and you pay an additional $175 yearly for up to 3 additional cards. If you need more cards, your 4th or more card costs $175 each.

Some of the additional benefits include:

• Annual CLEAR® application fee credit (up to $189)
• Up to $200 in airline fee credits
• Up to $200 in Uber Cash per year
• Global Lounge Collection
• Earn up to 5x Membership Rewards on purchases
• 1:1 airline and hotel point transfers
• Entertainment and shopping statement credits.
• Centurion Lounge access

Unlike the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit which is automatic for each secondary card, the CLEAR® credit only applies to the first application.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Up to $100 every 4 years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

The Capital One Venture X Rewards is a bargain-priced premium travel card with a $395 annual fee and up to 3 free authorized user cards.

Featured benefits include:

• Annual $300 statement credit on Capital One Travel purchases
• 10,000 bonus miles each card anniversary
• Priority Pass and Capital One Lounge access
• Earn up to 10x Capital One Miles on travel purchases
• 1:1 airline and hotel point transfers
• Hertz President’s Circle status
• Up to $800 in cell phone protection

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Up to $100 every 4 years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card costs $95 per year and $0 for additional cards.

Travel benefits include:

• 2 one-time passes to Capital One Lounge per year
• Earn up to 5x miles on purchases
• 1:1 airline and hotel point transfers
• Hertz Five Star status

Credit Cards Also Offering NEXUS Credits

If you travel regularly to Canada, you may prefer having NEXUS instead of Global Entry. NEXUS costs $50 every 5 years and provides expedited entry between the United States and Canada by air, land, or water. 

This service can also include TSA PreCheck benefits but doesn’t work outside the US or Canada.

So far, select Chase credit cards offer free NEXUS benefits.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Up to $100 every 4 years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium card with a $550 annual fee plus $75 per authorized user.

You can enjoy these travel benefits:

• $300 annual travel credit
• Earn up to 10x Ultimate Rewards on travel purchases (after the annual $300 credit)
• 1:1 airline and hotel point transfers
• 50% travel redemption bonus
• Priority Pass Select lounge membership
• Primary rental car coverage

IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card

Up to $100 every 4 years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS

In addition to free Global Entry, the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card lets you enjoy these hotel travel benefits:

• IHG Platinum Elite status
• 4th night free on 3+ night award stays
• 1 anniversary night each year (40,000 points or less)
• Earn up to 10x IHG points on purchases

The annual fee is $99 and free additional cards.

Small business travelers can enjoy similar benefits with the IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card ($99/year).

United Airlines Credit Cards

Up to $100 every 4 years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS

The consumer co-brand United Airlines credit cards with an annual fee offer a Trusted Traveler fee credit for the three programs.

Your best option depends on how frequently you fly United Airlines.

Card Name	Key Benefits	Annual Fee
United℠ Explorer Card	Free first checked bag for you and 1 companion 25% back on in-flight purchases 2 United Club one-time passes per year	$0 for the first year and then $95
United Quest℠ Card	$125 annual United purchase creditTwo 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits Free first and second checked bags	$250
United Club℠ Infinite Card	United Club membership Free first and second checked bags $70 discount on CLEAR®	$525

Unfortunately, the business United Airlines credit cards don’t offer Trusted Traveler benefits.

Airline Credit Cards

A handful of co-brand airline credit cards provide expedited security benefits.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Up to $100 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck and 4 years for Global Entry.

The mid-tier Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card costs $250 per year (see Rates & Fees – Terms Apply) and can help you achieve Medallion Status sooner. 

• 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after $25,000 in annual purchases (up to 20,000 MQMs per year)
• Annual Companion Certificate each card renewal (domestic main cabin round-trip)
• Earn up to 3x SkyMiles on purchases
• Free first checked bag for the basic cardmember and up to 8 companions
• Discounted Delta Sky Club access ($39 per person per visit)

The premium Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($550/year) – (see Rates & Fees – Terms Apply) also provides Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee credits. This card is the best option for the most loyal Delta Air Lines passengers.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Up to $100 every five years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

The Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is a premium airline credit card. Its annual fee is $450 which is waivable for qualifying Citigold accounts.

In addition to free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, one of the best reasons to consider this card is for complimentary Admirals Club lounge access. 

Other benefits include:

• Enhanced Airport Experience (i.e., priority check-in, airport screening, and boarding)
• Free first checked bag for you and up to 8 companions
• Earn up to 2x AAdvantage miles on purchases
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every mile you earn
• Receive 10,000 bonus Loyalty Points after spending $40,000 in a status year
• 25% savings on in-flight purchases on American Airlines-operated flights

This is the only branded American Airlines credit card to offer Global Entry and TSA PreCheck reimbursements. Read more about the American Airlines AAdvantage Program.

Hotel Credit Cards

Select hotel credit cards are also offering air travel benefits. 

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Up to $100 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck and 4 years for Global Entry.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is an attractive premium hotel rewards card with a couple of frequent flyer benefits. Its annual fee is $450 (see Rates & Fees – Terms Apply).

Some of the best benefits include:

• Annual $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit
• 1 free night award after each card anniversary (50,000 points or less)
• 15 Elite Night credits per year
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
• Priority Pass Select access
• Earn up to 6x Bonvoy points per $1

Unfortunately, the other Marriott Bonvoy credit cards don’t offer expedited airport security benefits.

IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card was the first hotel card to reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck application fees. 

In comparison to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, it has a more palatable $99 annual fee. This lower annual fee is one of the cheapest ways to get complimentary Global Entry or TSA PreCheck along with free hotel night certificates.

This card also makes our best credit card list as it can reimburse your NEXUS application fee instead of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Business Credit Cards

Select business credit cards offer application fee reimbursements for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Up to $100 every 4 years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business costs $0 the first year and then $95. Additional employee cards are free.

Benefits include:

• 2 one-time Capital One Lounge passes per year
• 5x miles for hotels and car rentals through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on everything else
• 1:1 airline and hotel point transfers

Consider this card if you want an affordable small business credit card. You can easily earn and redeem your points.

The other Spark business credit cards don’t offer Global Entry or TSA PreCheck benefits.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Up to $100 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck and 4 years for Global Entry. Authorized users receive their own credit.

For a business rewards card that “has it all,” consider the Business Platinum Card from American Express.

Like the consumer version of the Amex Platinum, the basic card and each additional card has a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit of up to $100.

The annual fee is $695 (see Rates & Fees – Terms Apply) for the primary card. Starting June 1, 2022, additional employee cards cost $350 each ($300 through May 31, 2022).

Other featured benefits include:

• 35% points back on select airline redemptions (up to 1 million points back per year)
• Annual $200 airline fee credit
• $189 CLEAR® credit (additional cards don’t receive their own credit)
• Global Lounge Collection
• Earn up to 5x Membership Rewards on purchases
• 1:1 point transfers
• $1,000 in business statement credits

The CLEAR® credit only applies to the first $189 in application fees between all cards.

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

There is an abundance of cards that can reimburse the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee for your entire travel party. 

In addition to this benefit, consider each card’s rewards program and additional travel benefits. One card can be more valuable than you realize as free Global Entry is just the tip of the iceberg.

You may consider other travel credit cards to round out your wallet so you don’t miss out on award travel opportunities.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Featured Photo: Phil Dengler of The Vacationer