The best credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck in August 2024
Published 2:24 PM EDT, Tue April 23, 2024
If you travel with any regularity, domestically or internationally, a Global Entry credit card fee credit could be worth your while. Select travel credit cards reimburse the application fee for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership. Typically, you’ll get access to that credit once every four years or so.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a smoother airport experience, save money, maximize your travel rewards — or do all three — you can find a card to fit your needs.
We receive compensation from our partners for Featured Offer placements, which impacts how and where their offer is displayed.
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 Travel?
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Our team of experts evaluated over 20 cards that offer a fee credit for Global Entry, evaluating factors such as rewards value and travel benefits. Using a data-based approach, we narrowed down the list to the top 10 credit cards that scored highly based on our weightings. Read our full methodology below.
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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best card for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for a low annual fee
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Chase Sapphire Reserve?: Best premium card for flexible travel rewards
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The Platinum Card? from American Express: Best for luxury travel perks
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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card: Best for Marriott
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Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card: *Best for Delta Air Lines
The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Citi? / AAdvantage? Executive World Elite Mastercard?: *Best for American Airlines
The information for the Citi? / AAdvantage? Executive World Elite Mastercard? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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United Club? Infinite Card: Best for United Airlines
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Capital One Spark Miles for Business: Best small business card
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The Business Platinum Card? from American Express: *Best small business card for luxury travel perks
The information for the The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
All information about Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card and The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Chase Sapphire Reserve?
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
The Platinum Card? from American Express
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card
*The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
All information about Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Citi? / AAdvantage? Executive World Elite Mastercard?
*The information for the Citi? / AAdvantage? Executive World Elite Mastercard? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
United Club? Infinite Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
The Business Platinum Card? from American Express
*The information for the The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
All information about The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Our picks at a glance
| Annual fee | Welcome bonus | Best for | Notable feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
| $395
| 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
| Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
| Annual $300 travel credit
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
| $95
| 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening, plus a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first card holder year
| Low annual fee
| 2x miles on most spending
|
Chase Sapphire Reserve?
| $550
| 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠
| Premium perks and flexible travel rewards
| Annual $300 travel credit
|
The Platinum Card? from American Express
| $695
| 80,000 Membership Rewards? points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening
| Luxury travel perks
| Airport lounge access
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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card
| $650
| 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership
| Marriott
| Anniversary free night award
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Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card
*
The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $650
| 75,000 miles after spending $10,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership
| Delta Air Lines
| 15% off award travel on eligible Delta flights
|
Citi? / AAdvantage? Executive World Elite Mastercard?
*
The information for the Citi? / AAdvantage? Executive World Elite Mastercard? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $595
| 100,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $10,000 in the first three months of account opening
| American Airlines
| Admirals Club membership
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United Club? Infinite Card
| $525
| 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| United Airlines
| United Club membership
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Capital One Spark Miles for Business
| $0 intro for the first year; $95 after that
| 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
| Small businesses
| 2% cash back on most purchases
|
The Business Platinum Card? from American Express
*
The information for the The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $695
| 150,000 Membership Rewards? points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases with the card within the first three months of card membership
| Luxury travel perks for small businesses
| Airport lounge access
|
All information about Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card and The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck
While TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both Trusted Traveler Programs, each program serves a different purpose and charges a different application fee.
With TSA PreCheck, US citizens, nationals and permanent residents can get expedited screening at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints in participating domestic airports.
Global Entry is a more comprehensive program from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and provides members expedited clearance when they arrive in the US from international destinations or, at select airports, allows them to preclear US customs and immigration before boarding a US-bound flight. If you have Global Entry, you also have TSA PreCheck. Foreign nationals may also qualify for Global Entry (and the TSA PreCheck that comes with it).
The right program for you depends on your travel habits and preferences. If you mainly travel domestically and wish to avoid long security lines, TSA PreCheck is a convenient solution. On the other hand, if you travel internationally at any frequency, Global Entry is the better choice.
How to apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry both require background checks and fingerprinting, but the application processes don’t look exactly the same.
For TSA PreCheck, you can pre-enroll online before going to an enrollment center to complete the in-person component of the application. You can also walk into an enrollment center without an appointment and complete the full application there, though TSA warns that this will slow the in-person process. You’ll need to bring a valid form of ID, such as a passport, and pay a non-refundable application fee of $78 or $85 for new members, depending on your enrollment center.
Approval usually takes three to five days (but can take up to 60 days). After approval, you’ll receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to add to your flight reservations to utilize TSA PreCheck benefits.
To apply for Global Entry, you’ll need to visit the Trusted Traveler Programs website and create an account. The online application asks for information including your passport number, employment and address history for the previous five years and a list of the countries you’ve visited in that same timeframe. Then, you’ll pay the $100 non-refundable fee.
CBP may conditionally approve your application, typically within 90 days. After that point, you can schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Or, you can use the Enrollment on Arrival option to complete your interview without an appointment after you land at a participating airport.
