The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel credit card with a high earning rate and perks like a TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry credit up to $120. Although it has a $395 annual fee, that can be offset by the travel credit and anniversary bonus. This is our top pick for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry credit card reimbursement.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
|
Winner
|
$395 | 2X - 10X miles
| 75,000 miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
| |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
|
Everyday spending
|
$95 | 2X - 5X Miles
| 75,000 miles
75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
| |
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
 Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Dining and travel
|
$795 | 1X - 8X points
| 100,000 points
Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
The Platinum Card® from American Express
|
Luxury travel perks
|
$695 | 5X points
| As high as 175,000 points
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
| |
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card*
|
Free hotel stays
|
$99 | 3X - 26X points
| 5 Free Nights
Earn 5 Free Nights after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| |
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
|
Luxury hotel perks
|
$650 | 2X - 6X points
| 150,000 points
Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
| |
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®*
|
American Airlines
|
$595 | 1X point
Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
| 70,000 miles
Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
| |
The New United℠ Explorer Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
United Airlines
|
$150 | 1X - 2X miles
| 60,000 miles
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
|
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card*
|
Military members
|
$95 | 1.5X - 4X points
| 50,000 points
50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days
| |
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Bank of America
|
$95 | 1.5X - 2X points
| 60,000 points
60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
|
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
To bring you the best Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® cards, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. For this piece, we compared the rankings of cards that offer Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® credits.
We rank cards based on the following criteria:
We calculate the value of rewards and perks for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes the card’s sign-up bonus, annual bonus (including free night certificates) and travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum thresholds to redeem, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options, like travel statement credits and cash back.
We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase protections, travel protections and elite status benefits against benefits from other cards.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 miles
Compared to other premium travel credit cards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has one of the lowest price tags. And yet, it earns valuable transferable miles and offers many luxury travel perks — including Priority Pass lounge access, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit up to $120 and a generous travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel.
The travel credit can be applied to Capital One Travel bookings and offsets the bulk of the annual fee. Plus, the card’s ongoing rewards are generous if you book through Capital One Travel, and you’ll earn at least 2X miles on all other purchases.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 miles
Earn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for travelers who have modest budgets and don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars in annual fees. It’s a winning option for everyday spending since it earns the same flexible, simple rewards on every purchase, as well as elevated rewards on travel: 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 points
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is often heralded as the best travel rewards card — and for good reason. In addition to its Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®/NEXUS application credit, it comes with a $300 annual travel credit, free Priority Pass™ Select membership for airport lounge access and a fantastic rewards rate. You’ll earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases.
Note that this card has a $795 annual fee, though the credits will cover most of this cost. Plus, when redeeming your points for travel through the Chase TravelSM portal, you’ll get up to 100% more redemption value. Alternatively, you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to Chase’s 10-plus loyalty partners.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: As high as 175,000 points
For those looking out for luxury perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is the best option for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit*. The card has a steep $695 annual fee, but it also comes with one of the highest rewards rates on flights booked directly with airlines and prepaid hotels. This is also one of the best credit cards for airport lounges, since you’ll enjoy access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection for eligible card members, including The Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass lounges* and Delta Sky Clubs (subject to visit limitations) when flying eligible Delta flights.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 5 Free Nights
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is ideal for frequent IHG hotel visitors when they’re on the road. With a reasonable $99 annual fee, you’ll also enjoy travel perks like a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS credit.
You’ll be rewarded more for general spending and non-IHG travel expenses with other cards on this list, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. However, this IHG credit card is worth it for the hotel perks, including annual free nights and Platinum Elite IHG status.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 points
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is an excellent credit card for Marriott loyalists looking for luxury perks. Although the free night award alone can offset the annual fee, this card will also gives you statement credits for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
To enhance the value even further, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers Priority Pass Select membership* and a property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis on stays of two nights or more. So if you’re looking for travel perks in addition to TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card should be on your shortlist.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 miles
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is one of American Airlines’ luxury card offerings, with a $595 annual fee. On top of the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® application credit, cardholders will also enjoy a complimentary Admirals Club® membership — valued at up to $850 — along with free checked bags and priority access at the airport. This card is best for American Airlines flyers who want access to the Admirals Club.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 miles
Most mid-tier airline cards don’t offer Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® reimbursement, but The New United℠ Explorer Card is the exception. If you’re a loyal United Airlines customer or fly with any Star Alliance partners, this card is a strong choice. On top of that, The New United℠ Explorer Card offers an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $150.
