‍Key Points:

• You can get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry completely free with 15+ premium travel credit cards that reimburse the $78-120 application fee.
• Global Entry is the better value at $120 since it includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs clearance when returning to the U.S. from international travel.
• Clear memberships ($199-209 annually) come free with select American Express cards, while United and Delta elite members get significant discounts or complimentary access.

Airport security lines shouldn't dictate when you need to arrive at the airport. Whether you're rushing to catch a connecting flight or simply want a more civilized travel experience, expedited security programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear can transform how you move through airports.

The good news? You don't need to pay out of pocket for these programs. Between credit card benefits, airline elite status perks, and loyalty program redemptions, there are at least 11 legitimate ways to get these memberships for free or at steep discounts. I'll walk you through every option so you can choose the strategy that makes the most sense for your travel patterns and credit card portfolio.

Understanding the Three Main Expedited Security Programs

Before diving into how to get these programs for free, let's clarify what each one offers and which might be the best fit for your needs.

TSA PreCheck: The Basic Speed Pass

TSA PreCheck gets you access to dedicated security lanes at over 200 U.S. airports. The experience is notably more pleasant than standard security—you keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and laptops and liquids stay in your bag. According to TSA statistics, 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes in security lines.

The program costs $78-85 for five years depending on which enrollment provider you use (Idemia, Clear, or Telos). You'll need to complete a brief online application and attend a 10-minute in-person appointment for fingerprinting and identity verification. Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you add to your airline reservations.

TSA PreCheck works with 90+ participating airlines, and you'll see the TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass when it's active for that flight. It's worth noting that PreCheck isn't guaranteed on every flight—airlines make the final determination based on security considerations.

Global Entry: TSA PreCheck Plus International Benefits

Global Entry includes everything TSA PreCheck offers, plus expedited customs and immigration processing when you return to the United States from international travel. Instead of waiting in the regular customs line, Global Entry members use automated kiosks to scan their passport, verify their fingerprints, complete their customs declaration, and receive clearance—often in under five minutes.

The program costs $120 for five years and requires a more thorough application process including an in-person interview at an enrollment center. You'll undergo a background check, and approval can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on appointment availability and processing times.

Global Entry is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and is available at major international airports across the United States, plus select Canadian airports with U.S. preclearance facilities. If you take even one international trip per year, Global Entry typically provides better value than standalone TSA PreCheck since you get both benefits for just $42 more.

Clear: Biometric Identity Verification

Clear takes a different approach than TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Rather than being a government program, Clear is a private service that uses biometric technology (fingerprints and iris scans) to verify your identity. At airports with Clear lanes, you walk up to a Clear pod, confirm your identity through biometrics, and a Clear ambassador escorts you directly to the front of the security screening line.

The key distinction: Clear gets you past the ID check portion of security, but you still go through the standard security screening process unless you also have TSA PreCheck. This is why many frequent travelers use both programs together—Clear to bypass the ID line, then TSA PreCheck for expedited screening.

Clear membership costs $199-209 annually, making it significantly more expensive than the government programs. However, Clear is available at 50+ U.S. airports and select sports venues and entertainment venues. Children under 18 can accompany a Clear member for free, which can provide value for families.

Strategy 1: Use Credit Card Application Fee Credits

The easiest and most common way to get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for free is through premium travel credit cards that reimburse the application fee. Fifteen major credit cards currently offer this benefit, covering the full cost every four to five years.

Premium Travel Cards with Full Global Entry Credits

Chase Sapphire Reserve – $550 annual fee

This flagship travel card includes a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years. Given the card's premium travel benefits (3X points on travel and dining, $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access), the security program credit is one of several valuable perks that help justify the annual fee.

The Platinum Card from American Express – $695 annual fee

The Amex Platinum provides a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years. The card also includes a $189 Clear credit annually, allowing you to get both programs covered. With additional benefits like Centurion Lounge access, hotel elite status, and 5X points on flights, this card makes sense for frequent travelers who can maximize its full benefits.

Capital One Venture X Rewards – $395 annual fee

The Venture X includes a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years, plus 10,000 anniversary bonus miles, Priority Pass access, and a $300 travel credit. The combination of benefits makes this one of the better value propositions in the premium travel card space.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express – $695 annual fee

Similar to the personal Platinum, the Business Platinum offers a $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every 4.5 years. This can be particularly valuable for business owners who travel frequently and can justify the card's premium annual fee through its extensive business and travel benefits.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card – $650 annual fee

Includes a $100 credit toward either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years. While the credit doesn't cover the full Global Entry fee, it significantly reduces the cost. The card also provides automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, an annual free night award, and bonus points at Marriott properties.

