Long airport security queues remain one of the least enjoyable parts of air travel. While airlines have introduced faster boarding, self-service bag drops and biometric check-ins, clearing airport security can still consume a large part of the travel experience. That is one reason why programmes such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry continue attracting millions of applicants across the United States.
TSA PreCheck allows approved travellers to use dedicated security lanes at participating airports, often avoiding the need to remove shoes, belts, laptops and liquids during screening. Global Entry goes a step further by speeding up immigration clearance when returning to the United States from overseas while also including TSA PreCheck benefits. The programmes require an application fee, currently ranging from around $78 for TSA PreCheck to as much as $120 for Global Entry, depending on the provider.
Rather than treating those fees as another travel expense, many premium credit cards reimburse the entire application cost through an automatic statement credit. In most cases, cardholders simply pay the application fee using an eligible card, and the credit appears on a later statement without requiring a separate claim. Since membership usually lasts around four to five years, the benefit can offset a meaningful part of a card’s annual fee, particularly when combined with other travel perks.
Here are some of the leading credit cards offering TSA PreCheck or Global Entry reimbursement during 2026.
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Citi positions the Strata Elite Card as its flagship travel product, and airport security reimbursement forms part of a much wider collection of travel benefits. Cardholders receive up to $120 in statement credits every four years when paying for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS with the card.
The card also earns elevated ThankYou Points on travel booked through Citi’s portal, airline purchases and selected dining transactions, while everyday spending earns a steady base rate. Travellers also receive airport lounge access, Admirals Club passes, hotel credits, chauffeur service credits and complimentary elite status with selected hotel groups.
The annual fee sits firmly within the premium travel category, making the card most suitable for people who travel frequently enough to make regular use of its airport and hotel benefits.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve remains one of the best-known premium travel cards in the United States, combining flexible rewards with extensive travel protections. Cardholders receive reimbursement for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry once every four years after charging the application fee to the card.
Its wider appeal comes from transferable Ultimate Rewards points, which can move into airline and hotel loyalty programmes including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Hyatt and Marriott. The card also includes an annual travel credit, airport lounge access through Priority Pass and comprehensive travel insurance.
For travellers who prefer flexible points instead of airline-specific rewards, the Sapphire Reserve continues to occupy a strong position within the premium card market.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Airport benefits remain one of the biggest attractions of the Platinum Card from American Express. Alongside reimbursement for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS application fees, the card offers one of the broadest lounge access programmes available through a consumer credit card.
Cardholders can enter Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when eligible and several other airport lounge networks. Hotel elite status, annual airline credits and access to Fine Hotels + Resorts also form part of the package.
Its annual fee ranks among the highest in the industry, but travellers making regular international trips often value the combination of lounge access, travel protections and transferable Membership Rewards points.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One has expanded rapidly within the premium travel card market, and the Venture X Rewards Card reflects that ambition. It includes reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees while charging a lower annual fee than several competing premium travel cards.
The card earns elevated rewards on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel while maintaining a flat rewards rate across everyday purchases. Annual travel credits, Priority Pass membership and anniversary bonus miles further strengthen the overall package.
Many travellers see Venture X as a straightforward premium card because its reward structure remains relatively easy to understand while still delivering strong travel benefits.
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Not every travel rewards card carrying a TSA PreCheck benefit requires a premium annual fee. The Chase Sapphire Preferred delivers airport security reimbursement while charging considerably less than its premium counterpart.
The card earns bonus points on travel and dining purchases, provides access to Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partners and includes travel protections that exceed those offered by many entry-level travel cards.
For travellers entering the world of transferable travel rewards, the Sapphire Preferred often serves as a practical introduction without requiring the higher annual cost associated with luxury travel cards.
Citi Strata Premier®
The Citi Strata Premier combines a moderate annual fee with travel-focused rewards and access to Citi’s growing ThankYou Points programme. Eligible cardholders receive reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees after paying with the card.
The rewards structure covers flights, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and fuel purchases, making it useful for both travel and everyday spending. Cardholders also gain access to airline and hotel transfer partners, allowing points to stretch further when redeemed for premium travel.
For customers already collecting ThankYou Points, the Strata Premier adds airport security reimbursement without moving into the premium pricing category.
Other Credit Cards Worth Considering
Several airline and bank-issued travel cards also reimburse TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees. Products such as the United Club Infinite Card, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, Bank of America Premium Rewards cards, U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve and PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa continue offering similar statement credits alongside travel rewards tailored to their own customer base.
These cards may appeal to travellers who already favour a particular airline or banking relationship, especially when the wider benefits complement existing travel habits.
The reimbursement process itself remains relatively straightforward. Applicants first submit their application for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry through the official government website or authorised enrolment provider. After paying the application fee using an eligible credit card, the issuing bank generally posts the statement credit automatically within one or two billing cycles. No separate reimbursement request is usually required.
