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Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, deta...
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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 $78 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.
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.
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 $78 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 PreCheck
First, 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.
Argentina
Brazil
Colombia
Germany
India
Mexico
Panama
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
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.
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 PreCheck
Several 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.
Up to $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $100 statement credit Global Entry application fee
Authorized users qualify for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
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 whopping5x 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.
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
Receive $100 reimbursement for Global Entry, $78 for TSA PreCheck, or $50 for NEXUS once every 4 years
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:
10x Ultimate Rewards points on dining, hotels, and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
10x Ultimate Rewards points at Lyft through March 31, 2025
10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
5x Ultimate Rewards points on airfare booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
3x Ultimate Rewards points on all other restaurants and travel
1x Ultimate Rewards points on all other 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 Card
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
Up to $78 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $100 statement credit Global Entry application fee
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 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 Miles
Capital 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.
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 Card
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
Receive 1 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement every 4 years
The Capital One Venture card is one of the top choices if you want terrific rewards without a huge annual fee.
It earns up to 5x Capital One miles:
5x earnings on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x earnings on every purchase you make with the card
2 free visits to Capital One Lounges or Plaza Premium Lounges every year
The ability to transfer miles to airline and hotel partners
The Capital One Venture card contains purchase protection, extended warranty, travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and fee-free authorized users.
5. United℠ Explorer Card
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
Cardholders qualify for up to a $100 fee reimbursement every 4 years
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:
2x miles on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases
1x miles on all other purchases
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.
Up to $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $100 statement credit Global Entry application fee
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:
Earn 3x Delta SkyMiles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta and on purchases made directly with hotels
Earn 2x Delta SkyMiles at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and U.S. supermarkets
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 SkyMiles
Although 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.
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 PreCheck
If 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.
Up to $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $100 statement credit Global Entry application fee
Authorized users also qualify for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
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:
5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and airfare booked through Amex Travel
1.5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in purchases every calendar year)
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 Card
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Benefit
Receive 1 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS reimbursement every 4 years
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:
4 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases
3 points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners
2 points per $1 spent on rideshare, social media/search engine ads, and internet, cable, and phone service, as well as local transit and commuting services
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
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 Points
Southwest 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.
Receive 1 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS reimbursement every 4 years
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:
Up to 26x total points at IHG Hotels and Resorts (10x points from the card, 10x points from being an IHG Rewards member, and 6x points from having Platinum Elite status from this card)
5x points on travel, dining, select business categories, and gas stations
3x points on all other purchases
This card even comes with a 20% discount when you purchase IHG One 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 Points
Our 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.
Up to $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $100 statement credit Global Entry application fee
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:
3x SkyMiles on purchases made directly with Delta and directly with hotels
1.5x SkyMiles on large purchases of $5,000 or more (up to 50,000 additional miles every calendar year)
1x SkyMiles on all other purchases
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 $50 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 Card
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
Up to $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $100 statement credit Global Entry application fee
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:
3x Delta SkyMiles on purchases made directly with Delta
1.5x Delta SkyMiles on purchases after you spend $150,000 on your card in a calendar year
1x Delta SkyMiles on other purchases
What we love about this card, though, isn’t the rewards, but rather, the benefits:
Complimentary access to Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges when you purchase a Delta flight with your card
Complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying on a same-day Delta flight
2 Delta Sky Club 1-time guest passes every year
A domestic first class, Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate after every renewal year
Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding
First checked bag free
Access to complimentary upgrades
Status Boost, which earns you 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, up to 4 times per year
This credit card comes with no foreign transaction fees, and fee-free employee cards (rates and fees).
6. Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Benefit
Up to $78 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fee or up to $100 statement credit Global Entry application fee
The very last credit card we’ll discuss is the Capital One 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 Know
There 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 Thoughts
Getting 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.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Information regarding the Capital One Spark Miles for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.
Featured Image Credit: TSA
Frequently Asked Questions
The best card that reimburses Global Entry fees is the one that has a complete package of benefits you can use, matches your spending patterns, and charges an annual fee with which you’re comfortable.
Premium cards that reimburse for Global Entry (and TSA PreCheck) such as the Amex Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card could be the best choices for frequent travelers because they come with a long list of additional luxury travel benefits. We also love the Capital One Venture X card, Capital One Venture card, United Explorer card, and Delta Platinum card.
