You can get TSA PreCheck free through certain credit cards, employer programs, and military or government service

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years if you pay out of pocket, but you do not have to. Several credit cards cover the full fee as a cardholder benefit. Some employers reimburse the cost. Military members, federal employees, and certain government contractors may may have access to through their service or agency. A few states also cover it for residents in specific professions.

The catch is that these routes require you to already have the right card, job, or status — you cannot create one just to get PreCheck free. But if you already hold one of these, the fee disappears entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium travel credit cards from American Express, Chase, and Visa cover the TSA PreCheck fee as a standard cardholder benefit.
  • Some employers, including airlines and federal contractors, reimburse TSA PreCheck costs for employees who travel for work.
  • Active military, federal employees, and certain government contractors may receive free or reimbursed PreCheck through their agency or service branch.
  • You still must complete the TSA process and in-person appointment; the free routes only cover the fee itself.
  • A few states offer PreCheck reimbursement for teachers, healthcare workers, or other essential professions — check your state's workforce development office.

Premium credit cards that cover the full TSA PreCheck fee

The most common free route is a premium travel credit card. American Express, Chase, and Visa each offer cards that reimburse the TSA PreCheck fee as a standard benefit. The reimbursement typically covers the full $78 to $85 process cost, and you can claim it once every five years when your PreCheck expires.

The cards that include this benefit usually carry an annual fee of their own — typically $95 to $550 per year — so the PreCheck reimbursement is one of several perks meant to offset that cost. Examples include the American Express Platinum Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and the Visa Infinite cards offered by various banks. Check your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm PreCheck reimbursement is included before you explore for the fee.

The process is straightforward: pay the TSA PreCheck fee yourself, then submit your receipt to the credit card company for reimbursement. Most cards credit the amount back to your account within 30 to 60 days. You do not need to hold the card before you explore for PreCheck — you can explore for the card, receive it, pay the TSA fee, and then claim the reimbursement.

Employer reimbursement programs

Some employers cover TSA PreCheck as a travel benefit, especially if you travel frequently for work. Airlines, consulting firms, federal contractors, and large corporations sometimes offer this. A few employers reimburse automatically once you submit proof of payment; others require you to request it through your HR or travel department.

Check your employee handbook or ask your HR department whether PreCheck reimbursement is available. If it is, they will usually ask you to submit your receipt and the TSA approval letter. Reimbursement timelines vary — some process it within a pay period, others within 30 days.

If your employer does not currently offer this benefit, it may be worth asking. PreCheck is inexpensive compared to other travel benefits, and some companies add it after employees request it.

Military and federal employee programs

Active-duty military members, military retirees, and certain federal employees may receive free or reimbursed TSA PreCheck through their service branch or agency. The Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies sometimes cover the cost for employees who need it for official travel.

If you are active military or a federal employee, contact your travel office or personnel department to ask whether PreCheck reimbursement is available. Some branches and agencies cover it automatically for certain positions; others require you to request it. Military retirees should check with the Veterans Affairs office or their branch's benefits coordinator.

Federal contractors who travel frequently for government work may also may have access to, though this varies by contract and agency. Ask your contracting officer or HR department whether PreCheck coverage is part of your contract benefits.

State and professional reimbursement programs

A small number of states offer PreCheck reimbursement for specific professions. Some states cover it for teachers, healthcare workers, or other essential workers as a workforce development benefit. These programs are not common and change year to year, so availability depends on where you live and your profession.

Check your state's workforce development office, education department, or health department website to see whether PreCheck reimbursement is offered. You can also contact your professional licensing board — if you hold a license in a regulated field, they may know of state programs you may have access to for.

What you still need to do after the fee is covered

Getting the fee covered does not complete your PreCheck process. You still must fill out the TSA process online, pay the fee (which will be reimbursed), and attend an in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center or approved location.

The appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and your Social Security number. TSA will take your fingerprints and photograph. After approval, you will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) by mail, usually within one to two weeks.

The reimbursement or fee waiver only covers the process cost — it does not speed up the process or change what you need to bring to your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get TSA PreCheck free if I do not have a premium credit card or government job?

Not through an official program. Your options are limited to the routes listed above: a may have access to credit card, employer reimbursement, military or federal service, or a state professional program. If none of those explore to you, you would need to pay the fee yourself.

Do I have to pay the TSA fee upfront and wait for reimbursement?

Yes, in most cases. You pay the $78 to $85 fee when you explore, then submit your receipt to your credit card company or employer for reimbursement. Some employers may reimburse you before you explore if you request it in advance, but this is less common. Ask your HR or travel department whether they offer advance reimbursement.

If my credit card covers PreCheck, can I use it multiple times?

Most cards cover the fee once every five years, which aligns with the PreCheck renewal cycle. If you lose your PreCheck or it expires, you can claim the reimbursement again when you renew. Check your card's terms to confirm the reimbursement frequency.

What if I explore for a credit card just to get the PreCheck reimbursement?

You can do this, but the card's annual fee usually costs more than PreCheck itself. For example, if a card charges $95 per year and PreCheck costs $78 to $85, you would spend extra money unless you use other benefits the card offers. Calculate whether the card's other perks — travel credits, lounge access, points — make it worthwhile for you.

How long does it take to get PreCheck after I explore?

The TSA typically approves applications within one to two weeks, and you receive your Known Traveler Number by mail shortly after. You can use your KTN at the airport when ready once you receive it. The reimbursement from your credit card or employer may take 30 to 60 days, but that does not delay your PreCheck approval.