American Express cards that cover TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Several American Express cards reimburse the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership as a cardholder benefit. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and lets you move through a faster security line at U.S. airports. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S. from abroad.

The cards that offer this benefit change over time, and the exact reimbursement amount varies by card. Some cards reimburse the full cost; others reimburse up to a set dollar amount per year or per membership cycle. You need to check your specific card's current benefits guide or call the number on the back of your card to confirm what it covers right now.

The benefit typically works as a statement credit: you pay for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry out of pocket, submit proof of payment to American Express, and the company credits your account. Some cards allow you to charge the membership fee directly and receive an automatic credit without needing to submit anything.

Key Takeaways

  • American Express premium cards often include a statement credit for TSA PreCheck ($78–$85) or Global Entry ($100), though the exact amount and terms depend on which card you hold.
  • You typically pay for the membership yourself and receive a reimbursement as a statement credit, though some cards offer automatic credits without requiring you to submit paperwork.
  • The benefit resets on a schedule tied to your card membership year, not the calendar year, so check your card's terms to know when you can claim it again.
  • TSA PreCheck is faster security screening at U.S. airports; Global Entry adds expedited customs processing when returning from international travel.

How the reimbursement works in practice

When you charge your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership fee to your American Express card, the reimbursement process depends on which card you own. Some cards automatically credit your account within a few billing cycles. Others require you to submit a copy of your receipt or confirmation email to American Express through your online account or by mail.

The credit appears as a statement credit on your next billing statement or within the statement after that. It reduces the amount you owe on your card, just like a refund. If you have a zero balance, the credit may show as a negative balance (money owed to you) that you can use toward future purchases or request as a refund.

Keep track of when your card membership year renews, because the benefit usually resets annually on that date, not on January 1st. If your card renews in March, you can claim the TSA PreCheck reimbursement again in March of the following year. Missing this window means you lose the benefit for that year.

Which cards offer this benefit and what they cover

American Express publishes a benefits guide for each card that lists what it covers. The cards most commonly known to include TSA PreCheck or Global Entry reimbursement are premium-tier cards, which typically charge an annual fee of $450 or higher. However, the specific cards that offer this benefit and the dollar amounts they reimburse change periodically.

To find out whether your card includes this benefit, log into your American Express account online and look for the benefits section, or call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card number ready. The representative can tell you exactly what your card covers, whether it reimburses TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or both, and what the maximum reimbursement is.

If you are considering opening a new American Express card partly for the TSA PreCheck benefit, compare the annual fee against the value of the reimbursement. A card with a $550 annual fee that reimburses $100 for Global Entry costs you $450 net per year. Make sure the other benefits and rewards on the card justify that cost.

TSA PreCheck versus Global Entry: which one to choose

TSA PreCheck is the simpler option if you fly domestically within the U.S. and do not travel internationally. It gives you access to a dedicated security line at most major U.S. airports, where you can leave shoes, belts, and light jackets on, keep laptops and liquids in your bag, and move through screening faster. The process takes about 10 minutes online, and you schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and a photo ID.

Global Entry includes everything TSA PreCheck offers, plus expedited customs and immigration screening when you return to the U.S. from international travel. You go through a kiosk instead of waiting in the customs line, which can save 30 minutes or more on a busy day. Global Entry requires the same in-person appointment as TSA PreCheck, plus a more thorough background check. If you travel internationally even once or twice a year, Global Entry often pays for itself in time saved.

If your American Express card reimburses the full cost of either program, Global Entry is the better choice because it includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus the customs advantage. You are not paying extra for the additional features if the card covers the full $100 cost.

What happens if your card does not include this benefit

If you own an American Express card that does not include TSA PreCheck or Global Entry reimbursement, you have a few options. You can pay for the membership out of pocket—$78 to $85 for TSA PreCheck or $100 for Global Entry—and receive no reimbursement. You can also check whether other credit cards you own offer the benefit, since many premium cards from other issuers include it.

Another option is to open a new American Express card that does include the benefit, if you are willing to pay the annual fee and meet any spending requirements. Before you do, calculate whether the TSA PreCheck reimbursement, combined with other card benefits like travel credits or points, justifies the annual fee. A card with a $550 annual fee that reimburses $100 for Global Entry needs to deliver at least $450 in other value to break even.

If you travel frequently for work, your employer may reimburse TSA PreCheck or Global Entry as a business expense. Check your company's travel policy or ask your manager before paying out of pocket.

Timing and renewal: when to claim the benefit

The TSA PreCheck or Global Entry reimbursement is usually available once per card membership year, not once per calendar year. Your card membership year is the 12-month period from when you opened the card or from your last annual renewal date. If you opened your card on June 15, your membership year runs from June 15 to June 14 of the following year.

You can claim the reimbursement anytime during your membership year, but it is smart to do it early. If you wait until late in the year and the reimbursement process takes several weeks, you might miss the window. Once your membership year renews, the benefit resets and you can claim it again.

If you cancel your card before the membership year ends, you may lose the ability to claim the reimbursement for that year. Check your card's terms or call American Express to confirm the exact rules for your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the TSA PreCheck reimbursement if I renew my membership?

Yes. If your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership is expiring and you renew it, you can claim the reimbursement again during your next card membership year. The reimbursement is not limited to new memberships—it covers renewals too.

What if I explore for TSA PreCheck but get denied?

If your TSA PreCheck process is denied, you will not receive the membership and should not be charged the fee. If you were charged, contact TSA directly to request a refund. Your American Express card will not reimburse a fee you did not pay. If you were charged and denied, TSA handles the refund, not American Express.

Do I need to submit a receipt to get the reimbursement?

It depends on your specific card. Some American Express cards automatically credit your account when you charge the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee to the card. Others require you to upload a receipt or confirmation email through your online account. Check your card's benefits guide or call customer service to find out what your card requires.

Can I transfer the TSA PreCheck reimbursement to someone else?

No. The reimbursement is a benefit tied to your card and your account. You cannot transfer it to a family member or friend. However, if a family member has the same American Express card, they can claim the reimbursement on their own card during their membership year.

What if I lose my TSA PreCheck card after I get reimbursed?

The reimbursement from American Express is separate from your TSA PreCheck membership. If you lose your physical TSA PreCheck card, contact TSA to request a replacement (usually free or low-cost). The American Express reimbursement does not cover replacement cards—it only covers the initial membership or renewal fee.