You’ll enjoy United-specific benefits, like a free first checked bag, priority boarding and two one-time United Club passes each year. However, if you’re not a United Airlines loyalist or Star Alliance traveler, one of the general rewards cards on this list would better suit your needs.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 points
Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days
The PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card is a great choice for those looking for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry benefits as a military member. Active military members can qualify for PenFed Honors Advantage membership, and those in the Honors Advantage program enjoy a waived annual fee. You can also qualify for PenFed Honors by having an active PenFed checking account and meeting balance and activity requirements. This is one of the few cards where you can potentially get the TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry cost fully covered without paying an annual fee.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points
Earn 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card nicely complements customers who already own checking or savings accounts with Bank of America. This card is part of the Preferred Rewards® program, offering benefits including a 25% to 75% rewards bonus depending on your combined account balances. Plus, the $95 annual fee can be offset by the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application credit and an annual statement credit for airline incidentals.
The cards listed above are the best overall credit cards with a credit for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®. However, there are many cards with this benefit that might work better for your travel needs and spending habits. Each of the cards below provides the benefit once every four to five years:
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Benefit | Rewards Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The Platinum Card® from American Express
|
$695 | Every four years for Global Entry, every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck®* | 5X points
| ||
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
|
$695 | Every four years for Global Entry, every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck®* | 1X - 5X points
| ||
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
|
$650 | Every four years for Global Entry, every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck®* | 1X - 3X miles
| ||
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
|
$350 | Every four years for Global Entry, every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck®* | 1X - 3X miles
| ||
|
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
|
$650 | Every four years for Global Entry, every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck® after you apply | 2X - 6X points
| ||
|
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
$95 | Every four years | 1.5X - 2X points
|
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
|
Mastercard® Gold Card™
Apply Now
on Luxury Card's secure site |
$995 ($295 for each Authorized User added to the account) | Every five years | 2%
|
Apply Now
on Luxury Card's secure site |
|
|
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
|
$95 | See terms | 2X - 5X Miles
| ||
|
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
|
$395 | See terms | 2X - 10X miles
| ||
|
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
$795 | Every four years | 1X - 8X points
|
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
|
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card*
|
$99 | Every four years | 3X - 26X points
| ||
|
The New United℠ Explorer Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
$150 | Every four years | 1X - 2X miles
|
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
|
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®*
|
$595 | Every four years | 1X point
Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
| ||
|
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card*
|
$95 | Every four years | 1.5X - 4X points
|
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® are two of several Trusted Traveler programs offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Both are designed to help preapproved travelers save time on travel. Global Entry is intended for frequent international travelers, while TSA PreCheck® is more useful for domestic travel. That being said, a Global Entry membership gives you TSA PreCheck® benefits as well, so it may be the best of both options for many travelers.
CLEAR is a membership program that uses biometric data to help members get through identity verification and security lines faster. Unlike Trusted Traveler programs, it’s run by a private company, and it’s available at many stadiums, arenas and other venues in addition to airports.
Global Entry is a program sponsored by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows trusted travelers to bypass long customs lines when entering the U.S. after international travel. Members forgo the main processing lanes and paperwork upon reentry. It can save hours, as Global Entry members are often able to pass through customs in just a few minutes. Plus, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck®, so it’s a two-for-one benefit.
TSA PreCheck® lets preapproved travelers access expedited security lines at over 200 airports and more than 90 airlines. It also reduces hassle — people using PreCheck won’t need to remove their shoes, belts, liquids, laptops or light jackets. As of September 2024, 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers waited less than 10 minutes to go through security.
TSA PreCheck® doesn’t include Global Entry. However, it takes longer to get Global Entry than TSA PreCheck®, so this program may be a better fit for frequent domestic travelers.
CLEAR Plus lets members scan their boarding pass and verify their identity at CLEAR kiosks and then go through designated CLEAR security lines. A CLEAR Plus membership can be bundled with TSA PreCheck® at a discount. CLEAR is most beneficial for domestic travel and is available at 58 airports in the U.S.
Admission to either trusted traveler program is good for five years and requires an in-person interview, background check and fingerprinting. CLEAR Plus memberships must be renewed annually, but initial enrollment is only done once at the airport on the day of travel and takes a few minutes.
| Global Entry | TSA PreCheck® | CLEAR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available for | U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of select countries | U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents | U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents 18 and older |
| Reduces time waiting in airport security | |||
| Includes TSA PreCheck® benefits |
|
|
|
| Kids under 13 included in membership |
|
|
|
| Enrollment center locations | 90+ | 500+ | 58 |
| Valid for | 5 years | 5 years | 1 year |
| Cost | $120 | $78 ($70 renewal) | $199 |
| Reduces time waiting in customs |
|
|
If you travel internationally, even occasionally, it’s advisable to choose Global Entry over TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR. It’s much cheaper than CLEAR and only $22 more than PreCheck, and you can enjoy expedited customs clearance, plus all TSA PreCheck® benefits.
