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Having Global Entry or TSA PreCheck is a must if you’re a frequent traveler. There’s no better way to save time and discomfort than being expedited through airport security, immigration, or customs during your trip. There is, however, a cost for signing up for these government-sponsored programs. Global Entry requires a $100 initial application fee and each 5-year renewal requires the payment of another $100. TSA PreCheck charges an initial $85 application fee and again at subsequent 5-year renewals. Fortunately, several credit cards will reimburse you for one of those fees at a frequency of every 4 or 5 years. While the benefit of this reimbursement is not a reason alone to select a rewards-earning credit card, it may help tip the scales if you’re trying to decide between 2 or 3 different cards. Here are the top cards that reimburse the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees so you can ensure you’ll never have to incur the costs of an application or renewal fee for either of these programs. Table of contents
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What Is Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are programs established by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. They offer prescreened travelers expedited security, immigration, and customs processing when entering or departing from the U.S. Global Entry allows international travelers expedited immigration and customs security screening when entering the U.S. A special kiosk is provided where the traveler can scan their passport or utilize facial recognition software, answer a few security questions, and receive a printed receipt to hand to a special designated customs agent. This expedited screening process helps avoid lines at immigration and customs facilities. » Related: Full List of 30+ Credit Cards That Come With a Global Entry Credit [2022] TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening when departing on flights from the U.S. Prescreened members do not need to remove shoes, light outerwear, liquids, or electronics when passing through security checkpoints. Travelers can apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck through the Trusted Travelers Program website. There is a $100 application fee for Global Entry and an $85 fee for TSA PreCheck. If you are approved for Global Entry, you also receive TSA PreCheck for no extra fee. Bottom Line: If there is any chance you will be traveling internationally in the next 5 years, apply for Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck versus just TSA PreCheck. Who Qualifies for Global Entry and TSA PreCheckYou’ll need a valid passport to apply for Global Entry but not for TSA PreCheck. Image Credit: Arne Beruldsen via ShutterstockFirst, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a permanent resident to apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Additionally, if you have a passport from any of these countries, you can apply for Global Entry.
Canadians are eligible for Global Entry benefits as part of a NEXUS membership. If you qualify (check your eligibility here), you can start the process by visiting the Trusted Traveler Programs website and selecting the program to which you’d like to register. You’ll also want to access our Global Entry guide as we walk you through everything you need to know about the Global Entry process and provide step-by-step instructions on how to apply, as well as frequently asked Global Entry questions with answers! Hot Tip: You can sign up for TSA PreCheck even if you do not currently have a passport. The 6 Best Personal Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheckIn addition to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement, premium cards offer benefits such as complimentary worldwide lounge access. Turkish Airlines Lounge at IAD. Image Credit: Priority PassSeveral credit cards will reimburse for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees, but the best cards are those that offer additional travel benefits you can use. Premium travel rewards cards come with higher annual fees but also come with luxury travel benefits, higher earnings potential, and travel/shopping statement credits. Card SummaryCardWelcome Bonus and Annual FeeBenefits for Global Entry and TSA PreCheckThe Platinum Card® from American Express
Authorized users also qualify for fee reimbursement Chase Sapphire Reserve®
1. The Platinum Card® from American ExpressHot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Platinum card! (The current public offer is 80,000 points.) Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
The Amex Platinum card is truly one of our favorite cards. From the perspective of luxury travel and lifestyle benefits, it just can’t be beaten. To start, the welcome bonus is absolutely enormous — you’ll also earn a whopping 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year in purchases). For lodging, earn 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. In addition, this card boasts worldwide airport lounge access to more than 1,400 properties, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying on a same-day Delta ticket), and so much more. The travel benefits extend beyond airport lounges, including Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold status upon enrollment, rental car program benefits and elite status, access to Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection, travel insurance, and