You are probably paying for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR when you do not have to.

TSA PreCheck costs $78. Global Entry costs $120. CLEAR costs $209 a year. Most travelers pay all three out of pocket. That is up to $329 per year you may be paying unnecessarily.

Several premium travel cards cover these fees entirely as statement credits. A few cover more than one program. One card covers all three.

Some links on this page may earn Travel Nerd Co a commission if you apply and are approved for a card. This does not affect our recommendations.

Before You Apply For Anything

Check your current cards first. You may already have this benefit and not know it. Log in to your card’s benefits portal or call the number on the back before applying for anything new.

Quick Answer: Which Cards Cover What

Covers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: American Express Platinum Card®, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, United℠ Explorer Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, and Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Covers CLEAR (Full): American Express Platinum Card® and American Express® Green Card

Covers CLEAR (Discount): Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus co-branded cards

Covers All Three Programs: American Express Platinum Card® only

The Short Answer

If you already know what you want:

Apply For The American Express Platinum Card® – Recommended if you want all three programs (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR)

Apply For The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Recommended if you want Global Entry and TSA PreCheck only

Most people should only consider these two. Everything else below is for specific situations where those two do not fit.

All figures current as of April 2026. Card benefits change. Verify before applying.

Several premium travel cards include a statement credit that covers the Global Entry ($120) or TSA PreCheck ($78 new application | $85 renewal) fee. Cards that include this credit: American Express Platinum Card®, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, United℠ Explorer Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.

The credit typically covers one application or renewal per 4 to 5 year enrollment period. Global Entry is the better use of the credit because it includes TSA PreCheck. Applying the credit to TSA PreCheck-only enrollment leaves $42 of potential value unclaimed.

If you are not sure how these programs differ, start with the full breakdown of every airport security program before choosing a card → Airport Security Programs: CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry (What Actually Saves Time)

How These Credits Actually Work

Before picking a card, understand the mechanics. Readers who skip this section and apply without knowing these rules are the ones who end up frustrated.

How Statement Credits Post. When you pay for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or CLEAR on an eligible card, the charge appears on your statement and the credit follows, typically within one to three billing cycles. The credit posts automatically in most cases. You do not need to file a claim or call anyone.

The One-Credit-Per-Enrollment-Period Rule. Most cards that include a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit issue it once per 4 to 5 year enrollment or renewal period, matching the program’s own renewal cycle. If you just renewed your TSA PreCheck last month and then apply for a card that covers it, the credit cannot retroactively cover that renewal. You need to time the application with your next renewal window. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck have different enrollment periods, so some cards will cover a TSA PreCheck renewal even if they already covered a Global Entry application. Verify with your specific card issuer before assuming.

Always Use The Credit For Global Entry, Not TSA PreCheck-Only

Both Global Entry ($120) and TSA PreCheck ($78 new application | $85 renewal) are covered by the same credit on most cards. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck automatically. Using the credit for TSA PreCheck-only enrollment leaves Global Entry uncovered and wastes $42 of potential value.

The only reason to use the credit on TSA PreCheck-only is if you are ineligible for Global Entry or have already applied and been denied. In every other case, use the credit on Global Entry.

The Card Comparison Table

Last updated: April 2026. Verify all fees and benefits before applying.

If you already know which card fits, you can apply here: American Express Platinum Card® | Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Card-By-Card Breakdown

Each card below covers at least one of the three programs. Here is what you actually get, how the credit posts, and who each card is right for.

Amex Platinum: The Only Card That Covers All Three Programs

Annual Fee: $895

The American Express Platinum Card® covers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ($120 Global Entry / $78 TSA PreCheck) as a statement credit, plus full CLEAR membership ($209) as a separate annual benefit. It is the only card that does all three.

Both credits post automatically as statement credits after the eligible charge appears on your account. On the American Express Platinum Card®, the CLEAR credit posts automatically each year, typically within a few days of the charge. The Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit typically posts within one to two billing cycles. The CLEAR credit renews annually in the same month each year.

