The $45 fee goes to TSA PreCheck or NEXUS, not to TSA itself

The $45 you pay does not go directly to the TSA. Instead, it is the process fee for either TSA PreCheck or NEXUS, two trusted traveler programs that the TSA administers. TSA PreCheck costs $45 for five years of membership. NEXUS costs $50 for five years and includes PreCheck benefits plus expedited processing at the Canadian border. You pay the fee when you submit your process, not before.

The payment happens online through the official enrollment system, which is called GOES (Global Online Enrollment System). You create an account, fill out your process, and pay the fee in that same session. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and some digital payment methods. After you pay, you will be scheduled for an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and verify your identity.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay the $45 fee online through GOES when you submit your TSA PreCheck process, not before you explore.
  • Payment is made by credit card, debit card, or digital payment method during the process process on the official GOES website.
  • After you pay, you must attend an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and complete your background check.
  • The entire process from payment to receiving your Known Traveler Number (KTN) typically takes four to six weeks.

Where to pay: the GOES website

Go to goes.tsa.dhs.gov to start your process. This is the only official enrollment system for TSA PreCheck. Create a login account using your email address and a password you choose. You will need to answer security questions and set up two-factor authentication so that only you can access your account.

Once you are logged in, select whether you want to explore for TSA PreCheck or NEXUS. Fill out the process form with your personal information, travel history, and background details. The form asks about criminal history, immigration status, and any security violations. Answer honestly—the TSA conducts a thorough background check, and dishonesty on the process can result in denial and loss of your fee.

When you reach the payment page, you will see the $45 charge (or $50 for NEXUS). The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Some enrollment centers also accept payment in person at your appointment, but paying online during process is faster and more common.

What happens after you pay

Once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with your process number. Keep this number—you will need it to schedule your appointment. The TSA will review your process and background information over the next few days to a week. If there are no red flags, you will be cleared to schedule your in-person appointment.

You then book a time slot at an enrollment center near you. The TSA operates enrollment centers at airports, some police departments, and other locations. You can find your nearest center and available appointment times on the GOES website. Bring your confirmation email, a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or military ID), and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers).

At the appointment, a TSA officer will take your fingerprints, verify your identity, and take a digital photo. The appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. After the appointment, the TSA completes its background check, which typically takes two to four more weeks. You will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email once you are approved.

Payment methods and refunds

The GOES website accepts all major credit and debit cards. If you pay by card, the charge will appear on your statement as "TSA PreCheck" or "NEXUS" depending on which program you chose. Some people use a rewards credit card to earn points on the $45 charge, which is a legitimate way to offset the cost.

If your process is denied after you pay, the TSA does not refund the $45 fee. Denials are rare and usually happen only if the background check uncovers disqualifying information that was not disclosed on the process. If you are denied, you have the right to request reconsideration or appeal, but the fee is not returned. If you straightforward change your mind before your appointment, you can cancel your process through GOES, but again, the fee is not refunded.

Common reasons payment fails

If your card is declined during payment, the most common cause is that your bank flagged the transaction as unusual. Call your bank to let them know you are making an online purchase with the TSA, then try again. Some banks block international transactions by default, and the GOES system may trigger this filter even though it is a U.S. government site.

Another reason payment may fail is if you enter your card information incorrectly. Double-check the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). If you are still having trouble, try a different card or contact your bank to confirm the card is active and has available funds.

If the GOES website itself is down or slow, wait a few minutes and try again. The system occasionally undergoes maintenance, especially late at night. If you have paid but did not receive a confirmation email within an hour, log back into GOES and check your process status. Your payment may have gone through even if the confirmation did not arrive when ready.

Timeline from payment to approval

The process moves in stages. You pay and submit your process online (same day). The TSA reviews your process and clears you for an appointment (one to seven days). You attend your in-person appointment (you choose the date within available slots). The TSA completes its background check after your appointment (two to four weeks). You receive your KTN by email once approved (total time is usually four to six weeks from payment to KTN in hand).

During busy travel seasons, appointment slots can fill up weeks in advance, which can extend the overall timeline. If you need PreCheck urgently, explore as soon as possible and book the earliest available appointment. Some enrollment centers have more availability than others, so if your nearest center is booked out, check centers in neighboring cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the $45 fee without explore online first?

No. You must create an account on GOES, fill out your process form, and then pay the fee as part of that same process. You cannot pay in advance or reserve a spot. The payment is tied to your specific process.

What if I lose my confirmation email after I pay?

Log back into your GOES account using your email and password. Your process number and payment status are stored there. You can retrieve your confirmation details and use your process number to schedule your appointment at any time.

Do I need to pay again if I renew my PreCheck after five years?

Yes. When your membership expires, you will pay another $45 to renew. You can renew up to six months before your current membership ends. The renewal process is the same as the initial process—you pay online and attend a brief appointment.

Can I get a refund if I never use my PreCheck?

No. The $45 is a non-refundable process and membership fee, regardless of whether you use the benefit. Once you are approved and receive your KTN, the fee is final.

Is the $45 fee the same everywhere in the United States?

Yes. The TSA PreCheck fee is $45 nationwide and does not vary by state or enrollment center. NEXUS is $50 nationwide. These are the only official fees—if a website or service charges more, it is not affiliated with the TSA.