so much more. Every year, this card offers over $1,400 in statement credits, including up to $200 airline incidentals credit, up to $200 Saks Fifth Avenue credit, up to $200 prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, up to $240 digital entertainment credit, up to $155 Walmart+ credit, $200 Uber Cash, up to $300 Equinox credit, and a $189 CLEAR credit. Why We Like Earning American Express Membership Rewards PointsAmerican Express Membership Rewards points are, flat out, the most valuable points in our opinion. We value these points at 2.2 cents per point, if you earn 5x points, it would be worth an amazing 11% return on spending. To get the best value, though, remember to transfer points to airlines and hotels to book luxury business and first class travel. If you want to use points in other ways, you can still redeem them for gift cards, statement credits, cash-back, charitable donations, travel booked through Amex Travel, and merchandise. 2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Benefit
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is Chase’s exceptional, ultra-premium credit card. It offers the ability to use your application fee reimbursement towards NEXUS, as well. This benefit is unique to Chase, but it shouldn’t be the sole reason why you get the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. You’ll love the $300 annual travel credit, complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, and the ability to earn up to 10x points on purchases:
Beyond rewards, another layer of this credit card is the benefits afforded to you; the Chase Sapphire Reserve card boasts the best travel insurance of any credit card, the ability to redeem points through Chase Ultimate Rewards for a 50% bonus, purchase protection, and extended warranty. There are also no foreign transaction fees on this credit card. Hot Tip: If you’re wanting a deep dive into the benefits, explore our guide to the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. 3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardGlobal Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
With Capital One’s ultra-premium credit card, you can enjoy exceptional travel benefits, which include a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck benefit. But the other reasons to get this card are compelling. Watch those rewards multiply with up to 10x Capital One miles earned on purchases:
This card earns bonus points even on miscellaneous purchases, which is huge. As if that weren’t enough, this card offers awesome worldwide airport lounge access including a Priority Pass Select membership and Capital One Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge access, in addition to an up to $300 Capital One Travel credit every year. You’ll even get complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status, a bonus of 10,000 miles every cardmember anniversary, cell phone insurance, and quintessential travel protections like primary rental car insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and trip cancellation and interruption coverage. This card comes with extended warranty, purchase security, return protection, no foreign transaction fees, and up to 4 authorized users for no additional fee. Why We Like Earning Capital One MilesCapital One miles are worth around 1.8 cents each in our books, making it possible to earn up to 18% back on your purchases with this card. The best way to get stellar value from this card is to use Capital One’s transfer partners to book premium cabin airfare. You can still use your rewards for gift cards, statement credits, experiences, Capital One Travel bookings, and more, though you shouldn’t expect to receive the same redemption value. 4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardGlobal Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
The CapOne Venture card is one of the top choices if you want terrific rewards without a huge annual fee. If you can do without the complimentary lounge access and Hertz President’s Circle status of the CapOne Venture X card, then this card might be right for you. It earns up to 5x Capital One miles:
Although you won’t get the top-shelf benefits from the CapOne Venture X card, you’ll still get some toned-down perks when traveling:
The CapOne Venture card contains purchase protection, extended warranty, travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and fee-free authorized users. 5. United℠ Explorer CardGlobal Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
Another great mid-tier credit card that has a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck reimbursement is the United Explorer card, which is issued by Chase. Currently, this card has a welcome bonus and the ability to earn up to 2x United MileagePlus miles per dollar spent. This is broken down as follows:
Uniquely, the United Explorer card has some great United-specific benefits that will benefit United’s frequent flyers. For example, you’ll get your first bag for free when you use your card to purchase your ticket, priority boarding, a 25% discount on inflight purchases aboard United flights, and 2 complimentary United Club passes per year. Furthermore, this card has no foreign transaction fees, decent travel insurance, and no fees for authorized users. Hot Tip: Learn more about all the benefits of the United Explorer card in our thorough review. Why We Like Earning United MileagePlus MilesUnited miles are worth around 1.3 cents each, which translates to a maximum return on spending of approximately 2.6%. Although that’s not a stellar rate of return, savvy travelers know that the best way to extract even more value is to book aspirational flight experiences in premium cabins on United or its partners. 6. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express CardGlobal Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
