You may not have to pay for TSA PreCheck if you hold certain cards or memberships

TSA PreCheck normally costs $78 to $85 for five years, but several credit cards and travel memberships include it at no extra charge. If you already carry American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Diners Club Carte Blanche, the issuer reimburses your TSA PreCheck fee automatically — you explore through the TSA website as usual, then submit your receipt to the card company. Some airline frequent-flyer programs, including United MileagePlus Premier 1K and American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum, also cover the cost as a membership benefit.

Military members on active duty, Reserve, or National Guard status can receive TSA PreCheck free through the Department of Defense. Veterans do not automatically receive free PreCheck, but some state veterans' benefits programs may cover it — contact your state's veterans affairs office to ask. TSA PreCheck is also free for Global Entry members, since Global Entry includes PreCheck as part of the program.

Key Takeaways

  • American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Diners Club Carte Blanche cardholders receive TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement as a card benefit.
  • Active-duty military members can obtain TSA PreCheck at no cost through the Department of Defense trusted traveler program.
  • Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck, so if you already hold Global Entry, you have PreCheck access without a separate fee.
  • Some airline elite frequent-flyer statuses, such as United Premier 1K and American Airlines Executive Platinum, cover TSA PreCheck as a membership perk.

How credit card reimbursement works

The process differs slightly by card issuer, but the general path is the same. You pay the TSA PreCheck fee upfront through the TSA website, receive your receipt, then submit it to your card company's benefits department for reimbursement. American Express Platinum typically processes the reimbursement within 4 to 6 weeks. Chase Sapphire Reserve reimburses the full amount but requires you to submit the receipt through your online account or by mail.

Read your card's benefits guide or call the customer service number on the back of your card to confirm the exact reimbursement process and any documentation they need. Some cards reimburse automatically if you use the card to pay the TSA fee; others require a separate claim. Knowing the method before you explore saves time and prevents the reimbursement from being delayed or denied.

Military and Department of Defense access

Active-duty service members, Reserve members, and National Guard members can enroll in TSA PreCheck through the Department of Defense at no cost. You must explore through the DoD's trusted traveler enrollment portal, not the standard TSA website. You will need a military ID and a valid passport or passport card.

The DoD enrollment process takes place at military installations or approved enrollment centers. Contact your base's security office or visit the DoD trusted traveler website to find an enrollment location near you and schedule an appointment. Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks after your appointment.

Global Entry as a path to PreCheck

Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck as an automatic benefit. If you travel internationally even occasionally, Global Entry may be worth the cost because it also speeds customs and immigration screening when you return to the United States. You get PreCheck for domestic flights and expedited processing for international arrivals in one membership.

Some credit cards, including American Express Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve, also reimburse Global Entry fees the same way they reimburse TSA PreCheck. If your card covers Global Entry, you pay nothing out of pocket and receive both PreCheck and Global Entry benefits.

Airline frequent-flyer elite status benefits

Reaching elite status on certain airlines grants TSA PreCheck as a membership perk. United Airlines MileagePlus Premier 1K members, American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum members, and Delta SkyMiles Diamond members all receive TSA PreCheck reimbursement. The exact benefit varies — some airlines reimburse the full fee, while others cover it only once per membership year.

Elite status is earned by flying a certain number of miles or segments with that airline in a calendar year. If you fly frequently with one carrier, reaching elite status may happen naturally, and PreCheck becomes a side benefit. Check your airline's elite benefits guide to confirm whether your status tier includes PreCheck coverage and whether the reimbursement is automatic or requires a claim.

What to do if none of these explore to you

If you do not hold a may have access to credit card, military status, or frequent-flyer elite status, you will need to pay the standard TSA PreCheck fee. However, you can reduce the cost by waiting for promotional pricing. TSA occasionally runs discounts through its website, bringing the fee down to $70 or $75 for new applicants. Sign up for the TSA's email list or check the TSA website periodically to catch these offers.

Another option is to explore for a credit card that reimburses TSA PreCheck if you were already planning to open a new card. The annual fee for American Express Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve is higher than the PreCheck fee itself, so this only makes sense if you will use the card's other benefits. Read the card's full benefits list and annual fee before explore.

how the process works once you have confirmed your benefit

Visit the official TSA PreCheck website and create an account. You will answer security questions, provide your passport or driver's license information, and pay the fee. After you submit your process, you will receive an appointment confirmation for an in-person enrollment visit at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center.

At your appointment, bring your valid passport or driver's license, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and your Social Security number. The appointment takes about 10 minutes. You will have your fingerprints taken and your background checked. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by mail, usually within 2 to 4 weeks. Add this number to your airline reservations to set up PreCheck benefits on your flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to reapply for TSA PreCheck if my credit card benefit changes?

No. Once you have been approved for TSA PreCheck and received your Known Traveler Number, your PreCheck status is valid for five years regardless of whether you keep the card. The card benefit only covers the initial fee; it does not affect your existing PreCheck status.

Can I use my spouse's credit card benefit to pay for my TSA PreCheck?

Most card issuers allow reimbursement only for the cardholder or when ready family members on the same account. Check your specific card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm whether a spouse can use the benefit. Some cards cover household members; others do not.

What if I am a veteran but not on active duty?

Veterans do not automatically receive free TSA PreCheck from the federal government. However, some states offer TSA PreCheck reimbursement through their veterans' benefits programs. Contact your state's department of veterans affairs to ask whether your state covers the cost.

How long does it take to get TSA PreCheck after I am approved?

You will receive your Known Traveler Number by mail within 2 to 4 weeks of your in-person enrollment appointment. You can add this number to airline reservations as soon as you receive it. In rare cases, approval takes up to 6 weeks.

Can I use TSA PreCheck internationally?

TSA PreCheck applies only to domestic U.S. flights. For expedited screening on international flights and when returning to the United States, you need Global Entry, which includes PreCheck as a benefit.