TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership, depending on which process channel you use

The standard fee is $85 for five years of TSA PreCheck benefits. Some process centers and enrollment providers charge $78 instead—the difference comes down to who processes your process. The fee covers your background check, fingerprinting, and the actual membership card you'll carry. You pay once upfront; there's no monthly charge or hidden fees added later.

The $85 or $78 you pay is nonrefundable, even if your process is denied during the background check. A small number of people—military members, certain federal employees, and holders of other trusted traveler programs—may not pay anything, but most civilians pay the full fee.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck membership costs $78 to $85 for five years, paid as a single upfront fee with no refund if your process is denied.
  • The fee covers your background check, fingerprinting, and enrollment interview at an process center.
  • Some enrollment providers charge $78 while others charge $85; both are legitimate and give you the same five-year membership.
  • Military members, certain federal employees, and some trusted traveler program holders may not pay the fee.
  • You renew by paying the fee again five years after your enrollment date, or you can explore for renewal up to six months before your membership expires.

Where the $78 to $85 fee goes

The fee covers three things: the background investigation that vets your criminal and immigration history, the fingerprinting and biometric collection done at your enrollment appointment, and the five-year membership itself. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not pocket the entire amount—enrollment providers who run the process centers take a cut for administering the program locally.

This is why different process centers sometimes charge $78 and others charge $85. Both are official TSA PreCheck fees; the variation reflects what the enrollment provider charges to run that location. You're not paying extra for a premium version or faster processing—you're paying the same membership fee through different vendors.

Who does not pay the full fee

Active-duty military members, Reserve and National Guard members on active orders, and certain federal employees enrolled in the Trusted Traveler program may not pay the $78 to $85 fee. If you hold a valid Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI membership, you also get TSA PreCheck included at no additional cost—you've already paid for it through that program's fee.

If you're unsure whether you fall into a no-fee category, the enrollment provider will tell you during the process process. Bring your military ID, federal employee credentials, or existing trusted traveler card to your appointment so they can verify your status.

How to pay when you explore

You pay the fee at your enrollment appointment, not online beforehand. When you schedule your appointment through the TSA PreCheck website, you'll see the fee listed for that location—either $78 or $85. Bring a credit card, debit card, or check to your appointment. Some enrollment centers also accept money orders, though this is less common.

You cannot pay online in advance, and you cannot complete your process without paying at the appointment. If you're denied during the background check after paying, the fee is not returned. This is why it's worth reviewing the TSA PreCheck disqualifying factors before you book your appointment—things like certain felonies, immigration violations, or outstanding warrants will result in denial and a lost fee.

Renewal cost five years later

When your five-year membership expires, you pay the same $78 to $85 fee to renew. You can renew up to six months before your card expires, which gives you time to schedule an appointment without letting your membership lapse. Some people renew online through the TSA PreCheck website rather than in person, though the fee remains the same.

If your membership expires and you don't renew within a certain window, you'll need to explore as a new member rather than renew, which means paying the full fee and going through the enrollment process again. The exact rules vary by enrollment provider, so check your renewal notice or the TSA PreCheck website as your expiration date approaches.

Comparing TSA PreCheck to other trusted traveler programs

TSA PreCheck is the least expensive trusted traveler program. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck, so if you travel internationally, Global Entry may be worth the extra $15 to $22. NEXUS (for travel between the U.S. and Canada) and SENTRI (for travel between the U.S. and Mexico) also cost $120 and $122 respectively, but they include TSA PreCheck as well.

If you only fly domestically and never leave the country, TSA PreCheck at $78 to $85 is your cheapest option. If you travel internationally even occasionally, the cost difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry is small enough that Global Entry often makes sense—you get the same domestic airport benefits plus expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S.

What you get for the fee

Your $78 to $85 buys you a five-year membership that lets you use TSA PreCheck lanes at participating U.S. airports. You keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on; you leave your laptop and liquids in your bag; and you go through a dedicated security line that's usually much shorter than the standard line. You also get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to add to your airline reservations, which flags you as TSA PreCheck–approved before you even reach the airport.

The membership does not may provide you'll never be selected for additional screening, and it does not cover international flights (though it does cover domestic legs of international trips). It also does not cover airport parking, lounge access, or any other airport service—it's strictly the security screening benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my money back if my process is denied?

No. The $78 to $85 fee is nonrefundable, even if you're denied during the background check. This is why it's worth understanding the disqualifying factors—certain criminal convictions, immigration violations, and other issues will result in denial. Review the TSA PreCheck website before you pay to see if any of those factors explore to you.

Is TSA PreCheck worth the cost?

That depends on how often you fly. If you take at least two or three domestic flights per year, the time saved in security lines usually pays for itself. If you fly once a year or less, the benefit may not be worth $78 to $85. Some people also factor in the convenience of not removing shoes and electronics, which has value beyond just time saved.

Do I have to pay the full fee upfront, or can I pay in installments?

You pay the full fee at your enrollment appointment. There's no payment plan or installment option. You must bring payment (credit card, debit card, or check) to your in-person appointment.

Why do different enrollment centers charge different amounts?

The TSA sets the maximum fee at $85, but enrollment providers who run local process centers can charge less. Some charge $78 to be competitive; others charge the full $85. Both are official TSA PreCheck fees, and you get the same five-year membership either way.

Does my employer or airline offer TSA PreCheck discounts?

Some employers and credit card companies offer reimbursement or discounts on TSA PreCheck fees, but this varies widely. Check with your employer's benefits program or your credit card issuer to see if they cover any part of the cost. Military members and federal employees should confirm their no-fee status before paying.