The Delta Platinum card is one of the co-branded products issued by American Express in partnership with Delta Air Lines. This premium credit card has all the makings of a solid airline credit card for frequent Delta travelers. Currently, it has a sizable welcome bonus and the ability to earn up to 3x Delta SkyMiles:
Remember, most of the card’s benefits are Delta-specific, including the annual companion certificate good for a domestic Main Cabin round-trip ticket every year upon card renewal, your first checked bag free on Delta flights booked with your card for yourself and up to 8 others on the same reservation, Main Cabin 1 priority boarding on Delta flights, discounted Delta Sky Club per-visit rates of $39 per person (for yourself and up to 2 guests on a same-day Delta flight), and so much more. You can even get closer to elite status with this card because you’ll earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year (up to 2 times per year). Lastly, the Delta Platinum card has a 20% statement credit on Delta inflight purchases, no foreign transaction fees, and no annual fees for authorized users (rates and fees). Why We Like Earning Delta SkyMilesAlthough Delta SkyMiles has been devalued over the past few years, leading to a valuation of 1.0 cents per point, it’s still possible to get good value from your SkyMiles. To accomplish this, earmark your Delta SkyMiles for international premium cabin flights on Delta or its partners. You can upgrade your travel experience and get some solid value! Bottom Line: You won’t be selecting a travel rewards card based solely on whether it provides Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement. However, selecting a premium travel rewards card with a complete package of value-added benefits that includes Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement makes a lot of sense for the frequent traveler. The 6 Best Business Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheckIf you travel often for business, you’ll want a business credit card that offers travel benefits in addition to reimbursing Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees. Image Credit: Jacob Lund via ShutterstockIf you own a business and travel frequently, having a business travel rewards credit card is a smart decision. Having your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees reimbursed by your business card is a bonus. Card SummaryCardWelcome Bonus and Annual FeeBenefits for Global Entry and TSA PreCheckThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Authorized users also qualify for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
1. The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressHot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum card! (The current public offer is 120,000 points.) Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
The Amex Business Platinum card is one of the most special business card products out there. In addition to a huge welcome bonus, this card possesses immense luxury travel and lifestyle benefits. Currently, this card earns:
With no preset spending limit, the Amex Business Platinum card helps high-spending business owners achieve their spending needs seamlessly. Remember, this card confers access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which is a selection of over 1,400 worldwide lounge locations, including Centurion Lounges, select Virgin Clubhouses, and Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner. Furthermore, you’ll have access to Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection, complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold status, and over $1,400 in statement credits as shown below:
Be sure to note that terms may apply and enrollment may be required for some offers, so explore your American Express account to ensure you’re getting the most out of your Amex Business Platinum card benefits. 2. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit CardGlobal Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Benefit
An awesome credit card for frequent Southwest flyers is the Southwest Performance Business card, which happens to be the most “premium” flavor of the Southwest credit cards. Currently, it offers the ability to earn up to 4x Rapid Rewards points on your spending:
In addition, you’ll get an anniversary bonus of 9,000 points after every cardmember anniversary, 4 Upgraded Boardings each year when available, a $500 fee credit for points transfers per year, inflight Wi-Fi credits, and the ability to earn 1,500 TQPs toward A-list status for every $10,000 spent annually. Of course, this credit card has no foreign transaction fees, fee-free employee cards, purchase protection, extended warranty, travel insurance, and more. Why We Like Earning Southwest Rapid Rewards PointsSouthwest Rapid Rewards points are worth around 1.3 cents per point, according to our valuations. These points are known as fixed value points, which means that their value generally doesn’t fluctuate regardless of how you use those points. For example, Southwest flights booked using points will generally hover at a redemption value of 1.3 to 1.5 cents per point, making it a safe, yet consistent way to get value from your points. Hot Tip: Check out some of the unique non-flying ways to use your Southwest Rapid Rewards points! 3. IHG® Rewards Premier Business CardGlobal Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Benefit
