Travelers not wanting to shell out big bucks for premium travel cards have options when it comes to receiving free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits.
Note: The original version of this post was published on August 20, 2019. It has since been updated with more cards offering the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit perk.
René and I both have Global Entry and love it. TSA PreCheck is a must for any US traveler who flies even semi-regularly.
Travel internationally even once a year with a couple of domestic trips here and there? You definitely want Global Entry. Why? Because it speeds you through customs when returning to the US and includes TSA PreCheck.
Global Entry costs $100 for five years. TSA PreCheck runs $85 for five years. The extra $15 is worth it — especially when someone else picks up the tab! 😉
Getting Global Entry (or TSA PreCheck) Credit Through Travel or Charge Cards
Global Entry (or TSA PreCheck) credit is offered as a perk through a number of travel credit cards.
To take advantage of this benefit, you must use the card with an available Global Entry or TSA PreCheck to pay the respective program’s non-refundable application fee. You should see a statement credit within a few days to a week.
Remember: the cardholder does not need to be the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applicant. I’ve used spare Global Entry credits to give friends the gift of expedited security and customs reentry!
Annual Fee Waived the First Year (And Under $100 Each Year After)
Chase’s United Explorer card is a good deal for people finding themselves on flying United once or twice a year. Cardholders receive two United Club passes each card year anniversary. Considering that one-time club admission runs $59 each, you essentially save $23 each year when using both passes.
You also earn 2X miles on United purchases, at restaurants and on hotel stays.
When traveling United you receive these benefits:
- First checked bag free when using your United Explorer card to purchase your ticket
- Priority boarding
- 25% statement credit on United inflight purchases
The Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit is complimentary every four years.
Learn more now about the United Explorer card
The $99 Annual Fee Card with Hotel Benefits
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (learn how to apply)
Another Chase card with low annual fee — the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card — offers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years.
Cardholders also receive complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum status and a free night at properties 40,000 points or less.
Receive 2X points at:
- Gas stations
- Grocery store
- Restaurants
1X on all other purchases
The $89 annual fee is not waived.
Learn more now about the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Other Cards Worth Considering
Some airline loyalists can take advantage of the perk on co-branded credit cards.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a must for any frequent Southwest Airlines frequent flyer. Not only does it come with 365 annual inflight WiFi credits and four yearly upgraded boardings — it includes the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credit.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card‘s annual fee is $199.
Four of the Delta American Express cards now offer the Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit, too:
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Cardfrom American Express
Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Why It May Be Worth Getting a Premium Card with Global Entry Credit
Frequent travelers can easily offset the high annual fees from cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (learn more), The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (learn more), and Chase Sapphire Reserve.
In addition to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits every four years, each of the above come with airport lounge access and their own benefits:
The Platinum Card® from American Express (learn how to apply) carries a $550 annual fee but offers these annual benefits:
- $200 annual airline incidental credit for a carrier chosen by the cardholder
- $200 annual Uber credit (offered in monthly installments)
- $100 annual Saks Fifth Ave credit ($50 each six months)
- Complimentary admission to American Express Centurion Lounges
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club access when traveling on Delta Air Lines
- Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounges
- Complimentary admission to Escape Lounges
You can save a substantial amount of money alone eating and drinking in the airport lounges. That benefit plus the airline and Uber credits easily can earn back your $550 annual fee.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (learn how to apply) carries a $595 annual fee but offers these annual benefits:
- $200 annual airline incidental credit for a carrier chosen by the cardholder
- $200 annual Dell credit ($100 each six months installments)
- $10 Gogo Inflight Wifi Passes
- Complimentary admission to American Express Centurion Lounges
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club access when traveling on Delta Air Lines
- Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounges
- Complimentary admission to Escape Lounges
The Chase Sapphire Reserve gives its $550 annual fee-paying cardholders:
- $300 travel credit for airlines, hotels, ridesharing, taxis, parking…
- Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounges
If you can earn back the annual fees on a premium card, it may be worth considering one of those instead. (Or adding another travel card to your arsenal ;-))
–Chris
Cover photo: James Tourtellotte/CBP
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Don’t forget Citi Prestige – and also one of the three cards that still has a restaurant benefit as part of Priority Pass