A person places their luggage on the conveyor belt of a TSA bag scanner.

How to Get TSA PreCheck® With a Credit Card

4 min read

Published March 12, 2026

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

TSA PreCheck® is a trusted traveler program that may help you get through airport security screenings faster if you’re approved.
Applying for TSA PreCheck® involves a relatively straightforward process with a few simple steps.
You may be reimbursed for the enrollment fee depending on your credit card.

If you travel frequently for work or pleasure and often find yourself dashing through the airport, getting stuck in the security line, and barely making your flight, you might con-sider looking into TSA PreCheck^®. TSA PreCheck^® is an expedited security screening pro-gram for flights departing from a U.S. airport. By using the TSA PreCheck^® Lane, you may be able to reduce your wait time, sometimes to 10 minutes or less. You also won’t need to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket, and you may keep your electronics and liquids in your bag while it’s screened.

Applying for TSA PreCheck^® involves a few straightforward steps. If you’re interested, here’s what you need to know and how to get it.

You have to pay a fee to get TSA PreCheck^®. If you choose to pay the fee with your credit card, you may earn rewards.

Learn More

Fill out a TSA PreCheck^® application online

To get started, fill out your application by visiting the official TSA website or another au-thorized enrollment provider: CLEAR^®, IDEMIA^®, or Telos^®. You may want to choose an enrollment provider with a convenient location near you for your in-person appoint-ment. You may also compare the cost and potential benefits of each enrollment provider to choose the right fit for you.

Filling out your application shouldn’t take very long—it’s typically a few minutes or so.

Schedule an in-person interview

Your next step is to schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment location. You may search for an enrollment location near you by entering your zip code on the TSA PreCheck^® website.

It’s recommended to schedule an appointment ahead of time since walk-in accommodations may be limited. You may need to bring documentation (including proof of U.S. citizenship or residency), confirm your personal information, be fingerprinted, and have your photo taken.

Pay the TSA PreCheck^® enrollment fee and complete your enrollment

If you’re approved during your in-person appointment, you may also pay the enrollment fee. If you choose to use a credit card, there may be some additional benefits, depending on your card.

The cost of TSA PreCheck^® may depend on the provider but is typically less than $85 for a five-year membership.

After you pay, you may be assigned a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you may add to your future airline reservations. At this point, your enrollment is complete.

Benefits of using your credit card to get TSA PreCheck^®

You may use a credit card to pay the fee and officially be enrolled in TSA PreCheck^®, which has some benefits. For instance, some credit cards or loyalty programs may cover your enrollment fee or offer other rewards.

Earn rewards when you pay the TSA PreCheck^® enrollment fee

You may pay the enrollment fee using your credit card and earn rewards, like miles or cash back, on the money you spend. Alternatively, you may use your credit card rewards or miles to pay the application fee.

Did you know?

On the road a lot? Consider looking for a credit card that gives you travel rewards, in-cluding airfare, hotels, and gas for your rental car. With a Discover^® Card, easily redeem Miles as a statement credit for travel purchases or get cash.¹

Learn More

Some credit cards may reimburse you for the enrollment fee

Some credit card issuers may reimburse the cost of your application if you use your card to pay for TSA PreCheck^®. It may take a few billing cycles to be reimbursed. Alternatively, the money may appear as a statement credit. Check your card benefits online, on your smartphone app, or contact the cardmember helpline for details.

The bottom line

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time traveling through airports, becoming a TSA PreCheck^® member may be a helpful way for you to save time by using expedited screening at security checkpoints. The application and in-person interview processes are relatively straightforward, and paying with your credit card may result in rewards or even a reimbursement of the enrollment fee.

Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck^® and cut down on the amount of time you spend sprinting to your gate every trip.

Important Information >