Best Credit Cards for Free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck in 2024

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:

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.

Global Entry application process

1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Login.gov website.
2. Once your account is created, log in, submit an application for Global Entry and pay the $120 fee.
3. Wait for conditional approval. This can take a while.
4. After the CBP conditionally approves your application, set up an appointment at a Global Entry Enrollment Center or plan to interview on arrival — be sure to bring all valid passports and an additional form of ID. Be aware that you’ll be ineligible for Global Entry if you’ve provided false or incomplete information on your application, or have pending or convicted criminal charges or violations of laws in any country.

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.

TSA PreCheck® application process

1. To become a TSA PreCheck® member, fill out an online application.
2. Set up an appointment at an enrollment center. Steps 1 and 2 should take roughly five minutes to complete.
3. Once you attend your appointment and are approved for PreCheck, you can add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to future ticket reservations to go through expedited security. Membership is good for five years.

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.

• Global Entry: 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.
• TSA PreCheck®: 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.