Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

How to get TSA PreCheck for free: 3 easy ways

You don't have to pay for TSA PreCheck using these methods

By
TSA PreCheck sign at airport.
David Tran Photo / Shutterstock

Navigating through airports can often feel like a daunting task, especially when confronted with long security lines that seem to stretch into eternity. But what if there was a way to easily breeze through security checkpoints, avoiding the hassle of removing your shoes, belts, and laptops? Welcome to the world of TSA PreCheck, a game-changer for frequent travelers.

However, TSA PreCheck can be pricey, which leaves many people wondering how they can get this coveted privilege without breaking the bank. This is how to get TSA PreCheck for free.

Recommended Videos

Sign up for the right credit cards

credit card
JoshuaWoroniecki / Pixabay

Signing up for certain credit cards can be a savvy way to obtain TSA PreCheck for free. Many credit cards offer a reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers.

Related

With dozens of cards providing this benefit, it is crucial to review the terms and conditions specific to your card. Typically, you will need to use your card to pay for the application fee, and within a few weeks, you’ll receive a statement credit on your account covering the cost. 

These are the credit cards that provide a statement credit towards the TSA PreCheck application or renewal fee as listed on the TSA’s website.

  • Aeroplan® Credit Card
  • American Airlines Credit Union Visa® Signature credit
  • Arvest Visa Signature® Credit Card
  • Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
  • Capital One® Spark® Miles Card
  • Capital One® Venture® Card
  • Capital One® Venture X® Business Card  
  • Capital One® Venture X® Card
  • Certain American Express® Credit Cards
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
  • Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®
  • Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World EliteTM MasterCard®
  • Citi Prestige® Card
  • Commerce Bank® World Elite Mastercard®
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
  • Diners Club® Carte Blanche® Corporate Card
  • HSBC Elite World Elite Mastercard®
  • HSBC Premier World Mastercard®
  • IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
  • IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
  • MasterCard® Black Card™
  • MasterCard® Gold Card™
  • Navy Federal’s Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card
  • PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
  • Provident World+ Travel®
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
  • Truist Business Travel Rewards credit card
  • Truist Enjoy Beyond credit card
  • Truist Enjoy Travel credit card
  • UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card
  • United ClubSM Infinite Card
  • UnitedSM Explorer Card
  • United QuestSM Card
  • USAA Eagle Navigator™ Visa Signature® Credit Card
  • U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
  • U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
  • U.S. Bank FlexPerks® Gold American Express® Card

Use your loyalty program points

Computer
kaboompics / Pixabay

Some loyalty programs offer their members the opportunity to redeem accumulated points to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck. While not as widely available as credit card reimbursements, these redemption options can be a valuable perk for frequent travelers.

The current rewards programs that provide TSA PreCheck enrollment as a member benefit or by redeeming points/miles include:

  • IHG One Rewards: 30,000 points
  • Marriott Bonvoy: 25,000 Bonvoy points
  • United Mileage Plus: 11,000 MileagePlus miles

Use your military benefits

American Flag
waggtime / Pixabay

For military members holding a Department of Defense ID card, TSA PreCheck comes as an invaluable perk, available completely free of charge. These military members include:

  • Active duty service members
  • Members of the National Guard
  • Reservists
  • Department of Defense civilian employees
  • Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and six State Maritime Academies.

Start enjoying your TSA PreCheck today

TSA Agent
Carolina K. Smith MD / Shutterstock

Now that you know how to get TSA PreCheck for free, it’s time to enjoy the benefits of this fabulous perk. By leveraging various methods, from credit card benefits to loyalty program redemptions, obtaining TSA PreCheck for free is within reach for many travelers.

Editors’ Recommendations

Amanda Teague
Amanda Teague
Contributor
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
How to pack shoes in a suitcase (without sacrificing space)
This is how to make packing your shoes a piece of cake
Shoes sitting on top of a suitcase

If you’re scratching your head wondering how to pack shoes in a suitcase, you aren’t alone. Figuring out how to pack shoes has always been one of those little travel dilemmas for me. The struggle of figuring out how to fit them all in without wasting precious space or ending up with dirty soles touching your clothes can feel like a puzzle and not the fun kind. I’ve made my share of packing mistakes (who hasn't over-packed shoes at least once?), but over the years, I’ve learned some easy tricks that make shoe-packing easier. Here are some tips to help you pack your shoes smarter.
Choose the right shoes for your trip

Before we get into the packing tips, let’s talk about what you’re packing. Overpacking shoes is a common mistake (one I’ve made a few times). Ideally, you should limit yourself to 2–3 pairs, depending on the length and type of trip.

Read more
How to pack for a week in a carry-on (without sacrificing the essentials)
Avoid the dreaded overstuffed carry-on with these tips
An overhead view of a man packing a suitcase

Packing a carry-on for a longer trip seems intimidating, but it’s definitely doable. My first time was for a week-long conference in Seattle, where I was determined not to drag a big suitcase. It worked. Since then, I’ve refined my system, and now it’s my go-to for work trips, beach vacations, and city breaks. Over the years, I’ve learned how to make the most of the space without sacrificing the essentials, and now I’m sharing the formula that never fails. Here’s how to pack for a week in a carry-on.
Choose the right carry-on bag

The first step is picking the right carry-on bag. Look for one that meets airline size restrictions, typically around 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Hard-shell suitcases are great for durability and keeping everything secure, while soft-sided bags often have more give for squeezing in a few extra items. Spinner wheels can make navigating airports a lot easier, so consider that feature, too.

Read more
Travel tips: How to keep from getting sick on a crowded airplane
Staying healthy starts before your flight, too
A flight attendant checking on the inside of a cabin on an airplane

Flying is a convenient and efficient way to reach your destination quickly any time of the year, but the confined space and recycled air inside the plane can heighten your risk of getting sick during or just after your flight. Take it from me; catching a cold or the flu during a trip can dampen your plans and keep you from spending time enjoying your trip.

You can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling ill while flying with a few proactive measures. To help you out, I've come up with some travel tips that will help you avoid getting sick on a plane, allowing you to enjoy your journey without worrying about any airborne illnesses.
Pre-flight considerations

Read more