Credit Cards That Pay for TSA PreCheck

Several major credit cards reimburse the $78 or $85 TSA PreCheck process fee as a cardholder benefit. The cards that offer this coverage fall into two groups: premium travel cards that include it as a standard perk, and some mid-tier cards that added it more recently. The reimbursement typically appears as a statement credit within a few weeks of you submitting your receipt.

The most common cards offering TSA PreCheck reimbursement include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, American Express Gold, Capital One Venture X, and Citi Prestige. Some regional cards and business versions of major cards also include this benefit, though the list changes occasionally as card issuers adjust their offerings.

To use the benefit, you pay the TSA PreCheck fee upfront during your process at tsa.gov/precheck, then submit your receipt to your credit card issuer for reimbursement. Most cards require you to charge the fee to that specific card. Read your card's benefits guide or call the issuer before explore to confirm the benefit is currently active on your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, and American Express Gold all cover the full TSA PreCheck fee as a cardholder benefit.
  • You pay the fee yourself during your TSA PreCheck process, then submit your receipt to your card issuer for a statement credit.
  • The reimbursement typically takes two to four weeks to appear on your account after you submit proof of payment.
  • Benefits change periodically, so confirm the benefit is active on your specific card before you explore for TSA PreCheck.
  • Some business credit cards and regional cards also offer this benefit, though the list is smaller than consumer cards.

How the Reimbursement Process Works

When you explore for TSA PreCheck, you create an account at tsa.gov/precheck and pay the fee directly to the TSA. The fee is currently $78 for a five-year membership, though prices may vary slightly by location. You charge this fee to the credit card that offers the reimbursement benefit.

After you pay, the TSA sends you a confirmation email with a receipt. Take a screenshot or print this receipt. Log into your credit card's online account or mobile app and look for a "benefits" or "travel credits" section. Most card issuers have a dedicated portal where you upload your receipt and request the reimbursement. Some cards process this automatically if you use their travel portal to book, but TSA PreCheck is usually a manual submission.

The statement credit typically posts within two to four weeks. If it does not appear after a month, contact your card issuer's customer service with your receipt and the date you submitted it. Keep your TSA PreCheck confirmation email and receipt for your records in case you need to follow up.

Premium Travel Cards with TSA PreCheck Coverage

The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes TSA PreCheck reimbursement as part of its annual benefits package. This card carries a $550 annual fee, but the TSA PreCheck reimbursement, combined with other travel credits, often offsets a portion of that cost for frequent travelers. The card also covers Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck, so if you already have Global Entry, this reimbursement may not add value.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers TSA PreCheck reimbursement at a lower annual fee of $95. This card is popular with travelers who want coverage without the higher cost of the Reserve. Like the Reserve, it reimburses either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, not both.

The American Express Platinum covers TSA PreCheck as a standard benefit and carries a $695 annual fee. American Express also reimburses Global Entry ($100) instead of TSA PreCheck if you prefer, so you can choose which benefit fits your travel style. The American Express Gold, at $250 annually, also includes TSA PreCheck reimbursement and is aimed at everyday travelers rather than ultra-frequent fliers.

The Capital One Venture X includes TSA PreCheck reimbursement and charges a $395 annual fee. This card is designed for business and leisure travel and combines the TSA PreCheck benefit with other travel perks like airport lounge access.

Mid-Tier and Regional Cards with TSA PreCheck Coverage

Beyond premium cards, some mid-tier travel cards have added TSA PreCheck reimbursement in recent years. The Citi Prestige covers the fee and carries a $495 annual fee. A few regional bank cards and business-focused cards also include this benefit, though availability varies by bank and card version.

Before opening a new card solely for the TSA PreCheck reimbursement, calculate whether the annual fee and other benefits justify the cost. If you travel infrequently or already have TSA PreCheck, a card with a high annual fee may not be worth it. If you travel regularly and use other card benefits like lounge access or travel credits, the reimbursement becomes part of a larger value proposition.

Check your card issuer's website or call customer service to confirm TSA PreCheck reimbursement is available on the specific card version you are considering. Some business cards, student cards, and co-branded cards may not include this benefit even if the consumer version does.

What to Do If Your Card Does Not Cover TSA PreCheck

If you do not have a card that reimburses TSA PreCheck, you have two options: pay the $78 or $85 fee out of pocket, or open a card that offers the reimbursement. Opening a card just for a one-time $78 credit rarely makes financial sense unless you were planning to open a travel card anyway.

Some employers offer TSA PreCheck reimbursement as a travel benefit, so check with your company's human resources or travel department before paying yourself. A few professional associations and membership organizations also cover the fee for members, particularly those in fields with frequent business travel.

If you are not a frequent traveler, the five-year TSA PreCheck membership may not be worth the cost at all. TSA PreCheck is most valuable if you fly multiple times per year and want to skip the standard security line. For occasional travelers, the standard security line is usually sufficient.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry and Card Benefits

Many premium credit cards reimburse either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, not both. Global Entry costs $100 and includes TSA PreCheck as a benefit, plus expedited customs screening when you return to the United States from international travel. If you travel internationally, Global Entry is often the better choice because you get both benefits for $100, and your card covers it.

If you only fly domestically, TSA PreCheck alone is sufficient and costs less. Some cards let you choose which benefit to claim, while others automatically reimburse one or the other. Check your card's benefits guide to see whether you can select TSA PreCheck or if the card defaults to Global Entry.

Keep in mind that if you already have Global Entry, the TSA PreCheck reimbursement on a new card may not add value since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck. In that case, the card's other benefits—like travel credits, lounge access, or points multipliers—become more important to your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the credit card to pay for TSA PreCheck for the reimbursement to work?

Yes, you must charge the TSA PreCheck fee to the specific card that offers the benefit. If you pay with a different card or with cash, that card's issuer will not reimburse you. Some cards require you to use their travel portal or specific payment method, so check the terms before you explore.

What if I already paid for TSA PreCheck before opening the card?

Most card issuers will not reimburse fees paid before you opened the account. Some cards may reimburse fees paid within 30 to 60 days of account opening, but this varies. Contact your card issuer to ask about their policy, but expect that you will need to pay the fee after opening the card to receive the reimbursement.

How long does the TSA PreCheck reimbursement take to show up?

The reimbursement typically appears as a statement credit within two to four weeks of you submitting your receipt to the card issuer. Some cards process it faster if you submit through their online portal. If it does not appear after a month, contact customer service with your receipt and submission confirmation.

Can I use the TSA PreCheck reimbursement if I already have Global Entry?

No, most cards reimburse either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, not both. Since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, you would not need both. If you already have Global Entry, the card's reimbursement benefit does not add value unless the card lets you choose a different benefit instead.

Are there any credit cards with no annual fee that cover TSA PreCheck?

No, cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck are premium or mid-tier cards with annual fees ranging from $95 to $695. No major no-annual-fee card currently offers TSA PreCheck reimbursement. If you want the reimbursement, you will need to pay an annual fee and may support the card's other benefits justify the cost.