The best credit cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Quick summary
As a frequent traveler, I always felt a jealous tinge whenever I saw people with TSA PreCheck breezing by me while I waited in line for regular security. While I'm not a subscriber to airport theory, I care a lot about getting through airport security as fast as possible.
I'd much prefer relaxing in an airport lounge over sprinting across the airport to get to my gate.
Given that, it was a no-brainer for me to get TSA PreCheck. Once I found out that Global Entry comes with TSA PreCheck, my focus switched to that program. The only roadblock stopping me was the price: $120. Not exorbitant, but enough to make me pause.
Fortunately, my United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) came to the rescue. This card offers a statement credit every four years for your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee, so I was able to use it to completely cover the $120 application fee.
After securing (and completing) my Global Entry interview appointment, I've breezed through security thanks to TSA PreCheck. It took me five minutes at both Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) recently.
I highly recommend Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck for everyone who flies at least a few times each year. Aside from my beloved United Explorer, here are some of the best cards that offer a statement credit for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
The best cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
How we chose the best cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
There are many cards on the market that offer statement credits for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. Every time we blink, it seems like a new one gets released.
So, how did we choose this list from all of those options?
We focused on the cards that offer more to travelers than just a basic Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. Your card should take your travels further than the Transportation Security Administration line, especially when you're paying hundreds for it each year.
That's why all of these cards offer a range of benefits, from bonus rewards on travel to statement credits for all kinds of purchases. This certainly isn't an exhaustive list of great cards with a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, but it's a comprehensive selection of the best.
Many TPGers have one or more of these cards, and we use them all the time to secure more value for our travels.
Comparing the best cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Here's a quick breakdown of the best cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry:
| Card | Best for | Welcome offer | Standout benefits | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Those who don't want a high annual fee | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. |
| $95 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Those looking for a flexible travel credit | Earn 125,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first three months from account opening. |
| $795 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Those searching for an affordable premium travel card | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $395 |
| The Platinum Card from American Express | Those who want a premium travel card with many benefits | New Amex Platinum cardmembers can find out their offer and see if they're eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. |
| $695 (see rates and fees) |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card | Those who want a card with no annual fee | Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months from account opening. |
| $0 |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
I think the Venture Rewards is great for those who don't aspire to have a 15-card wallet. Since it earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, it's an excellent everyday card.
Annual fee: $95
Standout benefits:
- Access to Capital One's 15-plus transfer partners.
- Earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Rental car insurance.
Why we chose it: The great thing with the Venture Rewards is that its Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit will cover more than the card's annual fee when you use it.
That's different from most of the other cards on this list, which charge annual fees in the hundreds.
After you use your Venture Rewards for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, you can use it to book hotels, vacation rentals and car rentals through Capital One Travel to earn 5 miles per dollar spent.
Those miles can be transferred to high-value partners like Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Club and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer — so you can actually use the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck you paid for.
To learn more and to determine whether now is a good time to apply, check out our full review of the Venture Rewards.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards
Chase Sapphire Reserve
One of the most expensive credit cards on the market better come with some benefits to match, and the Sapphire Reserve does. It's a great card for the avid traveler, but it might not be the best pick from this list for those who travel just a couple of times each year.
Annual fee: $795
Standout benefits:
- Earn bonus points on select travel and dining.
- Extensive travel and purchase protections.
- Flexible $300 annual travel credit.
- IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status through Dec. 31, 2027.
- Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire lounge access.
- Up to $300 in annual StubHub and Viagogo credit: Given as up to $150 biannually; activation required; ends Dec. 31, 2027.
- Up to $300 in annual promos with DoorDash: Up to $25 in monthly promos with two $10 nonrestaurant promos and one $5 restaurant promo. You'll also receive a complimentary DoorDash DashPass benefit. Activate by Dec. 31, 2027.
- Up to $120 in annual in-app Lyft credits: Up to $10 each month for select rides (through Sept. 30, 2027).
Why we chose it: The Sapphire Reserve's Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit covers Nexus as well.
Nexus allows travelers expedited entry into the U.S. and Canada; think of it as Global Entry Lite. I recommend going for Global Entry instead, since that program will offer you expedited entry into more countries than just the U.S. and Canada.
Still, it's worth noting that most cards don't cover a Nexus application fee. On top of that, you'll enjoy bonus points on a wide variety of travel purchases, including flights and hotels booked directly.
The Sapphire Reserve's travel credit can help your dollars stretch further; it's a favorite of TPGers who have the card.
You'll also have access to Chase's 14 transfer partners, including great options like Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt.
