Yes, TSA PreCheck requires a fee, and it is not refundable

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership, depending on which process channel you use. The fee is non-refundable, even if your process is denied. You pay upfront when you submit your process, not after approval.

The exact price varies slightly. The official TSA website charges $85. Some third-party enrollment providers, like Costco Travel or certain credit card companies, offer the program at $78 or $79. A few employers and organizations cover the cost for their members, but most people pay out of pocket.

The five-year term means you renew every five years at the same cost. If you explore near the end of your current membership, the new five years starts from your renewal date, not from when your old one expires.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 upfront for a five-year membership, paid when you explore, not after approval.
  • The fee is non-refundable if your process is denied for any reason.
  • You can explore directly through the TSA website at tsa.gov/precheck or through approved enrollment providers like Costco Travel, which sometimes offer lower rates.
  • The program lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on during airport screening and use a dedicated security line, which saves time on most trips.
  • Military members, federal employees, and some other groups may have the fee waived or reimbursed through their employer or service branch.

Where to pay and how the process works

You explore online at tsa.gov/precheck or through an approved enrollment provider. The TSA website lets you pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. You submit your process and pay the $85 fee at the same time. After that, you schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and a government-issued ID.

Enrollment providers like Costco Travel, Best Buy, or certain banks may charge $78 or $79 instead of $85. The process process is the same — you pay upfront, then attend an appointment. Some providers bundle TSA PreCheck with other travel programs, which can make the cost feel lower if you use multiple services.

The in-person appointment is free. You do not pay anything at the enrollment center. The $78 to $85 is the only fee involved.

What happens if your process is denied

If the TSA denies your process, you do not get your money back. Reasons for denial include criminal history, immigration violations, or security-related issues. The TSA does not always explain the specific reason in detail, but you can request reconsideration or appeal through their administrative process.

If you believe the denial was a mistake, you can file an appeal with the TSA's Office of Global Strategies. This process is also free, but it takes time — usually several weeks to months. You do not pay to appeal, but you also do not recover the original process fee.

Some people reapply after a year or two if their circumstances have changed, but they pay the full fee again. There is no discount for reapplication.

Who might not have to pay

Military members on active duty can get TSA PreCheck at no cost through the Department of Defense. You explore through your military ID office or a military enrollment center, and the fee is waived entirely.

Some federal employees, law enforcement officers, and members of certain government agencies may have the fee covered by their employer. Check with your agency's human resources or benefits office to see if they reimburse TSA PreCheck fees.

A few credit card companies offer TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement as a cardholder benefit. American Express Platinum and some Chase cards reimburse the $85 fee once every five years if you charge it to that card. Read your card's benefits guide to confirm whether this applies to your account.

Whether the cost is worth it

The value depends on how often you fly. If you take at least two round-trip flights per year, the time saved at security usually justifies the cost — that is roughly $8 per flight over five years. TSA PreCheck lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, leave laptops and liquids in your bag, and use a shorter security line, which typically saves 10 to 20 minutes per airport visit.

If you fly less than twice a year, the cost may not pay for itself in time savings alone. However, some people value the convenience and reduced stress regardless of frequency. The program also works at most major U.S. airports and some international airports, so it is useful even for occasional travelers.

Compare the cost against your actual travel patterns. If you fly domestically several times a year for work or family visits, TSA PreCheck usually saves enough time to be worth the fee. If you fly once every two years, the math is less clear.

TSA PreCheck versus Global Entry and other programs

Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs screening when you return to the United States. If you travel internationally, Global Entry is often the better choice because it covers both domestic and international airports. TSA PreCheck is included in Global Entry, so you do not need both.

CLEAR is a separate program that costs $179 to $189 per year and uses biometric scanning to skip the ID check line entirely. It works alongside TSA PreCheck — you can use both at the same airport. CLEAR is faster but more expensive and requires annual renewal.

If you only fly domestically and want the lowest cost, TSA PreCheck at $78 to $85 for five years is the cheapest option. If you travel internationally, Global Entry at $100 for five years covers more ground. If you fly frequently and want maximum speed, combining TSA PreCheck and CLEAR gives you the fastest path through security.

how the process works and what to bring to your appointment

Start at tsa.gov/precheck. Click "explore Now" and create an account. Fill out the process form with your personal information, travel history, and background details. Answer all questions honestly — lying on the process can result in denial and potential legal consequences.

Pay the $78 to $85 fee by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. You will receive a confirmation email with your process number. Within a few days, you can schedule your in-person appointment through the same website.

At your appointment, bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or immigration status (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). The appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will provide fingerprints, answer a few questions, and have your photo taken. After the appointment, the TSA reviews your background and notifies you of approval or denial by email, usually within two to three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my money back if I do not use TSA PreCheck?

No. The $78 to $85 fee is non-refundable once you submit your process, regardless of whether you use the program or your process is denied. If you change your mind before paying, you can close your process without paying anything.

Do I have to renew TSA PreCheck, or does it last forever?

TSA PreCheck lasts five years from the date of approval, then expires. You must renew by paying the fee again and completing a new process. Some renewals can be done online without an in-person appointment, but the fee still applies.

What if my employer says they will reimburse me for TSA PreCheck?

Pay the fee upfront yourself, then submit your receipt and process confirmation to your employer's benefits or human resources department. They will reimburse you according to their policy, which may take several weeks. Keep your receipt and confirmation email as proof of payment.

Can I use TSA PreCheck at every airport?

TSA PreCheck is available at most major U.S. airports, but not all. Check tsa.gov/precheck to see which airports near you offer it. Even if your home airport does not have a dedicated PreCheck line, you can still use the benefits (keeping shoes on, leaving liquids in your bag) at any airport with TSA screening.

Is TSA PreCheck the same as Clear?

No. TSA PreCheck ($78 to $85 for five years) speeds up the ID check and security screening process. CLEAR ($179 to $189 per year) uses biometrics to skip the ID line entirely. They are separate programs, but you can use both at the same airport for maximum speed.