A summer vacation can feel like a hassle if you have long waits in airport security lines. Programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear offer a way to cut these lines and reduce your overall wait time. You can sign up for any of these programs online for a fee. But before you shell out your hard-earned dollars, it's worth exploring if you can join for free. Show Many travel credit cards offer access to these programs as a perk. Alternatively, you may also be able to redeem loyalty points or frequent flyer miles in exchange for a TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Clear membership. To save you from digging through the details of your next credit card statement or rewards program FAQ page, I've assembled in one convenient spot the credit cards and loyalty programs that cover all or some of the cost of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear. Check out the lists and links below. Read More: Best American Airlines Credit Cards for August 2022 What do these programs do?TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are run by the US government, while a private company operates Clear.
Read more: TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. Clear Compared How much do these programs usually cost?TSA PreCheck costs $85 for five years. Global Entry costs $100 for five years. Clear is considerably more expensive at $179 per year. The ideal combination is Global Entry and Clear, letting you breeze through the security line, then going through screening without reorganizing your entire wardrobe. But that's expensive, so, read on. How to get TSA PreCheck or Global EntryIn most cases, if a credit card features a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry benefit, it gives you the choice of a $100 credit to cover the cost of Global Entry or an $85 credit to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck. I don't know why you would opt for the latter, since Global Entry includes all of the benefits of TSA PreCheck and adds a speedier way through US customs and immigration. Some cards, however, offer only an $85 credit, which would leave you with a $15 balance to cover the cost of Global Entry. The following credit cards include up to a $100 credit, typically every four to five years, to cover a five-year membership to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry:
In addition to credit cards, there are a handful of traveler loyalty programs that let you trade points or miles for a free membership to TSA PreCheck.
How to get Clear for freeThere are fewer ways to get a free or discounted Clear membership, but they do exist. Delta and United frequent flyers can get a deal on Clear. For Delta flyers, Clear is covered for Diamond Medallion members, $109 a year for Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members, and $119 a year for General SkyMiles members. On United, Clear is covered for Premier 1K members, $109 a year for United credit cardmembers in the US and Platinum, Gold and Silver Premier members. And it's $119 a year for MileagePlus members. *All information about the Capital One Spark Miles for Business has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer. Disclaimer: The information included in this article, including program features, program fees, and credits available through credit cards to apply to such programs, may change from time-to-time and are presented without warranty. When evaluating offers, please check the credit card provider's website and review its terms and conditions for the most current offers and information. The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners. The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners. Is TSA PreCheck free with Global Entry?Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.
How do I get TSA Global Entry for free?Some of the cards that convey free TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry are:. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.. The Platinum Card® from American Express.. United Explorer Card.. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.. Chase Sapphire Reserve.. Which is faster to get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?Program benefits
The main difference between the programs is that Global Entry offers faster processing through both international security as well as domestic security, while TSA Precheck is limited to domestic travel. TSA Precheck benefits include expedited security screening at U.S. airports.
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