Big thanks to Jenn McCue from @pointingthewaytomemories for this guest blog post!

“All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Amber on Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.”

If you’re in the hobby of points and miles, you’re probably heading to the airport more frequently.  Luckily many of our favorite travel rewards credit cards also come with credits that help you expedite your security screenings (with TSA Precheck, Global Entry and Clear) – meaning you can breeze through security and right to the gate – or to the lounge!  

So, you have TSA Precheck, Global Entry and Clear- if you want to know what cards have these perks, you’re in the right spot! But first, let’s take a look at the differences between these programs that let you skip the lines.

WHAT IS TSA PRECHECK

TSA Precheck is a Trusted Traveler Program that speeds up the physical security screening for travelers at airports within the USA.  This program allows you to keep your shoes and belts on as well as laptops and liquids in your bag. 

A TSA Precheck membership is valid for five years and is run by the US Transportation Security Administration.  You can apply for TSA Precheck through three enrollment sites:

Idemia: $76.75 for initial registration. $58.75 for online renewals. ($66.75 if renewing in person).

Telos: $85 for initial registration. $70 for renewals.

Clear: $77.95 for initial registration.  $68.95 for renewals. 

HOW TO APPLY FOR TSA PRECHECK

Let’s start with the great news: kids 17 and under, flying on the same reservation as you, do NOT need their own Known Traveler Number. Adults, and any kids who may be flying on separate reservations, will need their own number. You’ll want to fill out the enrollment application at one of the above listed websites.  This part takes just about five minutes.  

Once  you’ve completed your application, you can schedule your in person appointment. This can be done at one of over 500+ enrollment centers – including some places like Staples!  When you go to your appointment, make sure to have the following things:

Government issued photo ID (Real ID required).

Proof of citizenship (Birth Certificate, passport or permanent resident card).

Form of payment (make sure its one of the cards that gives you a TSA Precheck credit!).

This in-person appointment only lasts about ten minutes.  They’ll verify your identity, take fingerprints and a photo and ask you some questions.  Easy peasy.  You’ll pay for the membership and they’ll notify you that you should be receiving your Known Traveler Number (KTN) within 3-5 days – although technically it could take up to 60 days.

WHAT IS GLOBAL ENTRY

Global Entry is a program that allows you expedited process through customs back into the USA. It also includes TSA Precheck – making your entire security experience smooth and seamless at the airport!  The program is run by the Department of Homeland Security and is valid for five years. 

If you plan to travel internationally – even just a few times- it can be beneficial to get Global Entry instead of TSA Precheck on its own.  Just keep in mind that Global Entry is a bit more of a process to apply for.  

First off, everyone in your party – regardless of age – needs their own Global Entry number.  So plan that you’ll need to purchase Global Entry for each member – which can get costly.  But there’s a lot of cards that can reimburse you for it!  More on that later.

HOW TO APPLY FOR GLOBAL ENTRY

Start with the online application.  You’ll need to create an account through the Trusted Traveler website and apply online. During this online application, you’ll pay $120 (with a card that reimburses it, of course! Keep reading for a list of those cards).   Once you complete the online application, you’ll wait to receive conditional approval.  The Trusted Traveler website reports that people are typically approved within 2-8 weeks of submitting the application – although it could take up to 12 months.  In my particular case, each member of my family was approved within one week.

Once you’ve been conditionally approved, it’s time to schedule the in-person interview.  This can be challenging.  But it doesn’t have to be. 

You’ll want to schedule an interview at any one of the 100+ enrollment centers listed on their website.  You can filter by state and view enrollment center locations, including airports, as well as the hours available.  If you’re logged in to your Trusted Traveler account and are conditionally approved, you’ll be able to schedule an interview.  

You can filter to search for upcoming interviews as well as interviews for a specific number of people as you can see in the image below.

Interviews can be hard to come by – especially in larger cities.  Last minute availability seems to have the highest success rate. 

There are services that you can pay for to scan for Global Entry appointments such as Appointment Scanner, but I have a better solution than paying for a service.

Interview Upon Arrival

If you’re struggling to find appointment times to conduct your in person interview, see if you can do an interview upon arrival back in the USA from an upcoming trip.

There are many airports, even some international, that you can complete an Global Entry interview upon arrival.  Arrive during operating hours, bring your Confirmation Number and any supporting documents needed – such as drivers license and passport.  

We did our interviews upon arrival at O’Hare airport, and even with 8 people in front of us, the whole process took about 45 minutes.  The interview itself only took about 10 minutes per person.  

At completion of the interview, you’ll be given your Global Entry ID number for immediate use and you’ll receive the card in the mail shortly after.

Quick glance at TSA Precheck and Global Entry

	TSA PRECHECK	GLOBAL ENTRY
COST	$76.75-$85 (initial app)	$120
HOW TO APPLY	Initial application, in person interview at 600+ locations.	Initial application, wait for conditional approval to be met, interview at 100+ locations.
SERVICE PROVIDED	Expedited physical screening at US airports. Less invasive screening- ability to keep belts, shoes on and laptops, liquids in bags.	Expedited customs process at re-entry into the USA.INCLUDES TSA PRECHECK MEMBERSHIP
LENGTH OF MEMBERSHIP	5 years	5 years

HOW TO GET TSA PRECHECK AND GLOBAL ENTRY

Okay, so now that I’ve convinced you that you need TSA Precheck or Global Entry, let’s talk about how to get it!  Because, we don’t want to actually pay for it! 

