4 Secrets to Getting TSA PreCheck for FREE

Flying can be stressful, but one thing that makes it a lot easier is TSA Pre Check. With airport security lines stretching over an hour, this benefit can save you a lot of time!

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TSA PreCheck is one of the best travel perks frequent flyers can snag. This is a government-run trusted traveler program that lets eligible passengers breeze through security lines at U.S. airports with minimal hassle. As a PreCheck member, you enjoy dedicated security lanes, keep your shoes and belt, and don’t have to remove laptops or liquids from your bag. Normally, TSA PreCheck costs $85 for a five-year membership, but there are plenty of ways to get it without paying that fee out of pocket.

1. The Credit Card Reimbursement Hack

One of the easiest ways to not pay the TSA PreCheck fee is by using a travel rewards credit card with a statement credit for the application fee. Many popular travel cards will automatically reimburse the PreCheck application fee, as long as you charge the fee with that card.

This works like a built-in travel hack: apply for TSA PreCheck online with your eligible card, pay the fee, and a credit posts to your account within a couple of billing cycles. For frequent flyers who already invest in a travel card, this is worth it.

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Popular Credit Cards That Reimburse TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Here are some of the most popular travel cards that can help you get TSA PreCheck for free by reimbursing your application fee:

Credit Card	Annual Fee	Reimbursement Frequency
Capital One Venture Rewards	~$95	Every 4 years
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	~$795	Every 4 years
American Express Platinum Card®	~$895	Every 4 years
United℠ Explorer Card	$0 first year, then ~$150	Every 4 years

Note: Fees listed are approximate and can vary by issuer or over time. Always check the card’s current terms before applying.

2. Active-Duty Military & DoD Civilians Get It Free

Active-duty service members, U.S. Coast Guard personnel, National Guard or Reserve members, and civilian Department of Defense employees are eligible for free TSA PreCheck as part of a Department of Defense partnership with the TSA. When applying, members simply use their DoD ID number as their Known Traveler Number (KTN), and no application fee is charged. It applies to a standard five-year membership and provides the same airport security benefits as a paid PreCheck membership.

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3. Get Global Entry and Score PreCheck Too

Another great way to get PreCheck for free is by applying for Global Entry instead. Global Entry is designed for international travelers, and it gives you expedited passport control when re-entering the U.S. and includes TSA PreCheck at no extra cost. Global Entry normally costs $120 for a five-year membership, but many of the same travel credit cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck also cover Global Entry. Because Global Entry includes PreCheck, this is often the smarter pick if you do both domestic and international travel.

Orlando International Airport security

4. Kids Fly Free Through PreCheck

One often-overlooked benefit is that children who are 17 and under can use your TSA PreCheck lane for free when they’re traveling with you. Once an adult family member has an eligible Known Traveler Number (KTN) in their reservation, kids on the same itinerary are automatically allowed to enjoy expedited screening without needing their own PreCheck membership. That means families can skip long lines together without paying separate enrollment fees for every child.