If you don’t plan to leave the country, though, TSA PreCheck® is all you need. The application process is less difficult for PreCheck than for Global Entry, and it’s much more affordable than a CLEAR Plus membership, which costs $199 per year. If you want to bypass security lines and go through the faster TSA PreCheck® security process, you could get the CLEAR and TSA PreCheck® bundle, which will save you money compared to the cost of buying both separately.
If you travel regularly, both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® can be worth the cost and time required to be approved. The $120 application fee makes Global Entry a bit more expensive than TSA PreCheck®, which costs $78 to $85, depending on where you get it. However, Global Entry also gives you TSA PreCheck® benefits.
TSA PreCheck® is definitely worth it if you fly domestically at least once or twice a year. You’ll save time and effort — for example, you won’t have to take off your shoes or belt. On top of that, TSA PreCheck® is great for families, as your children under 13 years old are included in your membership.
Global Entry is only worth it if you travel internationally on a semiregular basis. It costs up to $42 more than TSA PreCheck®, and the application process is more rigorous. With only a limited number of locations and long waits for appointments, the CBP interview may be too large of a hurdle for those who don’t often travel internationally.
However, you do get the benefit of expedited entry into the U.S. when arriving from abroad, which means avoiding those long lines at customs when you’re already exhausted from traveling.
If you don’t fly often, you may be debating whether either program is worth the cost and hassle. But the fees are relatively inexpensive if you consider the length of the membership period.
Since enrollment in either TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry is good for five years, Global Entry costs just $24 per year. Similarly, TSA PreCheck® costs no more than $17 per year. Plus, you completely avoid the fee if you sign up for a credit card with a TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry fee credit.
The process for your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® applications have many similarities. Both programs require you to submit an online application and appear in person for an interview at an enrollment center. However, Global Entry can take much longer to get — while 80% of applications are approved within two weeks, some may require manual review, which can take 12 to 24 months. You’re also required to appear for an interview with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which can be difficult if you live in a rural area or are generally far removed from an enrollment center.
Unless you’ve gotten into serious legal trouble or are the subject of a government investigation, you should have no problem getting approved for either trusted traveler program.
In most cases, you’ve been preapproved for Global Entry if you make it to the interview phase of the application process. After the interview, you’ll likely be verified as a Global Entry member if you don’t have a problematic criminal record, your application information is truthful and you’re confirmed as low risk.
You can also interview through EoA at one of 66 airports any time you return from an international trip. You’ll need your valid passport or permanent resident card and documents proving residency. Finally, you can renew your Global Entry membership as early as one year before the five-year expiration date.
You’ll have your fingerprints taken. If your criminal record is clean, there should be no problems. In total, the interview should take no longer than 10 minutes. TSA PreCheck® renewals cost $70.
For Global Entry, the CBP usually processes applications within two weeks, but some applications can take up to a year or longer. This process may be delayed depending on wait times at your local enrollment center, which can range from zero days to one year. TSA PreCheck®’s approval process typically takes three to five days, though some applications can take up to 60 days.
You can check your application status through the Trusted Traveler Program website on your dashboard. If the status reads “Pending Review,” your application has been received by the CBP and is being processed. Once your status is updated to “Conditionally Approved,” you’ll receive a notification to schedule an appointment at an enrollment center.
Once you’ve submitted an online application and scheduled an appointment, you’ll go to an enrollment center for a quick background check and fingerprint scan, and to pay the enrollment fee. You’ll be officially registered as a TSA PreCheck® member after this appointment and typically need to wait three to five days to receive your KTN.
Note: To use TSA PreCheck®, you’ll need to fly on an airline that participates in the program. All of the major U.S. airlines currently take part in the program; you can check for other airlines on the TSA’s list of participating airlines.
| Airline | How to Use Precheck |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | Either add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your travel reservation or add it to your AAdvantage account:
|
| Delta | Add your KTN to your reservation or your Delta profile:
|
| Southwest | Add your KTN to your flight reservation or your Southwest account:
|
| United | Add your KTN to your United reservation or your MileagePlus profile:
|
Both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® last for five years. Most credit cards with TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry benefits offer a fee reimbursement once every four or four-and-a-half years, allowing you to renew before your membership expires.
You’ll need to bring your valid passport and a second form of identification, like a driver’s license or ID card, to the interview.
Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is the number listed under “PASS ID” in the upper left-hand corner on the back of your Global Entry card.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® and PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
