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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.
Great for: Welcome bonus
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, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.
2X-5X miles
Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
75,000 Miles + $250 Travel Credit
This was already our top-rated travel card, and it just got even better with a fantastic limited-time offer: you can now earn a massive bonus worth $1,000! In your first year, get $250 to use on Capital One Travel and 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, there’s a great ongoing rewards rate: earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, and you can also enjoy free Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credits.
Read Full ReviewThis 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.
Great for: Lounge access
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
Good/Excellent (670-850)
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. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® Points on other purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
1X-5X Membership Rewards® Points
Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 Membership Rewards® Points
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 bonus worth $800 in points. 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.
Great for: Transfer partner options
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
20.24% - 28.74% Variable
Rewards Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel℠.
Annual Fee
$550
Welcome Offer Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 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 50% more 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.
Read Full ReviewChase 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 $550, 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 (670-850)
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.
Read Full ReviewDelta 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 (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Rewards Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
1X - 5X points
Annual Fee
$695
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
For businesses that prioritize premium travel perks and elite rewards, this is a top-tier choice. You’ll earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, along with 1.5X points on eligible large purchases. But what sets this card apart is the extensive list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access, annual travel credits, and a credit toward TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee reimbursement. While it comes with a higher annual fee, we think the luxury perks and exclusive rewards make it a valuable investment for frequent business travelers.
Read Full ReviewThe 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 eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on 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
25.74%, 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. Earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel℠ using a Spark Miles card.
2X-5X miles
Annual Fee $0 intro fee for first year; $95 after that
$0 intro fee
Welcome Offer Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
50,000 miles
One of the best cards for businesses looking to capitalize on a travel reward for their everyday purchases. With a big sign up bonus, 2x miles, and low fees, it is a great choice for jet-setting small businesses.
The Capital One Spark 2X Miles card makes travel rewarding for business owners, offering 2X miles on all eligible purchases and a straightforward rewards program. With a $0 intro fee 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 10x total points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually and 3x points on other travel and dining, 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.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here
For rates and fees for the The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here
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