To learn more and to determine whether now is a good time to apply, check out our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Venture Rewards' older sibling is the Capital One Venture X. Despite being a premium card, it still charges a relatively affordable $395 annual fee. It's my pick for those who want a premium card, but who can't afford the expensive annual fees of the other high-end cards on this list.
Annual fee: $395
Standout benefits:
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary.
- Annual $300 Capital One Travel credit.
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protections, such as return protection and cellphone protection.
- Priority Pass and Capital One lounge access.
Why we chose it: Unlike the Venture Rewards, the Venture X's Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit doesn't cover the entire annual fee. Fortunately, the Venture X offers other ways to get value out of that fee each year.
The $300 travel credit covers almost the entire $395 annual fee. Plus, you'll still enjoy numerous protections and earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent.
The Venture X also improves your travel experience in a broad sense, whether through lounge access, travel credits or bonus rewards on travel purchases.
And, it does it at a fraction of the cost of other top-tier travel cards.
To learn more and to determine whether now is a good time to apply, check out our full review of the Venture X.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X
The Platinum Card from American Express
The Amex Platinum is one of the few cards that's easily recognized outside of points and miles circles. It's a long-standing symbol of luxury, with a substantial annual fee and numerous perks. It isn't the right fit for everyone, but it's a great tool for the right traveler.
Annual fee: $695
Standout benefits:
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protections.
- Elite status with Hilton and Marriott.
- Extensive lounge access, including Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (subject to limitations) and Centurion Lounges.
- Up to $200 each calendar year in statement credits for incidental fees on an eligible airline you select.
- Up to $200 in Uber Cash per calendar year, valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (split into monthly up-to-$15 credits, plus an up-to-$20 bonus in December). Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Platinum as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card.
- Up to $240 per calendar year in digital entertainment credits for select merchants (up to $20 each month).
(Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.)
Why we chose it: While a $120 statement credit for Global Entry (every four years) or an up to $85 TSA PreCheck statement credit (every four and a half years) is an expected perk for a premium travel card, the Amex Platinum can take your travels so much further.
Its up to $200 statement credit for airline incidentals may be limited to just one eligible airline of your choice, but it can cover a wide range of fees. I recently used it to pay for a checked bag on an Alaska Airlines flight.
If you often travel to cities, the Amex Platinum's up-to-$200 Uber Cash benefit can help save money on ride-hailing. I usually use my Amex Platinum's Uber credits for trips around my home city, but I've used them on my travels, too.
This card has a simple earning structure, so it's easy to keep track of its bonus categories. You'll earn 5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly or through American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 each year, then 1 point per dollar spent), plus 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. I often use my Amex Platinum to book airfare.
You can then use your points to book travel through Amex's many transfer partners, including Delta SkyMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan and Iberia Club.
To learn more and to determine whether now is a good time to apply, check out our full review of the Amex Platinum.
Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
I often say that I feel U.S. Bank is somewhat underrated as a credit card issuer. The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect is a great card for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck because it has no annual fee. It's a worthwhile option for a semifrequent traveler or someone who can't justify paying an annual fee.
Annual fee: None
Standout benefits:
- Four free visits to Priority Pass lounges each year.
- Travel protections.
- Up to $100 toward a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
- Visa Signature benefits.
Why we chose it: Although this card won't cover the cost of a Global Entry application, it gets really close. You'll only have to pay $20 out of pocket after you've taken this card's statement credit into consideration.
A Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit is virtually unheard of for a no-annual-fee card. On top of that, you'll be able to get into Priority Pass lounges four times a year with this card. That's plenty for the semifrequent traveler.
This is a fantastic starter card. I definitely recommend that any beginner points and miles enthusiast consider this as their first travel card. Just keep in mind that many data points from Reddit suggest U.S. Bank favors applicants who have an established relationship with the bank.
In terms of rewards, you'll earn bonus points on select travel booked through the Altitude Rewards Center and on gas and electric vehicle charging stations. Unfortunately, these points can't be transferred to partners. However, that's not a huge deal for a no-annual-fee card.
To learn more and to determine whether now is a good time to apply, check out our full review of the Altitude Connect.
Bottom line
When considering which card is right for you, take the entire card into consideration. Will you use lounge access, merchant-specific statement credits and hotel elite status? Can you afford to pay hundreds to hold a card each year? What types of purchases do you make most frequently?
The great thing about credit cards is that there's one for every person. All of these cards offer a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit; which one is best for you depends on your travel and spending habits.
Related: How to pick the right travel credit card for you
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.