5 Budget-Friendly Credit Cards Offering Free TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

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With delays and congestion becoming the norm at airports, any chance to reduce stress and save time is greatly appreciated. One of the simplest ways to find relief in the chaos is by obtaining TSA PreCheck, which allows travelers to quickly navigate U.S. airport security through designated lanes at over 200 domestic airports, without needing to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. As per data from the Transportation Security Administration in October 2023, 99 percent of TSA PreCheck travelers experienced wait times of less than 10 minutes. To avoid lengthy lines upon returning from international flights, Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) trusted traveler program that enables preapproved travelers to expedite their process through immigration and customs upon reentering the USA.

Given that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are such efficient, time-saving programs, it’s easy to assume they carry a high price tag. However, they are only $78 and $100, respectively, with memberships valid for five years. Additionally, there’s a BOGO opportunity within these trusted travel programs. How does it work? Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck automatically (but not the reverse), allowing you to enjoy all fast-track lanes with just one application.

Even better, many travel credit cards—including some with annual fees below $99—offer credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck as a benefit for cardholders. These cards also provide a wealth of other travel perks and come with enticing welcome bonuses. Here are five affordable travel credit cards that will cover the costs for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

Which budget-friendly travel credit cards include Global Entry and TSA PreCheck coverage?

It's a common misconception that only high-fee travel credit cards provide generous statement credits to help with travel costs and annual fees. In reality, there are five excellent consumer cards with annual fees under $99 that offer statement credits for trusted traveler programs, fully covering the application fees. As of now, these credit cards guarantee a $100 statement credit every four years for Global Entry or an $85 TSA PreCheck credit every four years. We anticipate that soon the fine print will reflect last year's PreCheck price drop to $78 (and $70 for renewals), along with an extension of membership duration in both programs from four to five years.

In any case, just 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 providing this benefit (ranked) are:

1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (annual fee: $95)
2. Aeroplan® Credit Card (annual fee: $95)
3. United℠ Explorer Card (annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $95)
4. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card (annual fee: $95)
5. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (annual fee: $99)

Should I choose Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?

Since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, it generally makes sense to apply for Global Entry. However, the Global Entry application process is lengthy and can take up to 11 months for approval (as of now). In contrast, applying for TSA PreCheck is quick—just 5 minutes online, followed by a simple 10-minute visit to a local enrollment center, where your fingerprints and photo will be taken, your identity documents verified, and payment collected. Depending on your travel timeline, it might be wiser to go for TSA PreCheck now and leave Global Entry for later.

Further insights on these five budget-friendly travel credit cards

Fortunately, the statement credits for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are just the tip of the iceberg for these travel credit cards.

1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our top recommendation, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, boasts an attractive welcome bonus and a robust earning structure: New cardholders can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of opening the account, along with a minimum of two miles for every dollar spent. These miles are highly flexible and can be transferred to 15 airlines and 3 hotel partners, typically at a 1:1 ratio. Additionally, cardholders enjoy two complimentary visits annually to Capital One Lounges or Plaza Premium Lounges. This suite of benefits is impressive for a general travel card with a $95 annual fee.

2. Aeroplan® Credit Card

In a strong second position, Air Canada’s U.S.-focused Aeroplan® Credit Card offers Americans the chance to earn up to 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. Cardholders earn triple points for every dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining, and directly with Air Canada. Aeroplan points can be redeemed in various ways, including statement credits toward travel at a rate of 1.25 cents per point, or through a Pay Yourself Back feature. Additionally, these points can be used within Air Canada’s Aeroplan frequent flyer program, which features over 40 airline partners, making it the most expansive loyalty program worldwide.

3. United℠ Explorer Card

The United℠ Explorer Card takes the third spot, enhancing its appeal in the first year by waiving the annual fee. While its sign-up bonus isn't as robust as some competitors, it's still commendable: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of opening your account. Additionally, the card offers double points on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases, adding extra value.

4. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

Following closely, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card features an attractive introductory bonus of 60,000 online bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days. Cardholders earn 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining, and 1.5 points for all other purchases. While it may not be as strong as the Capital One Venture Rewards Card, it still offers a solid earnings structure and welcome bonus.

5. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Lastly, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card entices new cardholders with the chance to earn 5 free nights. This card is ideal for IHG loyalists or those who occasionally stay at IHG properties, as it offers impressive earning potential: Earn up to 26 points for every $1 spent at IHG Hotels & Resorts.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card stands out as the top option due to its exceptional introductory offers, favorable earnings structure, and straightforward miles redemption process. However, any of these cards represent a wise choice and a budget-friendly method to ease airport travel by securing Global Entry or TSA PreCheck at no extra cost.

This article was first published in 2023 and updated on January 18, 2024, to reflect the latest information. While the offers detailed above are accurate at the time of publication, they are subject to change at any moment and may have altered or may no longer be available.