Multiple credit cards come with a credit that can be used for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. There are a lot of cards to choose from with a wide range of annual fees – meaning there’s a card for everyone!  (Note that these cards don’t reimburse for Clear, those are separate cards – keep reading for that info!)

All you need to do is pay your application fee with the card and you’ll receive a statement credit for the purchase.  It’s worth it to note that you pay for TSA Precheck in person at the time of the enrollment interview.  It is wise to have the cardholder present at the time of payment to ensure no difficulties processing the payment.

CARDS WITH TSA PRECHECK AND GLOBAL ENTRY CREDIT

No Annual Fee Cards

Truist Enjoy Travel Credit Card: $0 Annual Fee

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card: $0 Annual Fee

Low Annual Fee Cards

Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card:  $95 

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: $95 

Capital One Spark Miles for Business: $0 first year then $95.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: $95 

Citi Prestige® Card: not open to new applicants

Choice Privileges® Mastercard® Credit Card: $95 

HSBC Premier World Mastercard: $95

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: $99

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: $99

Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card: $49

OneKey+™ Card: $99

PenFed Pathfinder® Reward Visa Signature® Card: $95 (waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage members)

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: $199

Truist Business Travel Rewards Credit Card: $0 first year, then $49 

Truist Enjoy Beyond Credit Card: $95 

The New United℠ Explorer Card: $0 first year, then $150 

Premium Cards

The Platinum Card® from American Express: $695 Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: $695 Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Business Card: $395 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: $395 

Chase Sapphire Reserve®: $395 Annual Fee

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: $595

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: $350 Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: $350 Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card:$650 Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: $650 Rates & Fees

HSBC Elite WorldElite Mastercard: $495

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: $650 Rates & Fees

Mastercard® Black Card™:$495

Mastercard® Gold Card™: $995

UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card: $650

The New United Club℠ Card: $695

The New United Quest℠ Card: $350

WHAT IS CLEAR?

Clear is a membership program that expedites security at airports by using biometric identification (think fingerprints and eye recognition) instead of pulling your ID out.  It is not run by the government, but by an identity company.  It’s worth it to note that Clear not only works at airports, but also at many stadiums and arenas.  

Clear Plus is the paid membership that allows participants a dedicated line at 57 airports currently.  With a smaller footprint, it’s worth it to consider if Clear works within your travel plans. If it does work out for you, Clear offers a dedicated line for passengers through security.

Keep in mind that Clear does not include TSA Precheck but it does compliment it very well.  Membership in both programs means you walk into security, scan your eyes and walk through the physical screening with minimal hassle.  

HOW TO APPLY FOR CLEAR 

Clear Plus is a paid membership that renews annually.  There are a few credit cards that reimburse for it as well as some loyalty programs that give discounts on the total price of Clear+. 

An annual membership costs $199 per year.  You can add on up to three additional adults for an additional $119 per year.  Children under 18 years old may accompany you through the Clear lane.  

To apply, you’ll need to start on the Clear website and click to ‘enroll in Clear+’.  Create an account and complete the online application.  At this point you’ll want to pay with a car that reimburses you for Clear.  

Once your online application is complete, you can visit one of the Clear pods at the airport to complete the process.  There will be a Clear agent there to walk you through the setup.  Expect it to take about five minutes per passenger.  You need a valid passport, State ID or Driver’s License and will complete your biometric screening at this point.  

Viola!  Now you’re fully enrolled in Clear!  

CARDS WITH CLEAR CREDIT

The Platinum Card® from American Express: $695 Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: $695 Rates & Fees

American Express® Green Card: $150 Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Credit Card: $550 Rates & Fees

It is worth it to note that Clear pricing can vary depending on additional memberships added on.  The above listed cards all provide a $199 annual credit toward Clear. 

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS THAT REDUCE CLEAR COST

Delta SkyMiles

Diamond Members: $199 credit (free clear membership)

Platinum/Silver/Gold and Amex Delta SkyMiles cardholders: $159 membership

General Delta SkyMiles member: $189 membership

United MileagePlus

Global Services member: $199 Credit (free membership)

Premier 1K: $129 Membership

Platinum/Gold/Silver and U.S United cardholders: $159 membership

General MileagePlus member: $189

SO ARE TSA PRECHECK, GLOBAL ENTRY AND CLEAR WORTH IT?

Well, only you can decide if it is worth it for you and your family.  But if you travel even once a year and you happen to have one of the many cards that reimburse it, then I say go for that elevated airport experience.

If you have multiple cards with credits, don’t forget that you can pay for TSA Precheck or Global Entry for other people.  What a great gift for a travel-obsessed loved one!

Clear is accepted at fewer airports, and presumably, you’re traveling a decent amount if you have one of the premium cards with Clear credits.  If it happens to be at an airport that you frequent, it will compliment TSA Precheck nicely!

Questions? Reach out to me here!