Yes, You Can Get TSA PreCheck for Free—Here's How

Travel + Leisure

10-05-2025

As any frequent flier can tell you, TSA PreCheck is a surefire way to save yourself some hassle at the airport.
Inaugurated in 2013, the TSA PreCheck program allows its members to skip the standard security line. Instead, PreCheck holders enjoy a dedicated, expedited line at the more than 200 U.S. airports where the program is active. Customers in the PreCheck line can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on through security, and, unlike in the standard line, electronics and small liquids can stay in the bag where they're packed.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that around 99 percent of PreCheck passengers clear security in 10 minutes or less—making the program a game-changer for those who prefer arriving at the airport last-minute or who simply don't like waiting in long lines.
One of the few downsides to TSA PreCheck is that it does cost some money. Applying for PreCheck typically costs $85 (or a few dollars less under certain conditions), a fee that covers your membership for five years once you're accepted.
If you're savvy, though, there are some ways to become a TSA PreCheck member for free. Nearly 50 different credit cards will cover the cost of PreCheck membership as one of their cardholder perks. A few hospitality-industry loyalty programs will also pay PreCheck fees for their members, and one luxury travel club on the market will do so as well.
No matter which method you prefer, read on to learn how to get TSA PreCheck for free. TSA PreCheck Line at ATL.
Dustin Chambers/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Thanks to the sheer number of cards that offer PreCheck as a benefit, applying with a qualified credit card is probably the simplest way to get PreCheck for free. The TSA keeps a list of the cards it partners with at any given time, and, as of May 2025, that list includes around four dozen cards.
The eligible cards range from beginner-friendly credit lines with no annual fee to high-end cards that ooze exclusivity. That variety means there's probably an eligible card that could be a fit for you—if you don't have one in your wallet already.
The terms of using credit cards for PreCheck membership tend to be the same across the board. When you apply for PreCheck (or apply for renewal of an existing membership), pay your application fee with the card you want to earn your benefit from. Once you've done so, your card provider will issue you a statement credit covering the cost of your application fee, usually within two statement cycles.
Yes, that does mean you have to front the cost yourself with this method—but, at the end of the day, you'll still eventually have your PreCheck membership paid for.
Most of the cards below offer a PreCheck benefit just once every four years or so, so plan carefully if you need to purchase a membership for multiple members of your family. The card benefits typically can be used for new applications or renewals, so once the benefit resets after four years, you should be able to use it again to renew your PreCheck every half-decade.
Many of the qualified cards allow customers to choose whether they want to use this benefit for TSA PreCheck or for Global Entry, the Customs and Border Patrol program that expedites processing for members flying into the U.S. from abroad. But be aware, if you want to get Global Entry for free, your card probably won't also cover your PreCheck fees—these benefits typically cover just one or the other. (Of course, Global Entry includes PreCheck, so if you travel internationally often, you may want to splurge on the more comprehensive option.)
Here are credit cards that cover TSA PreCheck: American Airlines Credit Union Visa Signature Credit Card
Arvest Visa Signature Credit Card
Truist Enjoy Travel Credit Card
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card Aeroplan Credit Card: $95 annual fee
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card: $95 annual fee
Capital One Venture Card: $95 annual fee
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard: $95 annual fee
HSBC Premier World Mastercard: $95 annual fee
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: $99 annual fee
Navy Federal's Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Card: $49 annual fee
One Key+ Card: $99 annual fee
PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: $95 annual fee
Provident World+ Travel: $45 annual fee (waived in the first year)
Truist Business Travel Rewards Credit Card: $49 annual fee (waived in the first year)
Truist Enjoy Beyond Credit Card: $95 annual fee
USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature Credit Card: $95 annual fee American Express Platinum Card: $650 annual fee
American Express Centurion Card: $5,000 annual fee
Capital One Venture X Card: $395 annual fee
Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card: $550 annual fee
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard: $595 annual fee
Citi Prestige Card: $495 annual fee
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: $350 annual fee
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: $650 annual fee
HSBC Elite World Elite MasterCard: $495 annual fee
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: $650 annual fee
MasterCard Black Card: $495 annual fee
MasterCard Gold Card: $995 annual fee
UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card: $650 annual fee
United Club Card: $695 annual fee
United Explorer Card: $150 annual fee (waived in the first year)
United Quest Card: $350 annual fee American Express Business Platinum Card: $695 annual fee
American Express Corporate Gold Card: $250 annual fee
American Express Corporate Platinum Card: $550 annual fee
Capital One Spark Miles Card: $95 annual fee (waived in the first year)
Capital One Venture X Business Card: $395 annual fee
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Business Card: $350 annual fee
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Business Card: $650 annual fee
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: $99 annual fee
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card: $199 annual fee
If you want to earn free TSA PreCheck without the use of a special credit card, there are a few other options. First, a few rewards programs across the hospitality industry offer free PreCheck to their members, either as a member benefit or in exchange for points or miles. The programs currently offering this benefit are: IHG One Rewards
Marriott Bonvoy
Orbitz Rewards Platinum
United Mileage Plus
Finally, there is one last way to get your PreCheck costs covered. According to the TSA, the luxury travel community ASmallWorld offers PreCheck for free to some of its members. Something of a cross between a social networking site and a private members' club, ASmallWorld gives its members access to all kinds of travel benefits, from perks at hotel partners like the Four Seasons to upgrades on cruise and airline partners like Silversea and Etihad. Paid-for PreCheck membership is just the icing on the cake.