Another neat credit card that offers a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS benefit is the IHG Premier Business card, which is issued by Chase. It has a fantastic welcome bonus, a complimentary night after each account anniversary year, the ability to get your fourth night free when you redeem points, as well as up to 26x total points earned:
This card even comes with a 20% discount when you purchase IHG Rewards points with your IHG Premier Business card, travel insurance, purchase protection, no foreign transaction fees, and employee cards for no additional fee. Why We Like Earning IHG One Rewards PointsOur valuations peg IHG One Rewards points as being worth 0.5 cents each, which translates to a return on spending of up to 13% if you earn 26x total points. Luckily, there are some fantastic properties where you can earn better redemption value than that! 4. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business CardGlobal Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
The Delta Platinum Business card, which is issued by American Express, is a premium card product that Delta loyalists will love. Beyond the welcome bonus, there are a lot of reasons to get this card, starting with the earning structure:
This card is Delta perks galore, including Main Cabin 1 priority boarding, your first checked bag for free, a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate after every card renewal year, 20% inflight savings on eligible Delta purchases, and an exclusive per-visit rate at Delta Sky Clubs of $39 per person (applies to the cardholder plus up to 2 guests traveling on the same reservation). Even more enticing, this card allows you to earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases in a calendar year, up to twice per year. This allows you to get closer to elite status! Lastly, you’ll have no foreign transaction fees and employee cards for no additional fee (rates and fees). 5. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business CardGlobal Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
The Delta Reserve Business card is the ultra-premium business credit card for Delta loyalists. This card also earns up to 3x Delta SkyMiles per dollar spent:
What we love about this card, though, isn’t the rewards, but rather, the benefits:
This credit card comes with no foreign transaction fees, and fee-free employee cards (rates and fees). 6. Capital One Spark Miles for BusinessGlobal Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
The very last credit card we’ll discuss is the CapOne Spark Miles card, one of Capital One’s absolute best rewards business credit cards. This credit card accrues an unlimited 2x Capital One miles on every purchase you make, as well as 5x Capital One miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. It comes with a welcome bonus, purchase protection, extended warranty, roadside assistance, zero liability fraud protection, employee cards for no additional annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees. Everything Else You Need To KnowPremium travel rewards cards reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fees and also offer benefits that can upgrade your travel experience. United Polaris class. Image Credit: UnitedThere are additional Trusted Traveler Programs such as SENTRI (Mexico), NEXUS (Canada), and Mobile Passport (U.S.) that also expedite the security and customs screening process. SENTRI fees are not reimbursed by credit card companies, though Chase now reimburses for NEXUS on select cards. Mobile Passport is a free service. Since the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee reimbursements are not limited to your personal use, you can normally use the credit for another person. You must charge the application or renewal fee to your eligible card. This option can be especially useful if you have the reimbursement benefit on more than 1 card. The list of additional benefits provided for each of the featured cards in this article has been abbreviated and not all benefits are included. Please utilize the additional links provided or access the specific card’s Guide to Benefits for complete benefits and terms/conditions. Also note that this is not an exhaustive list of every credit card that reimburses for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, just our pick of some of the best cards. Hot Tip: TSA PreCheck can be especially helpful if you consistently fly out of an airport with a pretty awful average TSA wait time. Final ThoughtsGetting reimbursed for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee is a nice benefit, but with a maximum value of $100 every 4 years, it’s hardly a reason to secure a specific credit card. When it comes to selecting a travel rewards card, it’s best to look at the overall benefits package to determine if a card is a match and delivers good value for you. Select a card that rewards your spending habits, offers benefits you can use, and has redemption options that align with your travel objectives. The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and Capital One Spark Miles for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
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