The Best Cards That Offer Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and Clear

<p>Fact Checked Fact Checked Updated: Dec 12, 2023, 5:14pm No one likes waiting in line. But when it comes to airport security checkpoints, there is a workaround to fast track the experience. Those with a membership to TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or CLEAR® Plus skip long entry wait lines and use dedicated kiosks to quickly verify their identity. are designed for airport travelers, with TSA PreCheck designed solely for domestic travelers and Global Entry designed for use at both international and domestic airports. The application fees for both of these programs are modest. TSA PreCheck costs $78 for new applicants ($70 to renew) and Global Entry costs $100 and both have a five year membership. CLEAR Plus is the newest entry among speed through security technology and it uses biometrics rather than documents to identify you and check you in. CLEAR Plus is in use in over 50 locations in the U.S. including select airports and event venues and has a price tag of $189 a year—although participating sports and entertainment venues may offer a limited access version for free to help expedite entry to select events. But, if you have the right credit card, your net cost for one of these fast passes can be slashed to $0. That’s because many credit cards reimburse the application fees as a benefit of being a cardholder. All you need to do is charge the application fee to the right card. Forbes Advisor found many credit cards that currently offer this valuable benefit. Up to 4X Reward Rate Earn 70,000 points $295 ($375 if application is received on or after 2/1/24) 19.49% 27.49% Variable Excellent/Good (700 749) TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR Plus Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are Trusted Traveler programs of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. While both can save you time and make it easier to travel, each works a little differently. CLEAR Plus is an option with or without TSA PreCheck. Check out our for more information about these programs. Find the Best Travel Credit Cards For 2024 Find the best travel credit card for your travel needs. Cards With Under $100 Annual Fee Offering TSA PreCheck or Global Entry There are currently at least a dozen credit cards with under a $100 annual fee that offer a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees. Terms apply for enrollment. These cards include: With rare exception, the annual fee on these cards is less than the statement credit you’d receive to reimburse a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee. That means you’d actually save more than the first year’s annual fee by applying for one of these cards, paying the annual fee and then charging the application fee to the card. Plus, many of these cards have excellent welcome offers. One of our favorite cards on this list is the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. In addition to a lucrative welcome bonus, this card offers IHG Rewards Platinum Elite status, a fourth night free on award stays of four or more nights and an anniversary free night certificate. Premium Travel Credit Cards Offering TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Reimbursed TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees are a nice perk. But there’s more to a card than just this one benefit. Here are cards that come packed with travel perks—including TSA PreCheck and Global Entry application fee reimbursement. Terms apply for enrollment. Featured Partner Offers Business Travel Credit Cards Offering TSA PreCheck or Global Entry You have even more options if you’re a small business owner. Here are small business cards that reimburse application fees for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry: Cards Offering Credits Towards CLEAR Plus Only a few cards currently offer full reimbursement in the form of statement credits for a CLEAR Plus Membership, including: There are other cards that offer credits to offset a CLEAR Plus membership, reducing your overall cost of ownership. Delta and United airlines have partnerships with CLEAR Plus where cardholders can receive a discount towards the cost of CLEAR Plus. Holders of United co branded personal and receive a discounted price of $149, an $40 discount. These cards include: Holders of Delta co branded personal and business also receive a discounted price of $149 per year, $40 off the regular $189 (enrollment required): How Often You Can Get a Statement Credit Many of these cards offer cardholders the chance to use the statement credit to pay for a friend or family member’s application fee. But, that doesn’t mean you can make a Global Entry application fee a gift to everyone you know. Each card restricts how often you can get the statement credit. Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are five year memberships. However, you can renew your Global Entry membership starting one year before expiration. And TSA PreCheck renewal applications can be submitted up to six months before expiration. So, most card issuers limit the credit to once every 4 to 4.5 years. For example, eligible American Express cards grant a $100 statement credit every four years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck application fee. Meanwhile, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Spark Miles for Business allow cardholders to receive a credit every four years. So, make sure to check the fine print for the exact terms and conditions. Featured Partner Offers Bottom Line CLEAR Plus makes going through security lines, whether at airports or big events, quick and easy. While its $189 annual membership fee is steep, certain credit cards can get you a discounted or free membership. Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can save you a ton of time and hassle when traveling. Even infrequent travelers can likely justify the $78 or $100 fee for five years of travel convenience. However, by charging the application fee to one of these credit cards, you can get this perk as an included benefit of your card membership.</p>