Best Credit Card for TSA PreCheck in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2290", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Premium Offer" } ]]

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "High Travel Rewards" } ]]

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How to Choose a Credit Card for TSA PreCheck

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Many premium travel credit cards offer a statement credit for the TSA PreCheck application fee, but the best card for you will depend on your broader travel habits and spending patterns.

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A common pitfall is getting drawn in by the TSA PreCheck credit while overlooking a high annual fee that isn't offset by other perks you'll actually use. You should also consider whether the card's reward categories match your everyday spending to ensure you're getting long-term value beyond the initial application fee credit.

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Key Factors

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• Annual Fee:Evaluate whether the card's annual fee is justified by the total value of its benefits, not just the TSA PreCheck credit.
• Rewards Program:Ensure the card’s bonus categories align with your regular spending habits to maximize the points or cash back you earn over time.
• Welcome Offer:A strong welcome offer can provide substantial upfront value that helps offset the annual fee in the first year.
• Other Travel Perks:Look for additional benefits like airport lounge access, travel insurance, or other statement credits that match your travel style.
• Credit Renewal Frequency:Confirm that the card offers the application fee credit at least once every five years to cover your TSA PreCheck renewal.

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What to Watch Out For

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One common mistake is assuming the benefit is an automatic discount; you must pay the application fee with the eligible card to receive a statement credit later. Another oversight is not confirming if the credit renews, leaving you to pay out-of-pocket when your membership expires. Also, consider that many cards offering a TSA PreCheck credit will also cover the more expensive Global Entry application, which includes all TSA PreCheck benefits.

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Decision Flow

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• If you want the TSA PreCheck credit for the lowest possible cost, look for cards with an annual fee under $100. Several cards in this range offer the benefit, providing a straightforward way to get your application fee covered without paying for premium perks you may not use.
• If you are a frequent traveler who values premium perks, a high-end travel card is your best bet. While they have steep annual fees, the value from benefits like airport lounge access, annual travel credits, and hotel elite status can far outweigh the cost, with the TSA PreCheck credit being an added bonus.
• If your spending is concentrated in specific areas like dining or groceries, prioritize a card that offers high rewards in those categories. Many cards that excel here also bundle in a TSA PreCheck credit, allowing you to earn on your everyday purchases while also covering your application fee.
• If you are loyal to a particular airline or hotel chain, check their co-branded credit cards. Premium versions of these cards often include a TSA PreCheck credit alongside brand-specific perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, or complimentary room upgrades.
• If you prefer simplicity over maximizing travel points, consider a straightforward cash-back or fixed-rate rewards card. A handful of these cards include a TSA PreCheck credit, giving you an easy-to-understand rewards structure without the complexity of travel partner transfers.

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Maximize Your Return with TSA PreCheck

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To ensure you're extracting every bit of value from your credit card when paying for TSA PreCheck, keep these strategies in mind:

• Look for stacking opportunities: Some airline or hotel loyalty programs offer bonus rewards when you start your shopping through their online portals, which can be combined with the rewards earned from your credit card.
• Prioritize cards with statement credits: Many premium travel credit cards offer a statement credit that fully covers the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four to five years.
• Contribute to a welcome offer: If you've recently opened a new credit card, the TSA PreCheck application fee can help you meet the minimum spending requirement to earn a valuable welcome offer.
• Analyze your redemption options: When using points to cover the fee, compare the value you're getting against other redemption possibilities, as transferring points to travel partners often yields a higher return than a simple statement credit.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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Kudos is a free app that automatically selects your best card at checkout, ensuring you always maximize your rewards and uncover hidden benefits. Get started for free.

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Other Things to Consider

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Beyond the specific travel perks, it's wise to consider how a new card fits into your overall financial picture. For instance, a store-specific card might be a better fit if its rewards and TSA PreCheck credit align with your regular shopping habits. Regardless of the card you choose, responsible management is key; accruing interest debt can quickly outweigh the value of any statement credit. This means balancing your credit usage with your available cash and being mindful of other obligations, such as Buy Now, Pay Later plans. Ultimately, the right card not only pays for your TSA PreCheck but also complements your existing financial strategy without adding unnecessary debt.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?

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TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening for flights departing from U.S. airports. Global Entry includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States.

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How do I use a credit card to pay for the TSA PreCheck application fee?

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You must pay the TSA PreCheck application fee directly with the eligible credit card that offers the statement credit benefit. The credit will typically appear on your account within a few weeks after the charge is posted.

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How often can I use the TSA PreCheck credit from my credit card?

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Most credit cards that offer a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit allow you to use it once every four to five years. This aligns with the membership renewal period for these programs.

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