How Global Entry and TSA PreCheck work with credit cards
Certain credit cards offer statement credits to cover the application fees for the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs.
To get reimbursed, use your eligible card to pay your application fee. Depending on the card, you’ll get reimbursed up to $85 for TSA PreCheck and up to $100 for Global Entry.
These credits currently cover the full application fee, but it may take up to two billing cycles to see the statement credit on your credit card account. You’ll also typically be restricted to one fee credit every four or four-and-a-half years.
Note that on Oct. 1, 2024, the Global Entry application fee will increase to $120. Citi credit cards and Chase credit cards with a Global Entry fee credit (such as the Citi AAdvantage Executive Card and Sapphire Reserve) are increasing their reimbursement to $120 on the same date. Other issuers may do the same.
How to choose a credit card for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
When deciding on the best credit card for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, consider how each card’s benefits and perks match your needs.
Consider the type of rewards you’ll earn
You might earn transferable points, airline miles or hotel points. Choosing a credit card that earns rewards that complement your travel preferences is crucial.
Gauge annual fees
Many credit cards offering Global Entry and TSA PreCheck application credits come with high annual fees. More premium cards can also include additional travel perks, such as airport lounge access and travel credits. You’ll need to assess whether the benefits of the card you choose justify the cost of the annual fee.
Evaluate welcome bonuses and spending categories
Consider the value you’ll get from a card’s sign-up bonus, as these bonuses can significantly boost your travel rewards balances. Different cards also earn bonus rewards on specific types of spending, such as groceries, dining or travel. Opt for a card that offers bonus rewards in spending categories that align with your spending habits to maximize the rewards you earn.
Assess other travel benefits
Perks such as baggage delay insurance and rental car insurance can save you money and enhance your overall travel experience.
Methodology
Our money and data analytics teams evaluated over 20 cards that offer a fee credit for Global Entry. We then narrowed down our list of the best cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck by giving them a star rating out of five based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:
Rewards value (25%)
Many credit cards earn rewards, but not all credit card points and miles are worth the same amount. We used spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and estimates of rewards values from The Points Guy to determine which cards dole out the best rewards value.
Sign-up bonus value (25%)
Many cards offer bonus cash back, points or miles to consumers who spend a certain amount in their first months with the card. We calculated how much those bonuses are worth using points valuations from The Points Guy, and boosted cards that offer more value.
Benefits (25%)
Cards that offer travel benefits such as baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and airport lounge access received a boost, as did cards with perks such as cell phone protection, purchase protection and extended warranty.
Select fees (20%)
Cards with lower annual fees and no or low foreign transaction fee and competitive variable APRs received a boost compared to cards with higher fees and rates.
Annual credits and bonuses (5%)
Credit cards that come with credits and bonuses for spending in categories including groceries, dining, entertainment and gas received a boost.
What didn’t make the cut
- Aeroplan? Credit Card: The card offers solid value with a reasonable annual fee. However, given it’s an airline credit card from an international carrier, it may be less attractive to US customers.
- U.S. Bank Altitude? Reserve Visa Infinite? Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude? Reserve Visa Infinite? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : This premium card has good benefits and a valuable welcome bonus, but the absence of transfer partners, a feature found in cards from competitors Capital One, Chase and Amex, limits flexibility.
- United? Explorer Card: This card offers good value compared to its annual fee but lacks perks offered by premium United Airlines cards, making it less enticing for those seeking elite benefits.
- Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card: The Delta Reserve Business card beats out the personal version of this card due to its higher welcome offer (though the spending requirement is also much higher).
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card * The information for the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : While it offers cardholders solid value and a reasonable $95 annual fee, the absence of transfer partners could be a drawback for users looking for options in redeeming rewards.
We receive compensation from our partners for Featured Offer placements, which impacts how and where their offer is displayed.
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck. If you have Global Entry, you don’t need to sign up for TSA PreCheck.
Yes, you can use your credit card’s Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit for someone else. To do so, use your eligible card to pay for the application fee for your friend or family member, and the statement credit should be issued automatically. Keep in mind that you’ll typically only have access to this statement credit once every four or four-and-a-half years per card.
The frequency with which you get the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit depends on the card. But in general, you’ll qualify for the credit every four to four-and-a-half years. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships are valid for five years (though you can keep using your Global Entry membership for up to two years after it expires if your renewal is still pending).
TSA PreCheck is easier to get than Global Entry for US citizens, nationals and permanent residents. The Global Entry program requires a passport, while TSA PreCheck doesn’t, and it can take longer to get approved for Global Entry.
To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card? from American Express, please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card, please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card? from American Express * The information for the The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card, please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card * The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.
All information about Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, Citi? / AAdvantage? Executive World Elite Mastercard?, Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card, The Business Platinum Card? from American Express and U.S. Bank Altitude? Reserve Visa Infinite? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines, hotel chain, or other commercial entity and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of such entities.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended and should not be understood to constitute financial, investment, insurance or legal advice. All individuals are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified financial professional before making any financial, insurance or investment decisions.
Note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed or may no longer be available.
