There are some great programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck that can save you a lot of time at the airport. These programs have a registration fee, but one of the good things is that there are many credit cards that offer credit to help offset the registration fee.
In this post, we wanted to share a consolidated list of credit cards with the major issuers that provide credit for these programs.
Best Credit Cards for Global Entry & TSA PreCheck
I’ve written about Global Entry and TSA PreCheck before, so I won’t go into the details of the programs here. Let me roughly summarize a few points.
- Global Entry allows you to get through immigration faster. This will allow you to use the kiosk upon arrival in the US. Normally, you do not need to be interviewed by an immigration officer. There is also a special customs lane for those with Global Entry.
- TSA PreCheck gives you access to special security lanes at the airport. This eliminates the need to take off your shoes and allows you to take his x-rays instead of a full body scanner with your laptop and liquids still in your bag.
- You can pay to enroll in either program separately, but it also comes with TSA PreCheck, so enrolling in Global Entry is generally your best bet (whereas TSA PreCheck does not does not come with Global Entry).
That aside, let’s take a look at the 4 biggest card issuer credit cards in the points space and the cards that offer these credits.
American Express card with credit
Some American Express cards offer either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits. American Express cards have the following terms related to them:
- The application fee must be paid by card, but the credit can be used on someone else
- This credit is valid every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck and every 4 years for Global Entry.
- Credits will be posted to your account within 8 weeks of making a qualifying purchase.
The following American Express cards offer this benefit:
Capital one card with credit.
Some Capital One cards offer either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits. The Capital One card has the following terms related to it:
- The application fee must be paid by card, but the credit can be used on someone else
- This credit is valid for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years.
- Credits will be posted to your account within 2 billing cycles after you make a qualifying purchase.
The following Capital One cards offer this benefit:
Chase card with credit
Some Chase cards offer either Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit (what makes Chase stand out is that this credit can also be used for NEXUS. not allowed by the company). The chase card has the following terms related to it:
- The application fee must be paid by card, but the credit can be used on someone else
- This credit is valid every four years towards TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS.
- Credits will be reflected in your account within 1-2 billing cycles after making a qualifying purchase.
The following Chase cards offer this benefit:
city card with credit
Some Citi cards offer Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits. City Cards has the following terms related to this:
- The application fee must be paid by card, but the credit can be used on someone else
- This credit is valid for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every 5 years.
- Credits will be reflected in your account within 1-2 billing cycles after making a qualifying purchase.
The following City Cards offer this benefit:
Conclusion
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and NEXUS are all very useful programs for frequent travelers. The initiation fee isn’t unreasonable to begin with ($50-$100 for a 5-year membership), but you’ll get the best value with a credit card that reimburses this fee.
Every major card issuer has some cards that offer this feature, and Chase also stands out for offering credit on NEXUS.Cards with these features come with high annual fees. There are some ultra-premium cards, as well as some with annual fees under $100.
Have you ever used a credit card global entry fee credit? If so, which one?