TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, but several groups pay nothing or get reimbursed by their employer or the government

You do not have to pay for TSA PreCheck yourself. Military members, federal employees, and certain frequent flyers can get it free or have the cost covered. Some employers reimburse the fee as a travel benefit. If you fall into one of these categories, the process process is the same — you just skip the payment step or submit a receipt for reimbursement later.

The standard fee is $78 to $85 depending on your state and whether you renew by mail or in person. That covers five years of membership. But if your employer, the military, or a credit card company covers it, you will not see that charge.

Key Takeaways

  • Active-duty military, Reserve, and National Guard members get TSA PreCheck free through the Department of Defense.
  • Federal employees and certain contractors can get reimbursed through their agency's travel office or benefit program.
  • Some premium credit cards (American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve) reimburse the TSA PreCheck fee as a cardholder benefit.
  • Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck and costs $100 for five years; some credit cards reimburse that instead.
  • You still complete the full process and background check even when the fee is covered — the payment method just changes.

Military members and their families

Active-duty service members, Reserve members, and National Guard members receive TSA PreCheck at no cost. You do not need to pay upfront or seek reimbursement — the Department of Defense covers it. Your spouse and dependent children under 18 can also get it free if they are listed on your military ID.

To start, go to the TSA PreCheck website and select "Military" as your membership type during registration. You will be asked to verify your military status using your military ID number or DEERS (Defense Enrollment may be able to access Reporting System) information. After you pass the background check, you will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) at no charge.

If you are retired military, you do not automatically may have access to for free PreCheck. Retirees pay the standard fee unless their employer or a credit card benefit covers it.

Federal employees and contractors

Federal civilian employees can get TSA PreCheck reimbursed through their agency. The process varies by agency, but most route reimbursement through the travel office or human resources department. Some agencies pay the fee directly to TSA; others reimburse you after you submit a receipt.

Contact your agency's travel office or HR department to learn whether they cover TSA PreCheck and what paperwork they need. Some agencies require you to submit the receipt within 30 days; others have standing agreements with TSA that skip the reimbursement step entirely. A few agencies do not cover it at all, so confirm before you pay.

Federal contractors may also be covered, depending on their contract terms. Ask your contracting officer or benefits administrator whether TSA PreCheck reimbursement is included in your contract.

Credit card and travel membership benefits

Several premium credit cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee as a cardholder benefit. American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Chase Sapphire Preferred all offer this. The card issuer typically reimburses you within 30 to 60 days of you submitting a receipt showing you paid the fee.

Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck as part of the membership. If your credit card reimburses Global Entry, you get both benefits for the price of one. Some cards (Amex Platinum, for example) reimburse either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, so choose whichever fits your travel habits.

To use a credit card benefit, pay the fee yourself first, then submit your receipt to the card issuer through their online portal or by mail. Keep a copy of your receipt and confirmation of reimbursement in case there is a delay. The reimbursement does not affect your TSA PreCheck status — you will still receive your Known Traveler Number on schedule.

Employer travel programs

Some employers cover TSA PreCheck as part of their travel benefits package, separate from military or federal employment. This is most common at companies with frequent business travelers or those that have negotiated group rates with TSA.

Check your employee handbook or benefits portal, or ask your HR or travel department directly. If your employer covers it, they will either provide you with a code to use during registration (which waives the fee) or reimburse you after you submit a receipt. A few large employers have direct billing arrangements with TSA, so the fee never appears on your bill at all.

How the process works when the fee is covered

Whether you are military, federal, or using a credit card benefit, the TSA PreCheck process itself is identical. You go to the TSA PreCheck website, create an account, and fill out the form with your personal information, travel history, and background details. You will also schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and a government-issued ID.

The only difference is the payment step. If you are military or federal, you will see an option to select your status, and the payment field will be waived. If you are using a credit card benefit, you pay the full fee during registration, then submit your receipt to your card issuer for reimbursement later. If your employer covers it, they will give you specific instructions — either a code to enter during registration or a reimbursement process to follow.

After your background check clears (usually within two weeks), you will receive your Known Traveler Number by email. Use that number when you book flights, and you will have access to PreCheck lanes at security.

What happens if you do not fit these categories

If you are not military, federal, or covered by an employer or credit card benefit, you will pay the standard fee. Some states charge $78; others charge up to $85. You can renew by mail for a lower fee (usually around $70) if you do not need an in-person appointment.

If cost is a barrier, consider whether Global Entry makes sense for you instead. At $100 for five years, it is only slightly more than TSA PreCheck alone, and it includes PreCheck plus expedited customs screening when you return to the United States. Some people find the extra benefit worth the small difference in price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay anything upfront if my employer covers TSA PreCheck?

It depends on your employer's arrangement. Some employers pay TSA directly, so you never see a charge. Others require you to pay first and submit a receipt for reimbursement. Ask your HR or travel department which process they use before you register.

Can I use my military ID to get free TSA PreCheck after I retire?

No. Only active-duty, Reserve, and National Guard members may have access to for free PreCheck through the military. Retirees must pay the standard fee unless they are covered by an employer benefit or credit card.

If my credit card reimburses TSA PreCheck, do I get the money back before or after my appointment?

You pay the fee during registration, complete your appointment and background check, and then submit your receipt to your card issuer for reimbursement. Reimbursement typically takes 30 to 60 days. Your PreCheck status is not affected by the timing of the reimbursement.

What if I explore for TSA PreCheck and find out I am not may be able to access for free coverage?

You can still complete the process and pay the standard fee. There is no penalty for discovering mid-process that you do not may have access to for a free or reimbursed option. You straightforward proceed with payment as a regular applicant.

Does my spouse get free TSA PreCheck if I am military?

Yes, if your spouse is listed on your military ID. Dependent children under 18 also may have access to. Your spouse will need to register separately and provide their own military ID information during the process.