How much does TSA PreCheck® cost?

If you’re looking for a way to help avoid lines at the airport, TSA PreCheck® could be an option. But what is TSA PreCheck®, and how much does it cost?

TSA PreCheck® is a program offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that can cost up to $85, depending on the provider and enrollment type—new or renewal. Keep reading to learn more about TSA PreCheck®—and how your fee could be covered by a travel credit card.

Key takeaways

• TSA PreCheck® gives you access to expedited security at the airport.

• The TSA PreCheck® new enrollment application fee is up to $85, depending on the provider.

• Venture, Venture X, Venture X Business and Spark Miles cardholders can receive a statement credit for the application fee. Terms apply.

TSA PreCheck® is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) that helps travelers spend less time in airport security. You can use TSA PreCheck® for domestic flights—and when departing from the U.S. to a foreign country—through participating airports and airlines.

TSA PreCheck® members have access to a separate security line and a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to add to flight reservations.

When going through security, you can typically keep on a belt, shoes and light jacket. You also don’t have to remove your laptop or approved small liquids from your luggage.

The nonrefundable enrollment fee for TSA PreCheck® can vary depending on whether you apply through CLEAR®, Telos, or Idemia, the companies TSA partners with to handle enrollments. The fee also varies depending on whether you’re a new enrollment or renewing an existing membership. Once approved, the membership lasts for five years.

If you’re looking to enhance your travel while sticking to a budget, there are a couple of ways to qualify for a free TSA PreCheck® membership.

TSA PreCheck® is free for active-duty military members and Department of Defense civilian employees. Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. military academies are also eligible.

Capital One’s Venture, Venture X, Spark Miles and Venture X Business cards offer up to a $120 statement credit when you pay the TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry application fee with your card.*

TSA PreCheck® is one of several TTPs, which also include Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. The TSA recommends comparing the different programs’ benefits and costs to find the right one for you.

Global Entry offers expedited entry through U.S. customs when arriving from other countries. The Global Entry application includes a $120 nonrefundable fee for five years. 

Global Entry members are also eligible for TSA PreCheck® benefits. The TSA says that “if you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck®.”

NEXUS offers quicker entry into the U.S. and Canada by air, land and sea. The NEXUS nonrefundable fee is $120 for five years. It also may include TSA PreCheck®.

SENTRI offers expedited entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. The SENTRI nonrefundable fee is $120 for five years. It also may include TSA PreCheck®.

CLEAR is a private company program that helps members get through security quicker by verifying their identity with biometrics through a membership called CLEAR Plus. CLEAR Plus costs $189 per year.

Members can bypass the standard boarding and ID check and head to a CLEAR kiosk at more than 50 airports. After, they rejoin the regular security line and follow typical rules, like removing shoes and small liquids.

You can apply for TSA PreCheck® online and schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. The appointment will require the fee payment, proof of identity and fingerprinting.

If your TSA PreCheck® application is approved, you’ll receive your KTN within 60 days. But the TSA says most people receive their KTN in three to five days. 

Help protect yourself from scams by only applying through a government website or providers CLEAR, Telos, or Idemia.

Still curious about TSA PreCheck®? Check out the answers below.

For a fee of up to $85, TSA PreCheck® could help you skip long security lines in U.S. airports, making your vacation a little easier. And you might be able to get reimbursed for the application fee with the right credit card.

You could compare travel rewards credit cards from Capital One and start earning miles as you spend.