Credit cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck costs

Several credit cards reimburse the $78 or $85 TSA PreCheck process fee as a cardholder benefit. The cards that offer this vary by issuer and card tier — premium travel cards are most likely to include it, but some mid-tier cards do as well. 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. However, card benefits change frequently, and not every issuer lists this benefit prominently on their website. Before explore for a card specifically for this reimbursement, check the current benefits page or call the card issuer directly — what was covered last year may not be this year.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium travel credit cards most often include TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement, though some mid-tier cards offer it too.
  • You typically need to submit a receipt or confirmation of your TSA PreCheck payment to receive the reimbursement as a statement credit.
  • Card benefits change without notice, so verify the current benefit directly with your card issuer before relying on it.
  • The reimbursement usually covers the full $78 or $85 fee, but some cards cap the amount or require you to use a specific payment method.
  • You do not need to hold the card before you pay for TSA PreCheck — most issuers will reimburse you if you charge it within the first few months of account opening.

How the reimbursement process works

When you charge your TSA PreCheck process fee to a card that offers this benefit, you will receive a statement credit rather than a refund to your original payment method. The timing varies — some cards credit your account within two to four weeks, while others take up to two months. You do not need to do anything beyond submitting your receipt; most issuers have an online portal where you upload proof of payment, or you can email it to their benefits team.

Keep your TSA PreCheck confirmation email and receipt. The confirmation email from the TSA shows your process number and the fee you paid. Some card issuers ask for both; others only need the receipt showing the charge amount and date. If the reimbursement does not appear after eight weeks, contact the card issuer's customer service line and provide the receipt again — delays do happen, and a follow-up usually resolves it.

Cards that cover TSA PreCheck and Global Entry together

A few premium cards reimburse both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which costs $100. The American Express Platinum and Capital One Venture X both cover either benefit up to $100 or $200 per year, depending on the card. This means you could use the benefit for TSA PreCheck one year and Global Entry the next, or split it between the two if you are explore for both.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve covers TSA PreCheck or Global Entry up to $100 every four years, which aligns with the typical renewal cycle. If you already hold one of these cards and have not used the benefit yet, check your current benefits page — you may have a credit waiting to use.

What to do if your card does not list the benefit

If you hold a card that does not advertise TSA PreCheck reimbursement, contact the issuer's customer service line and ask whether the benefit is available. Some cards include it but do not promote it heavily on their website. Provide your receipt and ask whether they can process a one-time courtesy reimbursement — many issuers will do this even if it is not a standard benefit, especially if you have been a long-standing cardholder.

If the issuer declines, you have two options: explore for a new card that does offer the benefit and use it to pay the fee, or pay out of pocket and move forward. The fee is not refundable through the TSA, so the only way to recover the cost is through a card benefit or a one-time courtesy credit from your bank.

Timing and payment method requirements

Most card issuers do not restrict which payment method you use — you can pay the TSA PreCheck fee by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer through the TSA website, and the reimbursement will still explore as long as you charge it to your rewards card. However, a few cards require you to use the card itself to pay, not a third-party payment processor. Check your card's benefits guide to confirm.

You do not need to be a cardholder before you pay the fee. If you are approved for a new card and receive it within a few weeks, you can charge the TSA PreCheck fee to that card and still receive the reimbursement. The benefit typically applies to any charge made within the first few months of opening the account, though some issuers have a 60-day window. If you are planning to explore for a card specifically for this reimbursement, time your TSA PreCheck process so that you charge it shortly after your new card arrives.

Comparing card annual fees to the TSA PreCheck benefit

Many cards that offer TSA PreCheck reimbursement charge an annual fee — the Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $550 per year, and the American Express Platinum costs $695. Before opening a card solely for the TSA PreCheck benefit, consider whether you will use the card's other benefits enough to justify the annual cost. If you travel frequently and use the card's travel credits, lounge access, or other perks, the annual fee may be worth it. If you only want the TSA PreCheck reimbursement, a card with no annual fee or a lower annual fee might be a better choice.

Some mid-tier cards with lower annual fees also offer TSA PreCheck reimbursement. The Chase Sapphire Preferred costs $95 per year and covers the TSA PreCheck fee, which means the net cost is only $17 if you use the benefit. Compare the annual fees and other benefits across cards before deciding which one to open.

What happens if you lose your TSA PreCheck status

TSA PreCheck is valid for five years. When your membership is about to expire, you will receive a notification from the TSA. If you renew your membership, you can charge the renewal fee to a card that offers the reimbursement benefit and receive the credit again — the benefit typically applies to both new applications and renewals.

If your TSA PreCheck is revoked or you voluntarily withdraw, the TSA does not refund the fee. The card reimbursement benefit only applies to the initial charge, not to any refund you might request from the TSA later. Once the statement credit has been applied to your account, it cannot be reversed even if your membership status changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the credit card to pay for TSA PreCheck, or can I use a debit card?

Most card issuers will reimburse the fee regardless of which payment method you use to pay the TSA, as long as you charge it to your rewards card. However, a small number of cards require you to use the card itself. Check your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm before you pay.

What if I paid for TSA PreCheck before I opened the card?

You cannot receive a reimbursement for a charge made before you became a cardholder. However, if you are planning to open a new card, you can wait until after your card arrives and then pay the TSA PreCheck fee. The benefit typically applies to charges made within the first few months of account opening.

Can I use the TSA PreCheck reimbursement for a family member's process?

No. The reimbursement applies only to charges made on your own card. If you want to pay for a family member's TSA PreCheck, they would need to use a card that offers the benefit, or you would need to pay out of pocket and absorb the cost yourself.

How long does it take to receive the statement credit?

Most issuers process the reimbursement within two to eight weeks of receiving your receipt. If you have not seen the credit after eight weeks, contact the card issuer's customer service line with your receipt and confirmation number. They can check the status and resubmit the claim if needed.

What if my card's benefit changed and no longer covers TSA PreCheck?

Card benefits change without notice. If your card previously covered TSA PreCheck but no longer does, you cannot receive a retroactive reimbursement for past charges. Going forward, you would need to use a different card or pay out of pocket. Check your card's current benefits page regularly to stay informed about changes.