5 Affordable Credit Cards That Include Free TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Travel credit cards with annual fees under $100 provide a convenient way to expedite your domestic security and U.S. immigration processes at no additional cost. Moreover, many of these cards currently offer enticing introductory deals. Given the frequent delays and overcrowding at airports nowadays, any opportunity to reduce stress and save time is highly appreciated. One of the most effective ways to find tranquility amid the chaos is by obtaining TSA PreCheck, which enables travelers to breeze through security checkpoints at over 200 domestic airports without removing their shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. According to data from the Transportation Security Administration as of October 2023, 99 percent of TSA PreCheck members experienced security wait times of less than 10 minutes. For international travelers returning to the USA, Global Entry is a trusted traveler program offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows preapproved travelers to expedite immigration and customs processes.
Contrary to the assumption that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are expensive, their costs are quite reasonable, with TSA PreCheck priced at $78 and Global Entry at $100, both valid for five years. Even more appealing, Global Entry automatically includes TSA PreCheck (though not the other way around), enabling access to all expedited lanes with a single application.
Furthermore, numerous travel credit cards, some with annual fees below $99, offer a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck as a cardholder benefit. These cards come with various other travel perks and attractive welcome offers. Here are five low-fee travel credit cards that will cover the cost of Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.
Which low-fee travel credit cards provide Global Entry and TSA PreCheck coverage?
It's a common misconception that only high-fee travel credit cards offer generous statement credits to offset travel expenses and annual fees. In reality, there are five solid consumer cards with annual fees under $99 that provide statement credits for trusted traveler programs, effectively covering the entire application fees. As of the current time, these credit cards offer a $100 statement credit every four years for Global Entry or an $85 TSA PreCheck credit every four years. We anticipate that the fine print will soon reflect the recent price reduction for TSA PreCheck to $78 (and $70 for renewals), along with an extension of membership duration in both programs from four to five years.
In any case, all you need to do is use the card to pay the fee, and your application fee will be refunded as a statement credit within one to two billing cycles.
The low-fee cards offering this perk (ranked) are:
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (annual fee: $95)
- Aeroplan® Credit Card (annual fee: $95)
- United℠ Explorer Card (annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $95)
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card (annual fee: $95)
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (annual fee: $99)
Should I apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
Since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, it may be wise to apply for Global Entry. However, the Global Entry application process is more extensive and approval can take up to 11 months (as of now). In contrast, applying for TSA PreCheck is a quick and straightforward process, with a five-minute online application and a painless 10-minute in-person visit at a local enrollment center for fingerprinting, photo verification, identity document verification, and payment collection. Depending on your travel plans, you might want to opt for TSA PreCheck now and consider Global Entry for the future.
More details on these five low-fee travel credit cards
Fortunately, the statement credits for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are just the beginning of the benefits offered by these travel credit cards.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Our top choice, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, boasts an impressive welcome offer and a strong earnings structure. New cardholders can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening and receive a minimum of two miles per dollar spent. These miles are highly versatile and can be transferred to 15 airline and three hotel transfer partners, with a 1:1 transfer ratio for most partners. Cardholders also enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or Plaza Premium Lounges, making it a remarkable option for a general travel card with a $95 annual fee.
- Aeroplan® Credit Card
Taking second place, Air Canada's U.S.-focused Aeroplan® Credit Card offers the opportunity to earn up to 100,000 bonus points. Cardholders can earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional 25,000 points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months. The card provides triple points for grocery store purchases, dining at restaurants, and direct Air Canada spending. Aeroplan points can be redeemed in multiple ways, including statement credits for travel with any travel merchant at a rate of 1.25 cents per point through the Pay Yourself Back feature. They can also be used in Air Canada's Aeroplan frequent flier program, which boasts more award partners than any other loyalty program worldwide. With these options, the points can translate to $1,250 in travel credits or enough for a business-class ticket on the 40+ airlines in the Aeroplan network.
- United℠ Explorer Card
The United℠ Explorer Card secures third place and sweetens the deal in the first year by waiving the annual fee. While its sign-up bonus isn't as robust as some of its competitors, it's still substantial, offering 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. The card also awards double points for dining, hotel stays, and United purchases, enhancing its appeal.
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
Next up, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card boasts a compelling introductory offer of 60,000 online bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. The card provides 2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all other purchases. While it may not be as robust as the Capital One Venture Rewards Card, it still offers a solid earnings structure and welcome bonus.
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Lastly, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers new cardholders the opportunity to earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. This card is ideal for IHG loyalists or those who occasionally stay at properties within the IHG portfolio. Cardholders can earn up to 26 points per dollar spent when staying at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
While the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card stands out as the strongest option due to its impressive introductory offers, earnings structure, and ease of redeeming miles, any of these cards is a smart and cost-effective choice to streamline airport travel stress by obtaining Global Entry or TSA PreCheck at no extra cost.