One important limitation: the Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit covers one fee per 4.5-year enrollment period. If you just renewed TSA PreCheck, you cannot use this credit again until your next renewal window.

On CLEAR: the American Express Platinum Card® makes CLEAR free, but free does not mean useful at every airport. If your home airport consistently has long ID lines, activating CLEAR is worth it. If you fly mostly from smaller airports, the benefit is minimal. 

See which airports CLEAR is actually worth it before deciding whether to activate → Airports Where CLEAR Actually Saves Time (And Where It Does Not)

If you want all three programs covered with one card, get the American Express Platinum Card®. The security credits alone represent $329 in annual value. Whether the card makes sense overall depends on how much of the rest of the Amex Platinum’s benefit stack you can use.

Apply For The American Express Platinum Card® – covers Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR in full

Capital One Venture X: Best Value For Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

Annual Fee: $395

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card covers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ($120 Global Entry / $78 TSA PreCheck) as a statement credit. No CLEAR benefit. The credit posts as a statement credit, typically within a few days of the eligible charge appearing. When I used the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card credit, it posted within three days as a statement credit after the Global Entry charge.

At $395, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a significantly lower annual fee than the American Express Platinum Card® ($895) or Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($795) while delivering the same Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit. It also earns 2x miles on all purchases and includes an annual $300 travel credit that effectively brings the net fee down further.

If you want Global Entry or TSA PreCheck covered at a lower annual fee than the American Express Platinum Card®, get the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. It is the best value card on this list for readers whose only goal is covering one of these two programs.

Apply For The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – best value for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Strong Overall Travel Card With Global Entry Coverage

Annual Fee: $795

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® covers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ($120 Global Entry / $78 TSA PreCheck) as a statement credit. No CLEAR benefit. The credit covers one application or renewal per four year period and is available to the primary cardholder and authorized users. The credit posts automatically as a statement credit after the charge.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns 3x on travel and dining, includes a $300 annual travel credit, and provides Priority Pass lounge access. For travelers who are already embedded in the Chase ecosystem (Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Freedom cards), this card makes sense as an upgrade.

If you want strong travel rewards and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck covered, and you are already a Chase customer, get the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. If you are starting fresh with a premium travel card, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers similar Global Entry / TSA PreCheck coverage at a lower net fee.

Apply For The Chase Sapphire Reserve® – strong travel rewards with Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit

Capital One Venture: Best Low-Fee Option For Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

Annual Fee: $95

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card covers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ($120 Global Entry / $78 TSA PreCheck) as a statement credit once every four years. No CLEAR benefit. At $95, it is the lowest-annual-fee card on this list that offers a full Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit, making it the practical choice for travelers who want the security program covered without paying for a premium card.

The credit posts as a statement credit within two billing cycles after the eligible charge. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns 2x miles on all purchases and includes no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid everyday travel card that earns its keep well beyond the security credit.

If you want Global Entry or TSA PreCheck covered at the lowest possible annual fee, get the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. The $95 annual fee is more than offset by the $120 Global Entry credit in the first year.

Apply For The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit at $95/yr with flexible transferable miles

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: Best Delta Pick

Annual Fee: $350

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card covers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ($120 Global Entry / $78 TSA PreCheck) as a statement credit, plus discounts CLEAR to $169/yr. Note: discounted CLEAR is not the same as free CLEAR. You still pay $169. The credit posts as a statement credit after the eligible charge.

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card also earns accelerated miles on Delta purchases, includes a companion certificate each year, and provides 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club annually. It is the best balance of security credits, practical Delta benefits, and annual fee in the Delta co-branded lineup.

If you fly Delta regularly from major hub airports, get the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. The Global Entry credit offsets a significant portion of the annual fee, and the CLEAR discount adds further value if your home airport has CLEAR lanes.

Apply For The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card – Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit plus discounted CLEAR for Delta flyers

United Explorer Card: Best United Pick

Annual Fee: $150 (waived the first year)

The United℠ Explorer Card covers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ($120 Global Entry / $78 TSA PreCheck) as a statement credit, plus discounts CLEAR to $169/yr. The Global Entry credit alone more than offsets the first year’s annual fee when the fee is waived. From year two onward, the $150 fee applies. The card also includes two United Club one-time passes per year and a free first checked bag.