Airline Credit Cards with TSA PreCheck Credits

United Explorer Card – $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Provides up to $120 in Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit every four years. This makes it one of the few co-branded airline cards that covers the full Global Entry cost.

United Club Card – $525 annual fee

Like the Explorer Card, this premium United card includes the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit along with United Club lounge access and elevated earning rates on United purchases.

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard – $595 annual fee

Offers up to $120 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every five years, plus Admirals Club lounge access and other premium American Airlines benefits.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card – $350 annual fee

Provides a $100 application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS every four years. While it doesn't cover the full Global Entry cost, it significantly reduces it.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card – $650 annual fee

Like the Platinum card, includes a $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, along with Delta Sky Club access and elevated earning rates.

Strategy 2: Get Free Clear Memberships Through Premium Cards

While most credit cards focus on TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, a select few include statement credits that cover Clear's annual membership fee of $189-209.

American Express Platinum Card Clear Benefit

The Amex Platinum provides up to $189 in statement credits annually for a Clear membership when you use your card to pay for it. This is in addition to the card's Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, meaning you could potentially get both Clear and Global Entry covered with a single card.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card – $550 annual fee

This premium hotel card includes up to $189 in annual Clear statement credits. If you stay at Hilton properties frequently and can maximize the card's automatic Diamond status, free weekend night, and resort credit, the Clear benefit becomes a valuable add-on.

Strategy 3: Maximize Airline Elite Status Discounts

If you fly frequently with specific carriers, airline elite status can provide free or heavily discounted Clear memberships and TSA PreCheck access.

Delta SkyMiles Elite Status Benefits

Delta offers some of the most generous expedited security benefits tied to elite status:

Delta Diamond Medallion and 360 Status: Complimentary Clear membership (normally $209 annually)

Delta Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medallion: Clear membership for $169 annually (20% discount)

Basic SkyMiles Members: Clear membership for $199 annually

Additionally, all Delta co-branded American Express cardholders receive the $169 discounted Clear rate regardless of elite status.

United MileagePlus Elite Benefits

United's program provides similar tiered benefits:

United Global Services: Complimentary Clear membership

United Premier 1K: Clear membership for $129 annually (38% discount)

United Premier Platinum, Gold, and Silver: Clear membership for $169 annually (20% discount)

Basic MileagePlus Members: Clear membership for $199 annually

United co-branded credit cardholders from Chase also receive the $169 discounted rate.

Strategy 4: Redeem Points or Miles for TSA PreCheck

Several loyalty programs allow members to redeem points or miles to cover TSA PreCheck application fees. While this generally provides lower value per point than premium travel redemptions, it can be worthwhile if you have points sitting idle.

Marriott Bonvoy TSA PreCheck Redemption

Marriott members can redeem 25,000 Bonvoy points for an $85 TSA PreCheck application credit. Based on typical Bonvoy point valuations of 0.7-0.8 cents per point, this redemption values points at approximately 0.34 cents each.

If you have Bonvoy points from credit card bonuses that you're unlikely to use for hotel stays, converting them to TSA PreCheck access provides tangible value.

IHG One Rewards TSA PreCheck Redemption

IHG One Rewards members can redeem 30,000 points for an $85 TSA PreCheck application credit through Idemia.

United MileagePlus TSA PreCheck Redemption

United allows members to redeem 11,000 MileagePlus miles for a TSA PreCheck membership.

Strategy 5: Bundle Clear and TSA PreCheck for Savings

Clear offers a bundled enrollment option that provides both TSA PreCheck and Clear+ membership at a discounted combined rate.

When you enroll in both Clear+ and TSA PreCheck simultaneously through Clear's enrollment platform, you pay $288.95 upfront. After completing your TSA PreCheck enrollment, Clear refunds $79.95, bringing your effective total to $209 for the first year.

Strategy 6: Time Your TSA PreCheck Renewal Strategically

When it comes time to renew your TSA PreCheck membership (every five years), you have multiple enrollment providers to choose from, each with different pricing structures.

TSA PreCheck Renewal Pricing by Provider

Idemia: $78 for renewal (vs. $85 for new enrollment)

Clear: $78 for renewal when you're also a Clear+ member

Telos: $58.75 for in-person renewal or $69.95 for online renewal

The variation in renewal pricing creates an opportunity to save $7-20 compared to initial enrollment costs.

Strategy 7: Upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry

If you currently have TSA PreCheck but have started traveling internationally, upgrading to Global Entry at renewal time can provide better overall value.

Global Entry costs $120 for five years ($24 annually) while TSA PreCheck costs $78-85 ($15.60-17 annually). The $42 premium for Global Entry breaks down to just $8.40 per year for the added benefit of expedited customs and immigration screening.

