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TSA PreCheck provides expedited screening when checking in at the airport. Passengers with TSA PreCheck approval on their boarding pass can access a special line at U.S. airports for faster security clearance. We’ll explain everything you need to know about this Trusted Traveler program and how it can improve your pre-flight preparation.
What does TSA PreCheck do?
TSA PreCheck is a government program that provides expedited security screening for travelers departing from US airports. With TSA PreCheck, you’ll use a separate security line at the airport without having to remove your shoes or belt, or remove your laptop or other electronic devices from your carry-on luggage. According to TSA, 99% of passengers using TSA PreCheck lines wait less than 10 minutes to complete the screening process.
How to Get TSA PreChecked
TSA Precheck is a Trusted Traveler program administered by the Transportation Security Administration of the Department of Homeland Security. Membership in this program is limited to US citizens, US nationals and legal permanent residents. For those who meet residency criteria, there are several steps to apply for TSA PreCheck:
- Go to Trusted Traveler Website and click the Get Started button under TSA PreCheck.
- You will be taken to a screen that will give you a choice of two different TSA PreCheck providers. You’ll have to come in person to fill out the application, so it may make sense to choose a service provider near you. Suppliers:
- Idemiawhich charges $78 to register, $70 to renew online and has over 610 enrollment centers, or
- Teloswhich charges $85 to register and $70 to renew online and has 28 enrollment centers.
- Make an appointment. At the meeting, which the TSA says should take about 10 minutes, you will be asked to provide appropriate identificationtake a photo and submit your fingerprints.
- Pay the registration fee. Some travel credit cards offer a refund of the registration fee if you charge it to the card. More on this below.
- Wait until your provider receives your known traveler number (KTN). The TSA says it typically takes three to five days, although it can take up to 60 days. You can check the status of your application by email, phone, text message, or online check through the registration service provider with whom you applied.
- If you have a KTN, you can add it to any frequent flyer program in which you participate, and you can also include it with any airline booking so that your boarding pass will be stamped with TSA PreCheck for security purposes. Each time you book a ticket, you will need to enter your KTN into your reservation if it is not already stored with the airline in order to use the TSA PreCheck line. If your boarding pass does not have a TSA PreCheck indicator, you will not be able to use the PreCheck lane to go through security.
What is the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
TSA PreCheck is administered by the Transportation Security Administration and speeds up the security screening process when departing from US airports.
Global Entry is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and allows expedited entry into the United States from other countries. However, TSA PreCheck is included with Global Entry membership. Below is a detailed description of the two programs:
| TSA PreCheck | Global Login | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $78 or $85 depending on which of the two providers you choose. | 100 dollars |
| Length valid | 5 years | 5 years |
| Main advantages | Expedited security screening, you can leave your shoes, belt and light jacket, laptops and other electronics can be left in your carry-on luggage. | All the benefits of TSA PreCheck plus expedited entry into the US when returning from travel abroad. |
| Restrictions for travel companions | Children under 17 years of age traveling with someone who has been TSA PreChecked may also go through this line. | All travel companions, regardless of age, must have their own Global Entry ID to use the expedited check-in line. |
| Application fee | 100 dollars |
|---|---|
| $78 or $85 depending on which of the two providers you choose. | |
| Length valid | 5 years |
| 5 years | |
| Main advantages | All the benefits of TSA PreCheck plus expedited entry into the US when returning from travel abroad. |
| Expedited security screening, you can leave your shoes, belt and light jacket, laptops and other electronics can be left in your carry-on luggage. | |
| Restrictions for traveling companions | All travel companions, regardless of age, must have their own Global Entry ID to use the expedited check-in line. |
| Children under 17 years of age traveling with someone who has been TSA PreChecked may also go through this line. |
What is CLEAR?
CLEAR is a biometric technology company that is not a government trusted traveler program but can provide expedited identity verification. CLEAR® Plus is a program available at more than 55 U.S. airports that allows members to go through security in a dedicated lane with reduced wait times.
Some credit cards provide a statement credit for CLEAR Plus membership reimbursement, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Green Card.
TSA PreCheck is present at more than 200 airports, although some airports have both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes. Which one is faster will depend on various factors, including how busy the airport is and how many people are in line for each.
To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page
All American Express® Green Card information has been independently collected by FortuneRecommends™.
Platinum Card® from American Express
Welcome Bonus
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend $8,000 on card purchases within the first 6 months of card membership.
| Annual fee | US$695 |
| Purchase in April | See “Time-based payment for the year” |
| Foreign transaction fee | Nobody |
Are there other Trusted Traveler programs?
Yes, in addition to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, other trusted traveler programs include:
- CONNECTION: This program has a $50 application fee and is valid for five years after approval. NEXUS provides expedited entry into the U.S. and Canada by air, vehicle and pedestrian, expedited entry into the U.S. by sea from Canada, and access to TSA PreCheck expedited security lanes at airports across the U.S. and U.S. borders for U.S. citizens, U.S. legal permanent residents, and Canadians. citizens.
- SENTRY: The fee for this program is $122.25 and SENTRI is valid for five years after approval. The program allows expedited entry into the United States by air, vehicle, and pedestrians from Canada and Mexico. It is available to US citizens and legal permanent residents, as well as all foreign nationals. SENTRI offers access to TSA PreCheck expedited screening lanes at airports within the US and US territories for US citizens and US legal permanent residents.
- FAST: The cost of this program is $50 and is valid for five years. FAST allows expedited entry for truck drivers entering and leaving the United States from Canada and Mexico who are U.S. citizens, U.S. legal permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican citizens. FAST does not include TSA PreCheck membership.
Credit Cards with TSA PreCheck Application Fee Reimbursement
There are many travel credit cards that offer an application fee refund credit of up to $100, allowing you to apply for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry if you pay with the card. Some of the options include:
To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page
To view Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card rates and fees,see this page
To view Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card rates and fees, see this page
To view Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card rates and fees, see this page
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Bonus
Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within 3 months of account opening.
| Annual fee | US$95 |
| Regular annual interest rate | 19.99%–29.99% variable |
Conclusion
TSA PreCheck can save you a lot of time and stress at the airport, especially if you travel frequently. And if you have the right credit card, you can get it for next to nothing—we say almost because cards that offer TSA PreCheck reimbursement typically have an annual fee, so you’ll still have to pay to carry the card. But it doesn’t have to be expensive.
For example, United Explorer charges an annual initiation fee of $0 for the first year (then $95). If you fly United regularly, you’ll likely find this card to be worth the price. In addition to TSA PreCheck benefits, it offers perks such as a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and two one-time United Club passes on your account anniversary year.
In conclusion, we think that for most travelers flying out of U.S. airports, TSA PreCheck is worth it. And if you’re flying internationally, consider Global Entry – PreCheck is included.
UnitedCM Explorer Map
Welcome Bonus
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of your account opening.
| Annual fee | Annual initiation fee: $0 for the first year (then $95) |
| Regular annual interest rate | 21.99%–28.99% variable annual interest rate |
Please note that card details are accurate as of the date of publication but are subject to change at any time at the issuer’s discretion. Contact your card issuer to confirm rates, fees, and benefits before applying.
Fortune Recommends™ partners with CardRatings to cover credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive commissions from card issuers.
Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. For more information, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Insurance.