What Is TSA PreCheck? A Guide to Eligibility, Benefits, and Availability as a Credit Card Perk

No one likes standing in long lines at airport security, removing their shoes, and unpacking their laptops when they’re in a rush. At that point, you probably wish you could click your heels together and teleport to your destination, but that’s not possible — especially if your heels are going through the X-ray machine.

That’s why TSA launched the TSA PreCheck program in 2011 to streamline airport security screening and get low-risk U.S. travelers where they need to go faster and easier. TSA PreCheck works at more than 200 U.S. airports, bringing convenience to millions of travelers.

TSA PreCheck is a federal service that expedites getting through airport security, and some premium travel credit cards reimburse the cost.

If you want to know more, I compiled everything you need to know about TSA PreCheck, including eligibility and application basics, to show you why signing up can be a no-brainer for air travelers. I’ll also explain which travel credit cards will reimburse you for joining the TSA PreCheck program. 

TSA PreCheck is a federal service, yet it is surprisingly easy to use. All kidding aside, TSA data from 2024 shows about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes to pass through security.

TSA’s tight management over eligibility and applications makes those short wait times possible.

Eligibility Requirements

TSA PreCheck works well because it does a lot of upfront preparation to eliminate questions at the gate. It limits eligibility to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents and goes to great lengths to establish your status.

You’re disqualified if you have certain criminal offenses or transportation security violations on your record. Not surprisingly, you’re also out if you lie on your application.

The Application Process

It should also not come as a surprise that TSA needs to meet you in person. During a brief online application, you’ll set up an appointment at one of more than 500 enrollment locations nationwide.

At your enrollment appointment, which usually lasts about 10 minutes, TSA officials will take your photo and fingerprints, scan your identification documents, and accept your payment. The fee varies depending on the enrollment provider you use, but the general cost is between $78 and $85 and lasts five years.

Now they know you are who you say you are. TSA then performs a thorough background check to uncover any and all reasons why the U.S. government wouldn’t trust you at the airport. You also agree to open yourself to an ongoing criminal history check as a condition of enrollment.

In other words, TSA starts keeping tabs on you the moment you enter the system. If everything checks out, approval usually arrives within a week, but exceptional cases may require a few months. Let’s hope you’re not among those cases. 

Approval allows you to add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your reservations and start quickly moving through the TSA PreCheck lines.

TSA PreCheck had 15 million members when we wrote this in 2024. The latest data suggested it could handle up to 50% of all passengers at participating airports on peak travel days.

Other transportation security and airport screening programs exist, including Global Entry, which I’ll discuss below. TSA PreCheck works best for relatively frequent domestic fliers because it only works for flights leaving the U.S.

Here are some of the ways TSA PreCheck benefits travelers.

Time Savings and Convenience

The best argument for investing in TSA PreCheck is time savings. Sure, the PreCheck line may seem unexpectedly long, especially during peak travel times and seasons. But remember that you invested in traveling to the enrollment center and going through that background check for a reason.

You can keep your shoes on. And your belt and your jacket. Laptops and liquids stay in their bags. PreCheck moves much faster than regular screening, streamlining security for users.

Less Stressful Travel

If you’re usually a single traveler, please take a moment to recall the stress of juggling your personal items as you somehow push everything through screening.

Now add the stress of traveling with a family. Those of you who have been through it know that shepherding multiple dependent individuals through the TSA security line can be like herding cats.

Now add even more stress if you’re a frequent family flier. Putting your family through the security line once is doable, but there’s no good way to turn it into a routine.

You can negate some of that stress if you go through TSA PreCheck, which makes routine domestic individual, business, and family travel logistics a breeze. Deal with the enrollment process, keep up with your membership online, and learn not to dread the airport experience.

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck

I mentioned Global Entry above in connection with TSA PreCheck’s target audience of relatively frequent U.S. domestic fliers. Global Entry might be more your speed if you travel internationally — for business or pleasure.

As we learned above, TSA PreCheck is a U.S. Travel Security Administration program that works through domestic airports. U.S. Customs and Border Protection administers Global Entry for international travelers entering the U.S. via nearly 100 international airports.

Global Entry also works for travel via ship or car. The fee is $100 for a five-year membership. Membership in Global Entry brings the added benefit of membership in TSA PreCheck, extending the convenience of expedited screening to many more airports.

Similar to applying for TSA PreCheck, a Global Entry application starts online. However, background checks to verify criminal history, immigration status, and other details occur before a thorough in-person interview at an enrollment center.

Global Entry is well worth it if your travel routine includes frequent stops through customs. Global Entry Lanes use unique photo-verification technology and brief contact with a Customs and Border Protection official to speed travelers through necessary checks to their destination.

Military members qualify for free TSA PreCheck benefits. Many airline and hotel loyalty programs allow you to pay for PreCheck benefits with points and miles.

TSA PreCheck’s power to make lines move faster has also made credit card issuers eager to offer it as a perk. Here are some best cardholder practices for streamlining travel through TSA PreCheck.

How to Claim the Credit

Many credit cards, including some that charge no annual fee, offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry application and renewal fees.

It’s obviously a good idea to check whether your current card is eligible before applying or renewing your membership for either program. If getting the fee covered is a priority, you could sign up for a new card that offers reimbursement if you don’t already have one.

Then, use your eligible card to pay your TSA PreCheck application or renewal fee in return for an automatic statement credit.

Additional Perks Associated with TSA PreCheck

Issuers typically make reimbursement available once every four or five years to coincide with the renewal periods for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

Some also raise the stakes with bonus rewards points for travel purchases. If you’re a travel rewards buff, you may already have a plan, so make sure TSA PreCheck fits it or adjust accordingly.If you aren’t, your interest in TSA PreCheck at least signals an appreciation of travel.

The savings can add up quickly for every trip you plan and ticket you buy, so reading this could motivate you to streamline your travel routine.

Cards with TSA PreCheck reimbursement typically offer travel perks such as airport lounge access, rewards on travel purchases, and travel insurance.

It’s an excellent system for those willing to make an upfront investment.

Examples of Credit Cards That Offer TSA PreCheck

Many travel and premium credit cards offer TSA PreCheck reimbursement as a benefit. If you’re already in the card rewards game, you know the value you can bring. Perhaps you’re just learning that PreCheck signup reimbursement is available with your other perks.

Or, perhaps you’re a frequent domestic traveler who’s never realized the connection with credit cards. Either way, travel card rewards can effectively render the TSA PreCheck signup fee a formality.

Check out these cards specifically:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• The Platinum Card®
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
• United Explorer Card

I would advise newbies to stay up to date regarding offer terms and conditions and to always be on the lookout for something new on the horizon.

If you look for it, you’ll probably find it.

We all want our airports to be safe and our flights uneventful. That requires us to make some sacrifices on behalf of the greater good — and airport security is one of them. 

So, if you travel frequently, take a few steps to help yourself and give TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry) a look. Understanding your options as a frequent traveler can save you money and aggravation while strengthening the system.