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Every time I watch someone breeze through the TSA PreCheck line while I'm stuck taking off my shoes and digging through my bag, I can't help but wonder, "Why haven't I signed up for one of those credit cards that covers the fee?" It's the little things, like skipping the security hassle, that can make travel feel a whole lot smoother.
TSA PreCheck is a game-changer, letting you skip the long, slow-moving lines and enjoy a faster, more convenient airport experience.
If you're ready to stop suffering through the regular security lines and start feeling like you've got the VIP treatment, then keep reading. Here are some of our favorite credit cards that offer TSA PreCheck coverage -- I'll help you figure out which ones are really worth your time.
Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.
These travel cards don't just cover TSA PreCheck -- they pack in plenty of other perks to elevate your travel experience.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
Rewards Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase. Earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
2X-5X miles
Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
75,000 Miles (worth $750 in travel)
This is one of our favorite credit cards — period. The huge 75,000-mile bonus (worth $750 toward travel) is one of the highest we’ve seen for a card with just a $95 annual fee. We love the dead-simple yet lucrative rewards structure: unlimited 2X miles on every purchase you make, plus 5X on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
Miles are easier to redeem than most travel cards with options like statement credits, travel bookings, or point transfers. Add it all up and it’s easy to see why this is one of the best (and most popular) travel cards available today.
This is one of our top picks for travelers. With an impressive welcome bonus and a low $95 annual fee (see rates and fees), this card offers unbeatable value. Plus, you'll enjoy 2X miles on every purchase and a simple, flexible rewards program. The TSA PreCheck benefit is just the cherry on top.
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
Good/Excellent
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Rewards Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®. 1X Membership Rewards® Points on other purchases. Terms apply.
1X-5X Membership Rewards® Points
Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
This luxury travel card has some of the most prestigious perks you'll find — access to over 1,400 airport lounges, elite status with Hilton and Marriott Bonvoy (enrollment required), and spending credits worth over $1,500 in value every year. Just be ready for the hefty annual fee, which can be offset in the first year with a welcome offer. Terms apply.
Read Full ReviewIf you're a fan of luxury travel and love spending time in airport lounges, this card is hard to beat. The Amex Platinum Card is packed with premium benefits, including access to a network of lounges around the world, concierge service, and of course, TSA PreCheck. Terms apply; enrollment may be required. The $695 annual fee is steep (see rates and fees), but for frequent travelers, it's well worth it for the VIP experience.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
20.24% - 28.74% Variable
Rewards Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
8x points on Chase Travel℠, 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct, 3x points on dining, 1x points on all other purchases
Annual Fee
$795
Welcome Offer Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000 bonus points
All the perks we've come to expect from a top travel card, including a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, and big bonuses on travel and dining. Points are transferable to airline and hotel partners or worth up to 2x if you book through Chase Travel℠. The annual fee is hefty, but if you can use all its features, this card could be well worth the cost.
Chase is a travel rewards powerhouse, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve (see rates and fees) is one of the best cards for earning and maximizing points. Enjoy a 1:1 points transfer ratio to top airlines and hotel partners, and take advantage of benefits like Priority Pass lounge access and TSA PreCheck. The annual fee is on the higher end at $795, but the luxury perks and valuable points system make it a solid choice for serious travelers.
If you're loyal to a specific airline, these airline cards offer not only TSA PreCheck benefits, but also a range of perks tailored to your preferred carrier.
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
Good/Excellent
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
APR
20.24%-29.24% Variable
Rewards Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
1X-3X Miles
Annual Fee
$350
Welcome Offer Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
60,000 Bonus Miles
The welcome offer, bonus miles categories, and Delta perks make this card's annual fee worth it if you fly on the carrier regularly.
Delta fans will appreciate the Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum, which combines TSA PreCheck reimbursement with 3X miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, and 2X miles on restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. If you're a frequent flyer, the $350 annual fee may seem steep (see rates and fees), but the card's travel perks, like priority boarding and a free checked bag, more than make up for it. Plus, you'll have access to a range of Delta-specific benefits. Terms apply; enrollment may be required.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
20.49% - 28.99% Variable
Rewards 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases
N/A
Annual Fee $0, First Year
$150
Welcome Offer Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Earn 80,000 bonus miles
With a big sign-up bonus and rewards for United and dining purchases, the miles will accumulate quickly if you're a frequent traveler.
For United Airlines loyalists, the United Explorer Card is a good option. With benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, at restaurants, and on hotel stays booked with the hotel, this card makes travel a breeze. Plus, it covers the TSA PreCheck application fee, so you can speed through security before your flight. The annual fee is only $150, which is a solid deal for frequent flyers.
For entrepreneurs and business owners, these business cards offer TSA PreCheck benefits along with powerful rewards programs to maximize your business spending.
