TSA PreCheck dramatically speeds up the long hassle of airport security, often to less than 10 minutes. The program has more than 90 participating airlines and 200 participating airports.
TSA PreCheck is also included in Global Entry, a similar trusted-travelers program geared more toward international travelers.
Getting a TSA PreCheck membership requires an application fee and jumping through some hoops, but it can save you hours in travel time.
TSA PreCheck is a program that allows you to get vetted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before travel, with a background check, fingerprints or other biometric data and an interview. This allows you to move through airport security much more quickly.
Almost all TSA PreCheck travelers spend less than 10 minutes waiting in an airport security line, according to the TSA.
Getting TSA PreCheck membership gives you access to dedicated security lines reserved for trusted travelers and allows you to skip some steps during security screening, a very popular feature.
TSA PreCheck benefits allow you to:
It’s not just the long security lines that make airport travel stressful. Taking off and putting on jackets and shoes while wrangling electronics and toiletry bags into plastic bins amid other impatient travelers can strain anyone’s nerves. For that reason, having the TSA PreCheck symbol on your boarding pass can make for a smoother airport experience.
To use TSA PreCheck, you’ll need to apply and be approved for the program. Once you’re approved for TSA PreCheck membership, you’ll get a Known Traveler Number (KTN), also called a trusted traveler number. You can enter your KTN into airline reservations to get a TSA PreCheck symbol on your boarding pass when you fly. That symbol gives you access to all the TSA PreCheck benefits.
You can use TSA PreCheck at more than 200 U.S. airports in every state, with over 90 participating airlines. If you want to know whether you can use it on your trip, the TSA offers a map tool that allows you to click on a state or search by airport name or code.
Getting TSA PreCheck membership is fairly straightforward, and the process can take from a few weeks to as long as 60 days.
You can enroll by simply showing up at one of the TSA PreCheck enrollment centers — however, it’s faster and easier to follow the process below:
The TSA PreCheck program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and legal permanent residents of the country.
The TSA allows you to show one or more documents to prove your identity and eligibility. Any one of the following (unexpired) documents from this list works as proof:
If you don’t have a document from this list, the TSA will allow you to prove your identity with a combination of a valid (unexpired) photo ID (like a driver’s license) and a document that shows proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate).
For example, you could use a U.S. military ID card and a U.S. certificate of citizenship. There are a variety of allowed document combinations.
There are certain crimes or circumstances that can disqualify you permanently or temporarily for eligibility for TSA PreCheck. The list includes: espionage, treason, improper transportation of hazardous materials and serious crimes, like murder, smuggling or terrorism. You can also be disqualified for reasons that are not criminal: For example, if you’ve been involuntarily committed for psychiatric reasons, or legally lack the capacity to manage your own affairs.
You will be temporarily ineligible if you’re wanted or under indictment for any disqualifying felonies. If you’re no longer wanted or your indictments are dismissed, you may be able to qualify.
The TSA PreCheck interview process typically only takes about 10 minutes. During the interview, you’ll provide your documents, have your photo and fingerprints taken and answer some basic questions about yourself and your history.
The TSA PreCheck interview questions may include basic personal information. As an example, you may be asked to confirm that you’re a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, where you’ve traveled recently and where you plan to travel and details about any criminal history.
The TSA PreCheck process is much faster than other trusted traveler programs. Most applicants receive their TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) in as little as three to five days, though it can take as long as 60 days.
In comparison, Global Entry can take from two weeks or up to a year for current applicants, as processing times have slowed due to a high volume of applications.
The TSA PreCheck renewal process is pretty easy. Online renewal costs $58.75 to $70, which is less than the initial TSA PreCheck application. You can renew up to six months before your membership expires.
To renew your TSA PreCheck, choose one of the three enrollment providers and complete your renewal form online, usually in just a few minutes. In some cases, an interview may be required.
You can also renew your TSA PreCheck membership in person by going to a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. Note that CLEAR and IDEMIA will charge you slightly more for in-person renewal than for renewing online.
The cost to enroll in TSA PreCheck for the first time depends on which provider you choose to process your application:
There are many credit cards that will cover the cost of applying to a trusted traveler program. You might already have one in your wallet, and if not, there are a lot to choose from.
So long as you have the card to pay your TSA PreCheck application fee, the issuer will reimburse you with a statement credit.
If you’re trying to decide whether TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is the right program for you, here’s a quick comparison of benefits and details of the two programs:
| TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Get entry into dedicated security lines, skip having to take off light jackets or shoes or remove laptops or 3-1-1 liquids* in security lines. | Get entry into dedicated security lines, skip having to take off light jackets or shoes or remove laptops or 3-1-1 liquids* in security lines.Skip customs processing lines when re-entering the U.S. |
| Membership length | Five years | Five years |
| Application process | Can apply online, but requires in-person interview | Can apply online, but requires in-person interview |
| Approval timeline | Often three to five days, but may take up to 60 days | Can be approved within two weeks, but some applications can take up to 12 months or longer to be processed. |
| Rules for children | Children are covered under a parent's membership:Children ages 12 and under may use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with a parent who is enrolled.Children ages 13 to 17 may use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling on the same reservation with an enrolled parent or guardian, if the child's boarding pass shows the PreCheck symbol.Children may enroll in the program, and children traveling alone will need to do so to get TSA PreCheck benefits. | Children require their own membership:Children of any age may enroll in the Global Entry program. For applicants under age 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to give consent and go with the child to the interview.Only enrolled Global Entry members may use Global Entry lanes. This means even young children accompanying an enrolled parent may not use Global Entry lanes unless they also are enrolled in the program. |
| Cost | $76.75 to $85 | $120 |
| Best for | Travelers who take domestic flights from U.S. airports at least two or three times a year. | Travelers who fly to international destinations at least three or four times a year, and also fly domestically. |
While CLEAR offers enrollment for TSA PreCheck, it also has its own complimentary program, and you might want to get both.
