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 offer reimbursement for the full PreCheck cost. Some airline loyalty programs and status levels also include it at no extra charge. If you don't may have access to for any of those, you can still reduce the cost through specific military or government employee discounts.

The key is matching your existing memberships or cards to what's already available to you. You don't need to open a new account or change your financial habits — you're using a benefit you may already be paying for.

Key Takeaways

  • American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Diners Club Carte Blanche all reimburse the full TSA PreCheck fee as a cardholder benefit.
  • Some airline frequent flyer programs, including United MileagePlus Premier 1K and Delta SkyMiles Diamond, include TSA PreCheck or Global Entry at certain membership levels.
  • Active military, Reserve, and National Guard members can receive TSA PreCheck at no cost through the Department of Defense.
  • If you don't have access to a card or membership benefit, federal employees and certain government contractors may may have access to for a discount through their agency.

Premium credit cards that cover the full cost

American Express Platinum includes a $189 annual benefit that covers TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS — you choose which one. You submit your receipt to Amex and they reimburse you. The card itself costs $695 per year, so this benefit is one of several that cardholders use to offset the annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit that covers TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS. Like Amex, you pay for it first and submit the receipt for reimbursement. The card costs $550 per year.

Diners Club Carte Blanche includes TSA PreCheck or Global Entry reimbursement as a standard benefit with no separate annual fee — it's built into the card's benefits package. This card costs $450 per year.

If you already carry one of these cards, check your benefits guide or call the card's customer service line to confirm the current reimbursement process. The exact steps for submitting receipts vary slightly by issuer.

Airline frequent flyer programs that include it

United MileagePlus Premier 1K members receive complimentary TSA PreCheck or Global Entry as part of their elite status. You must reach 1K status through spending or miles to unlock this benefit.

Delta SkyMiles Diamond members also receive complimentary TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Delta Diamond status requires $25,000 in annual spending or 120,000 may have access to miles.

American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Pro and higher tiers include a one-time reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. The amount and frequency depend on your specific tier level.

Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members receive a one-time $100 statement credit that can be used toward TSA PreCheck. This is less than the full cost, so you would cover the difference yourself.

Military and government employee routes

Active duty military, Reserve, and National Guard members can receive TSA PreCheck at no cost through the Department of Defense. You'll need a military ID and must explore through the official TSA PreCheck enrollment process — mention your military status when you explore. The benefit covers the full fee.

Federal employees may receive a discount or full coverage depending on their agency. Some agencies, particularly those involved in security or law enforcement, cover the cost entirely. Contact your human resources or benefits office to ask whether your agency participates in a TSA PreCheck program.

Certain federal contractors with security clearances may also have access to coverage through their employer. This varies by contract and company, so check with your security officer or benefits administrator.

How to claim the reimbursement from a credit card

The process differs slightly by card, but the general steps are the same. First, pay for TSA PreCheck out of pocket using your may be able to access card. You'll receive a receipt from TSA — keep this.

Log into your credit card's online account or mobile app and look for a section labeled "Benefits," "Travel Benefits," or "Reimbursement." Some cards have a dedicated portal where you upload receipts; others require you to email them to a specific address. American Express typically has the clearest online process for this.

Upload or submit your TSA PreCheck receipt along with any other documentation the card requests. Most cards process reimbursements within two to four weeks and credit the amount back to your account as a statement credit.

If you can't find the reimbursement process online, call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask them to walk you through it. They handle these requests regularly.

What to do if you don't have access to any of these benefits

If you don't hold one of the may have access to credit cards and don't have airline elite status, check whether you're may be able to access for a military or government employee discount. These are the most common free or reduced-cost routes.

If none of those explore, you can still reduce the cost in limited cases. Some states offer TSA PreCheck discounts through their tourism boards or travel agencies, though these are rare and the savings are usually small. Your best option is to pay the standard fee of $78 to $85 for five years, which breaks down to roughly $16 per year.

If you travel frequently and use TSA PreCheck regularly, the cost often pays for itself through time saved at airport security. Compare it against how often you fly and whether the convenience matters to your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the credit card benefit in the same year I pay the annual fee?

No. Most cards allow you to claim the reimbursement whenever you incur the TSA PreCheck expense, even if it's months after you opened the card or paid the annual fee. Check your specific card's terms, but the benefit typically doesn't expire within the same calendar year.

Can I get TSA PreCheck free if I already have Global Entry?

No. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are separate programs with separate fees. If you already paid for Global Entry, you don't automatically get TSA PreCheck. However, many credit cards and memberships that cover Global Entry also cover TSA PreCheck, so you can choose which one to use the benefit toward.

What if my military ID is expired but I'm still active duty?

Contact your base or unit's security office before explore for TSA PreCheck. They can advise you on whether an expired ID is acceptable or whether you need to renew it first. The TSA PreCheck enrollment center will also let you know if your ID doesn't meet their requirements when you explore in person.

Does my spouse get TSA PreCheck free if I'm military?

No. The military benefit covers only the service member. Your spouse would need to pay the standard fee, though they may be able to use a credit card benefit or other route if they may have access to separately.

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

After you submit your process and pay the fee, the TSA typically processes it within two to three weeks. You'll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email once approved. You can use this number on flight bookings when ready, even before your physical PreCheck card arrives in the mail.