The United℠ Explorer Card is the most accessible entry point into the United co-branded lineup for security credits. It covers Global Entry, gives a CLEAR discount, and keeps the annual fee manageable.

If you fly United and want Global Entry credit plus discounted CLEAR at a reasonable annual fee, get the United℠ Explorer Card.

Apply For The United℠ Explorer Card – Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit plus discounted CLEAR, first year fee waived

Citi / AAdvantage Executive Mastercard: Best For American Airlines Flyers

Annual Fee: $595

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is the only mainstream American Airlines co-branded card that includes a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit ($120 Global Entry / $78 TSA PreCheck, once every 4 years). No CLEAR benefit. The card also includes complimentary Admirals Club membership (valued at up to $850), a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions, and priority airport access on American Airlines flights.

For frequent American Airlines flyers, the Admirals Club membership alone can justify a significant portion of the annual fee. The Global Entry credit adds meaningful value on top.

If you fly American Airlines frequently and want lounge access alongside a Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit, get the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. There is no lower-fee American Airlines card that includes the Global Entry / TSA PreCheck benefit.

Apply For The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® – Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit plus Admirals Club access for AA flyers

Amex Green: Best Standalone CLEAR Card At Low Fee

Annual Fee: $150

The American Express® Green Card covers the full CLEAR membership ($209/yr) as a statement credit. It does not include a Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit. It earns 3x Membership Rewards points on travel, restaurants, and transit worldwide, making it a strong everyday card for travelers who already have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck covered through another card and simply want CLEAR offset.

The CLEAR credit posts as a statement credit after the eligible charge, typically within a few billing cycles.

If you want CLEAR covered at the lowest annual fee and do not need a Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit, get the American Express® Green Card. At $150/yr with a $209 CLEAR credit, the card effectively pays for CLEAR and returns a net positive in the first year.

Apply For The American Express® Green Card – full CLEAR credit at $150/yr annual fee

If You Do Not Want To Overthink This

If you want one card that covers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck at a lower annual fee than the American Express Platinum Card®, get the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. It covers the full Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, the annual fee is $395, and it earns strong rewards on all travel. It does not cover CLEAR. If the $395 fee still feels steep, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card at $95 covers the same Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit with a simpler rewards structure and no lounge access.

If you want all three programs covered with one card, the American Express Platinum Card® is the answer.

Those are the two default picks. Start there.

If you already know which card fits, the next step is applying before your next renewal window.

Apply For The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Apply For The American Express Platinum Card®

Which Card Is Right For Your Situation?

If you are unsure which programs are worth getting in the first place, start with the full airport security program breakdown before choosing a card → Airport Security Programs: CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry (What Actually Saves Time)

How To Use These Credits The Right Way

Most people leave money on the table not because they picked the wrong card, but because they applied at the wrong time or used the credit on the wrong program. Here is how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Apply For Global Entry, Not TSA PreCheck-Only. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and costs only $42 more. The credit covers either program. Using it on TSa PreCheck-only enrollment wastes the difference. See if Global Entry is worth it for your trips if you are unsure → Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck: What Is The Difference (And Which Should You Get?)

Time Your Card Application With Your Next Enrollment Window. The credit covers one application or renewal per enrollment period. If you just renewed, you have two options: wait until your next cycle, or apply for a new program (Global Entry if you only had TSA PreCheck) to trigger the credit now.

Check Your Existing Cards Before Applying For A New One. Many travelers have a card with this benefit and never activate it. Log in to your card’s benefits portal or call the number on the back. This takes two minutes and could save you $120.

Stacking Strategy: Covering All Three Programs For Less Than The Amex Platinum

If you already have a card that covers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck but not CLEAR, you can add the American Express® Green Card as a secondary card to get CLEAR covered in full at a $150 annual fee.

