Airport security can be challenging, particularly during busy travel periods, but TSA PreCheck offers a way to bypass standard lines and enjoy a smoother experience. Membership costs $78 for five years, breaking down to roughly $16 per year. Many credit cards offer statement credits that cover this fee, making TSA PreCheck accessible for little to no extra expense, even though no- or low-annual-fee credit cards.
Travelers should choose the best program for their needs. TSA PreCheck is tailored for domestic U.S. travel, while Global Entry benefits international travelers, and NEXUS is designed for crossings between the U.S. and Canada. Each program requires an application fee and an in-person interview, with approval based on background checks and other criteria.
Each of these programs has distinct benefits. TSA PreCheck members gain access to dedicated security lanes and avoid removing shoes, belts, and laptops. Global Entry provides expedited reentry for international travelers, while NEXUS offers faster processing at U.S.-Canada border checkpoints. Both Global Entry and NEXUS memberships also include TSA PreCheck, providing added flexibility for frequent travelers.
How to Choose the Best Travel Security Program for Smooth Airport Experiences
Several credit cards provide statement credits covering the application fees for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS. To access this benefit, travelers pay the application fee with an eligible credit card and receive a statement credit. Most cards apply this benefit to only one program per application, so it’s important to choose the program that best suits individual travel needs.
Most credit cards offering this benefit allow one reimbursement every four or five years, aligning with the programs’ five-year membership durations. This timing ensures travelers can renew their memberships consistently with minimal or no additional expense. Since the Global Entry and NEXUS fees recently increased to $120, travelers should verify if their credit card’s benefit has been updated accordingly.
For those who prefer no annual fee, several no-annual-fee credit cards offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Examples include the American Airlines Credit Union Visa® Signature and Truist Enjoy Travel cards, both providing credit every four years. Some cards also waive the annual fee in the first year, such as the United℠ Explorer Card, effectively covering the application cost for the initial year at no added expense.
How to Choose the Best Travel Security Program for Smooth Airport Experiences
Low-annual-fee cards also offer credits for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS. These cards typically have fees of around $95, but the credit value often covers or exceeds this amount, especially in the first year. Additional travel perks on these cards may further offset the cost, adding long-term value. Examples include the Capital One Venture Rewards card and the Bank of America Premium Rewards card.
TSA PreCheck is beneficial for frequent U.S. flyers, especially at busy airports with long security lines. However, it may not be necessary for all travelers. Those who primarily travel internationally or depart from smaller airports with shorter lines might find the benefit less impactful. Whether TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS is worthwhile depends largely on individual travel patterns and the specific convenience needs of each traveler.
