The TSA PreCheck program can help travelers speed through security checkpoints at more than 200 U.S. airports.
Updated Aug 21, 2024 3:42 p.m. PDT · 4 min read Written by Lee Huffman Lee Huffman
Lee is a freelance travel writer and podcast host based in Nashville, Tennessee. He loves to travel with his wife and two children using miles and points. Lee has held the Southwest Companion Pass since 2007 and enjoys being spoiled thanks to his Kimpton Inner Circle status.
June CasagrandeJune is a freelance writer and the author of “The Joy of Syntax" and “The Best Punctuation Book, Period.” A former staff writer, reporter and editor for the community news division of the Los Angeles Times, she also writes the weekly syndicated “A Word, Please” column that runs in newspapers in five states.
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MORE LIKE THIS Travel Insurance Travel Travel Rewards Credit CardsTravelers often dread going through TSA security lines, but by signing up for TSA PreCheck, you can save a lot of time and hassle at airport security.
Exactly how much time can you save? We'll put it this way: In April 2024, 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 10 minutes at airport security.
Travelers with TSA PreCheck can use dedicated security lines, keep their shoes on and leave their 3-1-1 liquids and laptops in their bags. These benefits are available when flying on dozens of airlines at over 200 airports.
Here, we answer your questions: What is TSA PreCheck, how much does it cost and how can you get it for free?
TSA PreCheck is a membership program that offers dedicated airport security lines and streamlined screening at a few hundred airports across the U.S.
Upon approval, members receive a Known Traveler Number that lets the airlines know that you are eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.
More than 90 airlines participate in TSA PreCheck to provide a smoother airport screening process. Simply add your Known Traveler Number to your flight reservations to receive a "TSA PreCheck" designation on your boarding pass and use the dedicated security lines. On some flights you may not receive TSA PreCheck benefits based on the airline you're flying, which airport you are flying from or TSA procedures.
Children up to 12 years old do not need their own TSA PreCheck membership. As long as they are traveling with an adult who is a member, they can use the TSA Security lanes too. Children ages 13-17 can travel with TSA PreCheck member parents so long as the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child's boarding pass as well.
Get a reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry with our favorite cards Check out our nerdy picks for the best cards for travelers that want TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. BROWSE CARDS
While TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both designed to streamline security checkpoints, each is targeted to a specific type of travel.
TSA PreCheck makes domestic travel simpler, offering dedicated airport security lanes, lower application fees and several locations where you can enroll.
Global Entry, on the other hand, is best for international travelers. This program includes TSA PreCheck benefits, but also simplifies the U.S. customs process when returning from outside the U.S.
This chart highlights some of the similarities and differences between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
Length of membership
$77.95 - $85 ($68.95 - $70 online renewal), depending on application servicer.
Access to TSA PreCheck security lane
Can bring minor children with you (12 & under)
No, child must have their own membership.
Access to expedited U.S. Customs lanes
The TSA PreCheck program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents.
Travelers interested in TSA PreCheck must apply online for pre-approval. Once your interview is booked, you are required to bring an unexpired U.S. government-issued photo identification, plus proof of citizenship. Accepted documents include your passport or a driver's license and birth certificate.
Immigrants can learn more about required documentation on the Homeland Security website .
The benefits sound great, but what is the fee for TSA PreCheck? TSA PreCheck costs $77.95 at Clear enrollment locations , $78 at Idemia enrollment centers and $85 at Telos enrollment centers. The membership lasts for five years. After the initial application fee, PreCheck renewal only costs $70 if completed online . As detailed below, some travel credit cards will help offset this cost.
The initial $78 fee breaks down to an average of $15.60 per year or $1.30 per month.
While you can pay for TSA PreCheck with your credit card or debit card, you can actually get it for free instead of paying cash. Here are four ways to do just that:
Randomly issued. Some passengers may randomly receive TSA PreCheck as a way to introduce them to the benefits of being a member. Consider this a marketing effort by the Department of Homeland Security to encourage people to sign up for TSA PreCheck.
Military benefits. All active members of the U.S. Armed Forces can receive TSA PreCheck benefits by entering their Department of Defense identification number as their Known Traveler Number. This includes those serving as Reserves and National Guard, as well as cadets and midshipmen attending a military academy.
Redeem rewards. Some airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus , allow you to redeem miles and points to pay for TSA PreCheck application fees.
Credit card benefits. Many travel cards reimburse TSA PreCheck application fees every four to five years. Among them:
Cards with airport security benefits
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Annual fee$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .
Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.
Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.
Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.
Learn more Read Review Read Review Read Review How to get credit card reimbursementIf your credit card offers reimbursement for the application fee for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you must pay the fee with the card. You cannot submit a claim for reimbursement if you paid with some other method. Reimbursement will usually appear as a statement credit in your account within two months.
Cards typically offer reimbursement of only one fee once every four to five years. Check the terms and conditions of your card for the specific rules that apply. Note also that these cards only reimburse the application fee for a trusted traveler program. They don't automatically enroll you in the program or guarantee that you'll be accepted by the program. You still have to apply and go through the required screening, which in the case of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry includes an in-person appointment.
Cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck® feesTSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.
Here's how to pre-enroll for TSA PreCheck online and get your interview set up in five simple steps:
Go to the TSA website and click on "Apply now." Complete the brief questionnaire confirming your eligibility for the program. Provide a list of the identifying documents you'll bring along to your interview. Choose from one of the 600+ enrollment centers and schedule your TSA PreCheck appointment. Look for an email confirming your appointment.Under a new partnership between the TSA and Clear, you can apply for TSA PreCheck at one of almost 50 participating Clear enrollment locations without an appointment. Submit your application online first , then finish the process at a Clear kiosk at a participating airport. Clear will submit your TSA PreCheck application on your behalf; expect to hear back in three to five days.
Getting approved for TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed. People can be declined based on security threat assessments, certain criminal convictions and similar reasons.
If you're declined for TSA PreCheck, it is possible to appeal the decision and request reconsideration.
The TSA PreCheck interview usually takes less than 10 minutes. It is primarily meant to verify your identification documents and process your fingerprints. For most people, you'll need to bring your driver's license and passport. However, it is best to use this interactive guide from the Department of Homeland Security to answer a few quick questions to know for sure which documents you should bring.
You will also be required to pay the nonrefundable $78 or $85 fee at your appointment. Payment can be made by credit card, company check, cashier's check or money order.
Once you're approved for TSA PreCheck, add your Known Traveler Number to your existing flight reservations and airline loyalty program profiles. This will allow you to use the dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes across the U.S.
Yes. This valuable tool saves you time and frustration at airport security. If you've ever missed a flight due to long security screening lines, you know how critical it can be to get through airport security quickly.
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Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve® Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card About the authorYou’re following Lee Huffman
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Lee Huffman is a freelance travel writer and podcast host based in Nashville, Tennessee. He loves to travel with his wife and two children using miles and points. Lee has held the Southwest Companion Pass since 2007 and enjoys being spoiled thanks to his Kimpton Inner Circle status. See full bio.
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