Example Stack: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95/yr, covers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck) plus American Express® Green Card ($150/yr, covers full CLEAR at $209). Total annual fees: $245. Total out of pocket for all three programs: $0.

Compared to the American Express Platinum Card® ($895/yr, covers all three at $0): the stacking approach covers all three programs for $650 less per year in annual fees. The tradeoff is that you are managing two cards instead of one, and you give up the American Express Platinum Card®’s broader benefit stack (lounge access, hotel credits, airline fee credits, etc.).

The stack makes sense if you already hold the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and want to add CLEAR coverage without paying for the full American Express Platinum Card®. It does not make sense if you would use enough of the American Express Platinum Card®’s other benefits to justify the higher fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Credit Card Is Best For TSA PreCheck?

For Global Entry or TSA PreCheck coverage at the best value, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395/yr) covers the full $120 Global Entry credit with lounge access and a $300 travel credit. For the lowest annual fee with a Global Entry credit, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card at $95/yr. For readers who also want CLEAR covered, the American Express Platinum Card® is the only card that covers all three programs.

Does Amex Platinum Cover TSA PreCheck?

Yes. The American Express Platinum Card® includes a statement credit that covers either the Global Entry application fee ($120) or the TSA PreCheck renewal fee ($85). It also includes a separate annual credit that covers the full CLEAR membership ($209). The Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit covers one application or renewal per 4.5-year enrollment period. For maximum value, use it on Global Entry rather than TSA PreCheck-only, since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck automatically. All figures are as of April 2026.

Does Chase Sapphire Reserve Cover Global Entry?

Yes. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® includes a statement credit that covers the Global Entry application fee ($120) or the TSA PreCheck renewal fee ($85). The credit covers one application or renewal per 4 year period and applies to both primary cardholders and authorized users. No CLEAR benefit is included.

Can I Get CLEAR For Free With A Credit Card?

Yes, with the American Express Platinum Card® or American Express® Green Card. The American Express Platinum Card® and American Express® Green Card includes a statement credit that covers the full CLEAR membership fee ($209/yr). Select Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus co-branded cards, discount CLEAR to $169/yr but do not fully cover it. No other widely held premium travel card currently covers CLEAR in full. All figures are as of April 2026.

Does Capital One Venture X Cover Global Entry?

Yes. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card includes a statement credit that covers the Global Entry application fee ($120) or the TSA PreCheck renewal fee ($85). The credit posts as a statement credit after the eligible charge. No CLEAR benefit is included.

Can I Use A Credit Card Credit For Both Global Entry And TSA PreCheck?

Most cards issue one Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit per 4 to 5 year enrollment period. You can use it for either program, but not both in the same cycle. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck have separate enrollment timelines, so some cards may cover a TSA PreCheck renewal even after covering a Global Entry application previously. Verify with your card issuer.

When Does The Global Entry Credit Post To My Account?

Statement credits for Global Entry typically post within one to three billing cycles after the eligible charge appears. Some cards post faster. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been reported to post within a few days of the charge. Timing varies by issuer.

Does The TSA PreCheck Credit Cover The Initial Application Or Just Renewals?

Most cards cover both the initial enrollment fee and future renewals, subject to the one-credit-per-enrollment-period rule. The credit amount matches the program fee at the time of the charge. Verify current terms with your card issuer before applying, as some cards distinguish between new applications and renewals.

Final Thoughts

If you know which programs you want and which card covers them, the next step is applying for your enrollment. 

Apply For Global Entry Here 

or 

Apply For TSA PreCheck Here 

If you are still figuring out which programs are worth having, build the full setup for your travel style before picking a card → Best Airport Security Setup: The Fastest Way Through Any Airport

Most travelers pay out of pocket for programs their card already covers. Now you know whether yours does.

This page covers the cards we consider the strongest options for most travelers. It is not an exhaustive list. Many other cards offer Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits, including co-branded hotel cards, airline cards not covered here, and select bank cards. Check your current card’s benefits portal before applying for anything new.

Kevin Zanes