Which American Express Cards Include TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

American Express offers TSA PreCheck and Global Entry memberships as benefits on select premium credit cards—but not all Amex cards include these perks, and the details vary. Understanding which cards offer what, and how the benefit works, helps you decide whether the card's annual fee justifies the value.

How These Travel Benefits Work

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that lets eligible travelers go through expedited security screening at domestic airports. Global Entry covers TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs processing when returning to the U.S. Both require a separate government application and background check—the Amex card benefit typically covers the application fee, but you must still apply and be approved.

When Amex includes these memberships on a card, they usually reimburse the application or renewal fee (which the government sets) automatically when you charge it to the card. The card doesn't enroll you; you handle the application yourself, and Amex covers the cost.

Which Cards Offer These Benefits? 🎫

Not all American Express cards include TSA PreCheck or Global Entry reimbursement. Generally:

• Premium travel-focused cards are more likely to offer these benefits
• Everyday consumer cards typically do not
• Business versions of premium cards may include different benefits

Because Amex periodically updates card features and benefits, current specific cards and benefit details change. You'll need to check Amex's official website or your card's benefits guide for the most up-to-date information on which cards include TSA PreCheck or Global Entry coverage.

What Actually Gets Covered

When a card includes this benefit, Amex typically reimburses either:

• The TSA PreCheck application fee (a one-time cost, valid for a set number of years)
• The Global Entry application fee (which includes TSA PreCheck; also valid for a set term)
• Renewal fees when membership expires

The reimbursement usually happens as a credit back to your card when the charge posts—not a separate cash payment. Some cards also extend the benefit to authorized users on the account, though policies differ.

Key Variables That Affect Your Situation

Card annual fee: Premium cards that include travel benefits typically charge an annual fee. You'll need to weigh whether the TSA/Global Entry reimbursement, combined with other benefits, justifies that cost for your travel patterns.

Frequency of travel: If you rarely fly domestically or internationally, the benefit may not offset the card's annual cost. Frequent travelers may find it valuable.

Existing membership: If you already hold TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you may not need the reimbursement—though the card benefit might cover a future renewal.

Authorized users: If you add authorized users to the card, check whether they also receive TSA PreCheck or Global Entry coverage, as this varies by card.

What to Evaluate Before Applying

1. Confirm which cards currently offer these benefits directly through American Express
2. Compare the annual fee against the total value of all benefits you'd actually use
3. Check the reimbursement terms—how the credit is applied and whether there are conditions
4. Review what else the card offers (rewards categories, travel insurance, lounge access, etc.) to see if the full package fits your spending and travel needs
5. Verify your eligibility for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry through the government before assuming the card benefit will help you

The right card depends entirely on your travel frequency, spending habits, and which other benefits matter most to you.