On American Express's Secure Website.
On American Express's Secure Website.
Good/Excellent
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
18.49% - 29.24% Variable
Rewards • 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com • 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus. • 1X points on other eligible purchases
1X - 5X points
Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 Membership Rewards® points
If business travel is a priority, this card brings premium rewards and perks. Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com, plus 1.5X on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more. With access to 1,400+ lounges, annual travel credits, and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit, frequent flyers can easily offset the $695 fee and enjoy more comfort on the road. (Terms apply.)
The Amex Business Platinum Card is a top-tier business card for those who want to maximize luxury perks. From access to premium airport lounges to 1.5X points on purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year, this card delivers a wealth of business benefits.
At $695 annually (see rates and fees), it's not cheap, but if you're looking for VIP treatment on every trip and TSA PreCheck coverage, it's worth the investment for frequent business travelers. Terms apply; enrollment may be required.
Excellent (740-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
25.24% (Variable)
Rewards Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account. Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site.
2X-5X miles
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
Welcome Offer 50,000 Miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
50,000 Miles
Simple travel rewards, low fees, and no fuss. This card makes it easy for business owners to start earning with unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, a 50,000-mile welcome bonus, and 5X on on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site. With a $0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 after), it’s an easy way for businesses to turn everyday spending into meaningful travel rewards.
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business card makes travel rewarding for business owners, offering 2X miles on every purchase and a straightforward rewards program. With a $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that for the first year, you get TSA PreCheck coverage, travel protections, and a solid miles program that's easy to use for business and personal expenses alike.
At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.
Our highest-rated credit cards have:
We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.
Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.
At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.
Our highest-rated credit cards have:
We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.
Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.
When you're picking out a credit card that offers TSA PreCheck as a perk, there's more to consider than just the reimbursement for the application fee. Here's what you'll want to think about:
Many of the cards that cover TSA PreCheck come with annual fees that range from affordable to a heftier price tag.
For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees), which is pretty manageable, especially considering all the perks it offers. On the other hand, The Platinum Card® from American Express charges $695 annually, but if you're into luxury travel, the benefits (lounge access, concierge service, and more) might make it totally worth it. Terms apply.
Beyond TSA PreCheck, think about what else the card can do for you. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Amex Platinum Card aren't just about speeding through security -- they offer access to airport lounges, free checked bags, and even travel insurance. Terms apply. If you're a frequent traveler, these perks can really make your life easier.
While TSA PreCheck is great, the card you choose should help you rack up rewards on the stuff you already spend money on. Look for cards that offer bonus points for categories like dining, travel, or even business expenses.
For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives you 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 3x points on dining worldwide, so you're earning premium rewards as you go.
Who doesn't love a good welcome bonus? Many of these cards come with generous offers that let you earn tons of points right off the bat. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you're hoping to rack up points quickly, especially if you've got a big trip coming up and want to hit the ground running. (See rates and fees.)
Getting TSA PreCheck through your credit card is pretty easy, but there are a few steps to make sure you take full advantage of the perk. Here's how to do it:
First things first: head to the official TSA website and fill out your online application for TSA PreCheck. It's a simple process that only asks for basic info like your name, address, and date of birth. Once you're done, you'll pay the application fee (typically $85 for a five-year membership).
When it's time to pay for the application, use one of the cards above that reimburses the TSA PreCheck fee. The amount will typically be credited back to your account within a few billing cycles.
After you've completed the application, you'll need to schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center. This is where you'll provide your fingerprints, take a photo, and share some other personal details. The appointment itself is quick and easy, typically only taking about 10 minutes.
Once you've completed your appointment, you'll get word of your approval (or denial) within a few days to a couple of weeks. If you're approved, you'll get your Known Traveler Number (KTN), and you'll be good to go.
Once you've got your KTN, you can add it to your airline profiles and automatically enjoy TSA PreCheck on your flights. That means you get to breeze through security, skip the long lines, and feel like a VIP at the airport. Sounds pretty good to me.
No, the TSA PreCheck credit is only for the authorized cardholder. It can't be transferred or used for someone else's application. However, some cards that offer TSA PreCheck also offer Global Entry benefits, which can extend to additional travelers in certain circumstances.
The online application for TSA PreCheck is quick and usually takes about 10-15 minutes. After applying, you'll schedule an appointment at a TSA enrollment center, which typically takes about 15-30 minutes. Overall, you can expect the entire process to take a few weeks to complete.
No, not all cards that cover TSA PreCheck also cover Global Entry. However, many premium travel cards offer both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry as a benefit. Be sure to check the specific terms of your card.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here
For rates and fees for the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here
For rates and fees for the The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here
The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Mastercard and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Amex.