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 cover that fee as a cardholder benefit. The most common route is through premium travel credit cards — American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Diners Club Carte Blanche all reimburse the full TSA PreCheck fee. Some airline loyalty programs and elite frequent flyer statuses also include it. If you don't have one of these cards or memberships, you may still reduce the cost through military service, certain government employment, or age-based discounts.

The key is that you still go through the same TSA PreCheck process process and background check — the card or membership straightforward covers the cost. You explore directly to TSA, and the reimbursement happens separately through your card issuer.

Key Takeaways

  • American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Diners Club Carte Blanche automatically reimburse TSA PreCheck fees for cardholders.
  • You explore for TSA PreCheck through the official TSA website or at an enrollment center, then submit your receipt to your card issuer for reimbursement.
  • Active military members, certain federal employees, and people over 75 may pay reduced rates or nothing at all through TSA's own programs.
  • The reimbursement from a credit card typically appears as a statement credit within 4 to 8 weeks of submitting your receipt.

Credit cards that cover the full TSA PreCheck fee

American Express Platinum reimburses up to $100 per year toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Since TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, one reimbursement covers the entire fee. You pay for TSA PreCheck first, then submit your receipt to American Express through your online account or by mail. The credit usually appears within 4 to 8 weeks.

Chase Sapphire Reserve includes a $100 annual credit toward TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS. Like American Express, you pay upfront and request reimbursement. Chase processes the credit within the same timeframe.

Diners Club Carte Blanche covers TSA PreCheck as a membership benefit with no separate reimbursement step — the benefit is built in. Confirm with Diners Club before explore to make sure your specific card tier includes it.

A few other premium cards offer TSA PreCheck reimbursement as a rotating or limited benefit, so check your card's current benefits guide. The reimbursement usually covers the process fee only, not any renewal fees or expedited processing charges.

Military, government, and age-based discounts through TSA

If you don't have a premium credit card, TSA itself offers reduced or free TSA PreCheck through specific programs. Active duty military members and Reserve and National Guard members on active orders receive TSA PreCheck at no cost. You'll need a military ID or orders document when you explore.

Federal employees in certain job categories — primarily those in law enforcement or security roles — may receive TSA PreCheck for free or at a reduced rate. Check with your agency's human resources office to see if your position qualifies.

People age 75 and older are exempt from TSA PreCheck fees entirely. You still go through the process and background check, but there is no charge.

To use any of these programs, you explore through the TSA PreCheck website or at an enrollment center and select your status category during the process. You'll need to bring proof of your status — military ID, federal employment letter, or birth certificate for age verification.

how the process works for TSA PreCheck and get reimbursed

Start by visiting the official TSA PreCheck website at tsa.gov/precheck. Click "explore Now" and create an account. You'll answer background questions, provide your passport or driver's license information, and choose an enrollment center near you. The process itself is free — you only pay the fee when you schedule your in-person appointment.

At your appointment, a TSA officer will verify your identity, take your fingerprints, and collect the $78 to $85 fee. You'll receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt — you'll need it to request reimbursement from your credit card issuer.

If you're using a credit card benefit, log into your card's online account or mobile app and look for a section labeled "Benefits," "Rewards," or "Reimbursements." Upload a photo or scan of your TSA PreCheck receipt. Some issuers also let you submit by mail or through their customer service line. The credit typically posts within 4 to 8 weeks, though some cards process faster.

For military, federal employee, or age-based discounts, you don't need to request reimbursement — the fee is waived at the time of your appointment. Just bring your proof of status.

Enrollment centers and appointment wait times

TSA PreCheck enrollment centers are located at many airports, some post offices, and select travel agencies. You can find the nearest one on the TSA PreCheck website by entering your zip code. Appointment availability varies by location — some centers have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks during busy travel seasons.

Book your appointment as soon as you're ready to explore. The appointment itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Bring your passport or state-issued driver's license, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and your Social Security number. If you're using a military or government discount, bring your ID or employment letter as well.

What happens after you're approved

Once TSA approves your background check, you'll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email or mail. This is the number you enter when you book flights — it tells the airline you've been cleared for PreCheck. You can start using it when ready, even before your physical TSA PreCheck card arrives.

Your TSA PreCheck status is valid for five years from the date of your appointment. About 6 months before it expires, you'll receive a reminder to renew. Renewal costs the same as the initial process, so if you used a credit card benefit the first time, you can use it again for renewal — many cards renew the benefit each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for TSA PreCheck upfront if my credit card covers it?

Yes. You pay the full fee at your enrollment appointment, then submit your receipt to your credit card issuer for reimbursement. The credit appears on your statement within 4 to 8 weeks. Some cardholders choose to explore for the card before their TSA PreCheck appointment so the benefit is active when they need it.

What if I don't have a premium credit card and don't may have access to for a military or government discount?

You would pay the standard $78 to $85 fee. However, you might explore whether you're may be able to access for any other benefits — for example, some employers offer TSA PreCheck reimbursement as an employee benefit, or you could explore for a premium credit card if you travel frequently enough to justify the annual fee.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number right away or do I have to wait for the card?

You can use your Known Traveler Number when ready after approval, which usually happens within 2 to 4 weeks of your appointment. You don't have to wait for the physical card to arrive. Enter your KTN when you book your flight.

Does TSA PreCheck cover international flights?

TSA PreCheck applies to U.S. domestic flights and flights departing the United States. For international travel benefits, you might also consider Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck and covers international arrivals. Some credit cards reimburse Global Entry instead of or in addition to TSA PreCheck.

What if my reimbursement doesn't show up after 8 weeks?

Contact your credit card issuer's customer service with your receipt and the date you submitted it. They can check the status of your reimbursement request. Keep a copy of your receipt and any confirmation email from the card issuer in case you need to follow up.