If you take even two international trips per year and Global Entry saves 15-30 minutes per return entry, you're gaining back 30-60 minutes annually for an extra $8.40.

Strategy 8: Use Family Plans for Clear Membership

Clear offers family plans that reduce the per-person cost when adding multiple adults to a primary membership.

A primary Clear+ membership costs $189-209 annually. You can add up to three additional adult family members for $75 each per year, significantly less than the $189-209 they'd pay for individual memberships.

For a family of four adults, the total cost would be $414 annually ($189 + $75 + $75 + $75) versus $836 if everyone enrolled separately—a savings of $422 annually or 50% off.

Strategy 9: Combine Multiple Strategies for Maximum Coverage

The most sophisticated approach involves strategically combining multiple benefits to cover all three programs across multiple family members.

Example Complete Family Coverage:

Adult 1: Apply for American Express Platinum Card

• Use $120 Global Entry credit
• Use $189 Clear credit
• Total: $0 for both programs

Adult 2: Apply for Capital One Venture X

• Use $120 Global Entry credit
• Add to Adult 1's Clear as family member for $75
• Total: $75 annually

This strategy only makes sense if you genuinely use and value the premium credit card benefits beyond just the expedited security programs.

Strategy 10: Watch for Limited-Time Promotions

Both Clear and the TSA PreCheck enrollment providers occasionally offer promotional discounts.

Clear has periodically offered:

• Discounted annual rates: $149-169 for new members
• Free trial months: 1-3 months free
• Bring a friend discounts
• Credit card bonus offers

Check the websites for Idemia, Clear, and Telos before applying to see if any current promotions are running.

Strategy 11: Consider Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses

When choosing which credit card to apply for, don't just focus on the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit. Many of these cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses worth far more than the application fee credit.

For example:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred often offers 60,000+ bonus points
• Capital One Venture X typically includes 75,000+ bonus miles
• Delta cards frequently offer elevated bonuses with Medallion Qualifying Miles

The security program credit becomes an added bonus on top of the substantial points you're earning.

Choosing the Right Strategy for Your Situation

For Frequent International Travelers

Best choice: Global Entry through a premium credit card like Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, or Capital One Venture X.

For Domestic-Only Frequent Travelers

Best choice: TSA PreCheck through a credit card + Clear through Amex Platinum.

For Moderate Travelers (4-6 Trips Annually)

Best choice: Global Entry through mid-tier travel card like United Explorer or Capital One Venture X.

For Occasional Travelers (1-3 Trips Annually)

Best choice: TSA PreCheck using points redemption or bundled promotion.

For Families

Best choice: Strategic card stacking with Clear family plan using Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Choosing TSA PreCheck When Global Entry Makes More Sense

If there's any chance you'll travel internationally during your five-year membership period, Global Entry provides better value. For just $42 more than TSA PreCheck, you get both programs.

Mistake 2: Not Checking Appointment Availability Before Applying

Global Entry requires an in-person interview, and appointment availability varies dramatically by location. Major cities often have wait times of 3-6 months.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Add Your Known Traveler Number to Reservations

Having TSA PreCheck or Global Entry means nothing if you don't add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your flight reservations. Add it to your airline frequent flyer profiles so it automatically populates.

Mistake 4: Paying for Clear Without Having TSA PreCheck

Clear without TSA PreCheck means you bypass the ID check but still go through standard security screening. You're paying $189-209 annually for marginally faster access. The real value comes when combined with TSA PreCheck.

Mistake 5: Not Using Credit Card Benefits Before They Expire

Most credit cards provide TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits every 4-5 years. Set a calendar reminder to ensure you use the credit before it resets.

Conclusion: Your Free Expedited Security Roadmap

Getting free or heavily discounted expedited security programs isn't just possible—it's the smart default for anyone who travels more than twice a year. The time savings, stress reduction, and improved travel experience make these programs worthwhile.

Start by evaluating your travel patterns. If you take any international trips annually, Global Entry provides better value than standalone TSA PreCheck for just $42 more—and many premium travel credit cards reimburse the full $120 fee every four to five years.

For domestic-focused travelers who fly frequently, combining TSA PreCheck (free through a credit card) with Clear (also free through select Amex cards or discounted through airline elite status) creates the fastest possible airport security experience.

Occasional travelers can use points from Marriott, IHG, or United to cover the TSA PreCheck fee, converting points that might otherwise expire into five years of expedited security.

The bottom line: You should never pay full retail price for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or Clear. Choose the strategy that aligns with your travel frequency, credit card portfolio, and whether you travel internationally.

This article contains affiliate links. If you apply through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue sharing points and miles strategies with the community.