For business owners, we especially love the Amex Business Platinum card, Southwest Performance Business card, IHG Premier Business card, Delta Platinum Business card, Delta Reserve card, and Capital One Spark Miles card.
If you travel internationally at all, Global Entry is better because it also includes TSA PreCheck at no extra charge.
The application fee is $100, which is $22 more than TSA PreCheck, but you’ll then have both services for 5 years.
Even if you have no plans to travel internationally, you may in the future, so signing up for Global Entry initially may be the better choice.
The statement credit for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement is not tied to a specific person.
If you can pay for the application or renewal fee with your eligible card, even if it is for another person, you will generally receive the reimbursement credit.
Unfortunately, credit cards do not reimburse for SENTRI, but Chase reimburses for NEXUS membership fees on several of its credit cards.
Fortunately you do not have to notify the credit card company or make a claim to have your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursed.
Simply pay for the application or renewal fee with your eligible card and the reimbursement will show up automatically on your monthly statement. It may take a couple statement periods to show up.
Keep in mind that cards have reimbursement frequencies that vary, either once every 4, 4.5, or 5 years.
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.
4 comments
Jan Talley Stewart
December 12, 2019
Why was I charged a $4.99 fee just to begin the process? My card was debited and it says SPL*Travel Preche Fl
Miami SPL8Travel
Precheck
Why Florida? All I did was put in my name, information, and credit card number which I WILL NEVER DO AGAIN! I don’t remember reading anything that said i would be charged just to begin the process! I’m really upset by all of this!
I wish to be reimbursed! $4.99 is $4.99 less than I had!
We do not represent Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, we are just a website that publishes educational travel information. I cannot say why they placed a charge for $4.99 on your card, but if I had to guess it may just be some sort of temporary hold. I’d recommend you reach out to your local enrollment center and ask why you were charged this. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-centers
Clyn6
June 01, 2022
It might be difficult to schedule an interview appointment depending on where you live! I have been trying for 6 months. In January and again in February this year I tried for interview on arrival from CUN to ATL. Both times told “they were not doing that at this time”. The airport that is 45 minutes from home never shows any openings. After the 2 fails at ATL and nothing ever shown for the local airport we booked at a place that is 3.5 hours away, but not happy about that idea. I signed up for globalentrynow dot com and within 2 weeks receive a notice about a last minute cancelation for May 31st. I was able to book that interview spot. Now I just have to watch for a cancellation for my husband. That was money well spent! I chose the SMS (text) option. I also set a special ring tone for the text so I would know it was extra important to check it right away.
4 comments
Jan Talley Stewart
December 12, 2019
Why was I charged a $4.99 fee just to begin the process? My card was debited and it says SPL*Travel Preche Fl
Miami SPL8Travel
Precheck
Why Florida? All I did was put in my name, information, and credit card number which I WILL NEVER DO AGAIN! I don’t remember reading anything that said i would be charged just to begin the process! I’m really upset by all of this!
I wish to be reimbursed! $4.99 is $4.99 less than I had!
Jarrod West
December 12, 2019
Hi Jan,
We do not represent Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, we are just a website that publishes educational travel information. I cannot say why they placed a charge for $4.99 on your card, but if I had to guess it may just be some sort of temporary hold. I’d recommend you reach out to your local enrollment center and ask why you were charged this. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-centers
Clyn6
June 01, 2022
It might be difficult to schedule an interview appointment depending on where you live! I have been trying for 6 months. In January and again in February this year I tried for interview on arrival from CUN to ATL. Both times told “they were not doing that at this time”. The airport that is 45 minutes from home never shows any openings. After the 2 fails at ATL and nothing ever shown for the local airport we booked at a place that is 3.5 hours away, but not happy about that idea. I signed up for globalentrynow dot com and within 2 weeks receive a notice about a last minute cancelation for May 31st. I was able to book that interview spot. Now I just have to watch for a cancellation for my husband. That was money well spent! I chose the SMS (text) option. I also set a special ring tone for the text so I would know it was extra important to check it right away.
Christine Krzyszton
June 01, 2022
Hello Clyn6. Thanks for the information and glad it worked out for you. Hope your husband gets an appointment soon.
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