There are several ways to get TSA PreCheck free. The most common is by using a credit or debit card that pays for the program.
TSA PreCheck can be a great way to save time at the airport.
TSA PreCheck, launched in 2013, allows its members the opportunity to skip the normal security line. PreCheck holders can enjoy an expedited, dedicated line at more than 200 U.S. Airports that participate in the program. PreCheck holders can wear shoes, jackets, belts and light coats to security. Small liquids and electronics can also stay in bags.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that around 99 percent of PreCheck passengers clear security in 10 minutes or less—making the program a game-changer for those who prefer arriving at the airport last-minute or who simply don’t like waiting in long lines.
There are a few negative aspects to TSA PreCheck It does cost money. PreCheck application fees are typically $85 (or less depending on the circumstances), and cover your membership for a period of five years.
You can become a TSA PreCheck Member for free if you are savvy. As part of the cardholder benefits, almost 50 credit cards will pay for PreCheck membership. A few loyalty programs in the hospitality and travel industries will also cover PreCheck membership fees for their members.
Learn how to get TSA PreCheck at no cost, regardless of the method you prefer.
Dustin Chambers/Bloomberg via Getty Images
How to Get TSA preCheck Free with a Credit Card
PreCheck can be obtained for free by applying with a credit card that offers the benefit. The TSA keeps a list As of May 2025, the list of cards that it partners with includes approximately four dozen cards.
There are a wide range of eligible cards, from credit cards for beginners with no annual fees to exclusive high-end cards. That variety means there’s probably an eligible card that could be a fit for you—if you don’t have one in your wallet already.
PreCheck is a program that allows you to use your credit card for membership. You can pay the application fee for PreCheck membership (or renewal) with any card. Your card provider will then issue a statement credit for the application fee. This usually occurs within two billing cycles.
Yes, that does mean you have to front the cost yourself with this method—but, at the end of the day, you’ll still eventually have your PreCheck membership paid for.
PreCheck benefits are only available once every 4 years for most of the cards listed below. If you plan to purchase memberships on behalf of multiple family members, be sure to plan ahead. Card benefits can usually be used to apply for new cards or renew existing ones. Once the four-year benefit period has passed, you will be able use them again to renew PreCheck membership every half decade.
Most of the cards that qualify allow you to select whether or not to use TSA PreCheck. Global EntryCustoms and Border Patrol, which expedites the processing of foreign nationals flying to the U.S. But be aware, if you want to get Global Entry for free, your card probably won’t also cover your PreCheck fees—these benefits typically cover just one or the other. If you are a frequent international traveler, it is worth investing in the Global Entry option, which includes PreCheck.
These credit cards cover TSA PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck is available on credit cards that do not charge an annual fee.
- American Airlines Credit Union Visa Signature Credit Card
- Arvest Visa Signature Credit Card
- Truist Enjoy Credit Card
- U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
Credit Cards with Annual Fees under $100
- Aeroplan Credit Card: $95 Annual Fee
- Bank of America’s Premium Rewards Credit Card has an annual fee of $95
- Capital One Venture Card – $95 annual fee
- The annual fee for the Choice Privileges Mastercard is $95
- HSBC Premier World Mastercard : $95 annual fee
- IHG One Reward Premier Credit Card – $99 Annual Fee
- Navy Federal Visa Signature Flagship Card: Annual fee of $49
- One Key+ Card: Annual fee of $99
- PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: $95 annual fee
- Fee waived the first year: Provident Travel World+ – $45
- Truist Business Travel Reward Credit Card: $49 annual fees (free the first year).
- Truist Enjoy Card: $95 annual Fee
- USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature Credit card: $95 annual fee
Credit Cards with Annual Fees Above $100
- American Express Platinum Card: Annual fee of $650
- American Express Centurion Cards: Annual fee of $5,000
- Capital One Venture X Cards: $395 Annual Fee
- Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card Annual Fee: $550
- Annual fee for Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard is $595
- Citi Prestige Card: $495 annual fee
- Delta SkyMiles American Express Platinum Card: $350 annual charge
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express card: $650 annual fee
- HSBC Elite World Elite MasterCard – $495 annual fee
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card: $650 annual fee
- MasterCard Black Card: $495 Annual Fee
- MasterCard Gold Card: $995 Annual Fee
- UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card $650 annual fee
- United Club Card: Annual fee of $695
- United Explorer Card: $150 annual charge (free the first year).
- United Quest Card: $350 fee annually
Business credit cards that offer free TSA preCheck
- American Express Business platinum card: annual fee $695
- American Express Gold Corporate Card: $250 Annual Fee
- American Express Corporate Platinum card: $550 annual fee
- Capital One Spark miles Card: $95 annual fees (waived the first year).
- Capital One Venture X Card: Annual Fee $395
- Delta SkyMiles American Express Platinum Business Card: $350 Annual Fee
- Delta SkyMiles American Express Business card: $650 annual fee
- IHG Premier Business Card: $99 Annual Fee
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Credit Card: $199 annual Fee
There are other ways to get TSA pre-check for free
There are several other options if you want to get free TSA PreCheck and do not have a special card. Some hospitality rewards programs offer free PreCheck as a benefit to members or in exchange of points or miles. These programs offer this benefit:
- IHG One Rewards
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Orbitz Rewards Platinum
- United Mileage Plus
Pre-Check fees can be covered in one final way. According to TSA, luxury travelers are a priority for the TSA ASmallWorld PreCheck is offered free of charge to certain members. ASmallWorld is a mix between a social network and a private club. It offers its members a variety of travel benefits – from upgrades and hotel perks with partners such as the Four Seasons, to perks and hotel perks with partners like Silversea, Etihad, and Silversea Cruises. The paid-for PreCheck is the cherry on top.