Basically, CLEAR lets you use special kiosks to speed up ID verification, while TSA PreCheck lets you use its express line with fewer security requirements.
If you decide to join both programs, CLEAR offers a bundle discount. (You can check out our guide comparing CLEAR and TSA PreCheck for more details.)
| TSA PreCheck | CLEAR | |
|---|---|---|
| Perks | Get entry into special security lines and skip having to take off light jackets or shoes, or remove laptops or 3-1-1 liquids.* | Get access to special kiosks that speed up the document and ID verification process, using biometric screening. |
| Membership length | Five years | One year |
| Application process | Can apply online, but requires in-person interview | Can sign up online, but must complete enrollment in-person at a participating airport the next time you fly |
| Approval timeline | Often three to five days, but may take up to 60 days | A few minutes |
| Rules for children | Children are covered under a parent's membership:Children ages 12 and under may use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with a parent who is enrolled.Children ages 13 to 17 may use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling on the same reservation with an enrolled parent or guardian, if the child's boarding pass shows the PreCheck symbol.Children may enroll in the program, and children traveling alone will need to do so to get TSA PreCheck benefits. | Children are covered under a parent's membership:Children under age 18 can use the CLEAR lane with you for free. |
| Cost | $76.75 to $85 | $199 |
| Best for | Travelers who take domestic flights from U.S. airports at least two or three times a year. | Travelers who take domestic flights in or out of participating CLEAR airports at least a few times a year |
If you plan to use TSA PreCheck, it may be worth first getting a credit card with Global Entry or TSAPreCheck reimbursement. Many of the best travel and airline credit cards offer this perk.
Here are some of the cards that offer statement credits to cover your TSA PreCheck application fee:
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | TSA PreCheck benefit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aeroplan® Card*
Review Coming Soon
|
N/A | $95 | Up to $120 every four years | Review Coming Soon |
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card*
|
$95 | Up to $100 every four years | ||
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*
|
$395 | Up to $120 every four years | ||
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card*
|
$95 | Up to $120 every four years | ||
Chase Sapphire Reserve®*
|
$550 | Up to $120 every four years | ||
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®*
|
$595 | Up to $120 every four years | ||
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card*
Learn More
Rates & Fees
|Terms Apply |
$350 | Up to $85 every 4.5 years |
Learn More
Rates & Fees
|Terms Apply |
|
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card*
Learn More
Rates & Fees
|Terms Apply |
$650 | Up to $85 every 4.5 years |
Learn More
Rates & Fees
|Terms Apply |
|
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card*
|
$99 | Up to $120 every four years | ||
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card*
Learn More
Rates & Fees
|Terms Apply |
$650 | Up to $85 every 4.5 years |
Learn More
Rates & Fees
|Terms Apply |
|
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card*
Review Coming Soon
|
$95 | Up to $85 every four years | Review Coming Soon | |
The Platinum Card® from American Express*
Learn More
Rates & Fees
|Terms Apply |
$695 | Up to $85 every 4.5 years |
Learn More
Rates & Fees
|Terms Apply |
|
The New United℠ Explorer Card*
|
$150 | Up to $120 every four years | ||
The New United Club℠ Card*
|
$695 | Up to $120 every four years | ||
The New United Quest℠ Card*
|
$350 | Up to $120 every four years |
There are other travel perks you may want to consider when shopping for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit card.
You may want to look at credit cards with travel insurance and credit cards with airport lounge access, like a Priority Pass membership. Or get a credit card without foreign transaction fees to save money when outside the country
Most credit cards that offer a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit will charge an annual fee — and sometimes a hefty one. When comparing credit cards, you’ll want to weigh the fees and perks against each other to make sure the card is a good value and fit for you.
TSA PreCheck is worth it for most people who travel domestically at least a few times a year. The TSA PreCheck application process is fairly quick compared with Global Entry, and it costs less than $100.
If one of your existing credit cards will cover the cost of TSA PreCheck, you should probably take advantage of it, even if you don’t fly very often — you’ll get to save time in airport security, for free essentially.
But TSA PreCheck isn’t for everyone. The trusted traveler program may not be worth it for you if you fly only once every couple of years, or if most of your travel is international rather than domestic.
If you’re a frequent international traveler, you may want to consider applying for Global Entry, which gives you TSA PreCheck for no extra cost.
Yes. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, so Global Entry members can also use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling domestically.
A TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years. You’ll need to renew your membership at least six months before it expires. Most people can complete the renewal process completely online.
If you forget your TSA PreCheck number, use the online Known Traveler Number (KTN) lookup tool to find it. If you’re a Global Entry member, your PASSID serves as your KTN, and you can find it on your Trusted Traveler card or by logging in to your Trusted Traveler Programs account.
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 Aeroplan® Card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card 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.
