Cards That Cover Global Entry/TSA Precheck Fees

Going through airport security lines faster with TSA PreCheck or U.S. Customs faster with Global Entry makes travel less stressful. But paying the $85 to $100 application fees for these programs can be burdensome.

Fortunately, many top travel rewards credit cards offer statement credits to completely cover your application fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment. In this guide, we’ll look at the top cards that can pay for these travel programs.

What are Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are trusted traveler programs run by U.S. Customs and Homeland Security. They provide:

• Expedited screening when entering the U.S. from abroad (Global Entry)
• Faster security clearance at 100+ U.S. airports (TSA PreCheck)
• Access to dedicated lines and kiosks to avoid long waits
• 5-year membership validity once approved

Membership costs $100 for Global Entry and $85 for TSA PreCheck. But many premium travel cards reimburse this fee.

Cards Covering Global Entry Fee

These credit cards offer a statement credit to cover the $100 Global Entry application fee:

Chase Sapphire Reserve – $100 credit every 4 years

The Platinum Card from American Express – Up to $100 credit for Global Entry every 4 years

Citi Premier Card – $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 5 years

Capital One Venture X – One $100 credit for Global Entry about every 4 years

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve – $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years

Bank of America Premium Rewards – Up to $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Aeroplan Elite Visa Black Card – One $100 statement credit every 5 years to cover Global Entry

Be sure to enroll for Global Entry first before using your card credit to cover the charge. Some issuers have special application directions to follow.

Cards Covering TSA Precheck Fee

If you don’t often travel internationally, these cards cover the $85 TSA PreCheck membership fee:

United Explorer Card – $100 fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every 4 years

Delta SkyMiles Gold & Platinum Amex – Up to $100 fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Citi AAdvantage Executive Card – $100 statement credit every 5 years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card – Up to $100 fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every 4 years

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex – Up to $100 fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Hilton Honors Aspire Card – $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every 5 years

Be sure to add the card as your method of payment when applying through the TSA PreCheck enrollment portal after approval.

Why Issuers Offer Fee Credits

These are the main benefits issuers gain by covering TSA PreCheck and Global Entry costs:

• Provides additional value to cardholders that helps justify high annual fees
• Encourages consumer spending on the card to earn rewards
• Promotes customer loyalty and card retention
• Attracts new accounts with a valuable statement credit offer
• Fits brand positioning as a premium travel rewards card

Make sure to check for any minimum spending requirements to earn the credits. And know the enrollment validity periods – some credits renew every 4-5 years on the same card.

How to Use the Credit and Enroll

Here are some tips for utilizing a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee statement credit:

• Make sure to have the card before starting your application as most won’t reimburse past fees.
• If approved, use the card to pay your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment fee.
• Keep the receipt showing the charge. You’ll need this when requesting reimbursement.
• Request reimbursement by the deadline given by the card issuer.
• Call your issuer if the credit doesn’t post as expected after a billing cycle.
• Set a calendar reminder to re-enroll when your status is expiring and take advantage of the next credit.

Other Benefits of Enrollment

Along with expedited airport screening, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck provide additional travel benefits:

Don’t need to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, or laptops from bags – Makes security faster and easier

Keep liquids and gels in carry-on bags – Avoid having to separate containers

Dedicated security lines – Much shorter waits compared to regular airport security

Don’t need to go through customs when re-entering the U.S. – Use Global Entry kiosks instead

TSA PreCheck lanes available at 100+ U.S. airports – Covering most major hubs and airlines

Backround check pre-approved by Homeland Security – Speeds up security clearance

Who Should Enroll in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?

These programs make the most sense for:

• Frequent international travelers entering the U.S. 20+ times per year (Global Entry)
• Those who regularly fly out of TSA PreCheck participating airports (PreCheck)
• Families traveling with small children who need to avoid removing shoes
• Business travelers who value faster airport security clearance
• Anyone that checks baggage and wants faster carry-on screening
• Frequent flyers willing to pay upfront for 5 years of expedited screening

Occasional travelers may not visit participating airports often enough to justify paying the fee. But for road warriors, the time savings are well worth it.

Final Thoughts

Paying for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck out of pocket can be a financial burden. But the right premium travel credit card with a statement credit benefit allows you to enroll at no cost to you.

Just be sure to carefully follow the reimbursement instructions to earn the credit after approval. And if you travel frequently, re-enroll when your status is expiring to take advantage of another fee credit.

With a covered application fee, the programs provide comfort, shorter wait times, and less hassle navigating airport security. It’s a valuable perk that’s well worth pursuing with the help of the right rewards credit card.