Are you tired of those long, frustrating lines at airport security? Do you dream of breezing through, keeping your shoes on, and not having to unpack your laptop? Well, guess what – that dream can become a reality, and you might even be able to get it for free thanks to your American Express card!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of getting TSA PreCheck, with a special focus on how to leverage your American Express benefits to cover the application fee. Let's get started and make your next travel experience significantly smoother!
Step 1: Discover If Your American Express Card Offers the TSA PreCheck Credit
The first and most crucial step is to determine if your American Express card actually offers the TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry) application fee credit. Not all Amex cards come with this perk, but many premium travel cards do.
 |
| How To Get Free Tsa Precheck With American Express |
Sub-heading: Check Your Card's Benefits Guide
Online Account: The easiest way to verify is to log into your American Express online account. Navigate to your card's benefits section. You'll typically find a dedicated area outlining travel benefits, including potential credits for Trusted Traveler Programs.
Card Member Agreement: If you can't find it easily online, refer to your original Card Member Agreement or the benefits guide that came with your card. These documents list all the perks associated with your specific card.
Common Amex Cards with the Benefit: Some of the most popular American Express cards known to offer this benefit include:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
American Express® Green Card (Check specific terms, as benefits can vary)
Sub-heading: Understanding the Credit – TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry
Many American Express cards offer a statement credit for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. It's important to understand the difference:
TSA PreCheck: Primarily for domestic travel, allowing expedited security screening at U.S. airports. You generally don't need to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, or 3-1-1 liquids. The application fee is currently up to $85 for a five-year membership.
Global Entry: Includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus expedited U.S. customs screening when re-entering the United States from international travel. This is a fantastic option if you travel internationally even occasionally. The application fee is currently $100 for a five-year membership.
Pro-Tip: If your card offers a credit for both, and you travel internationally, it's almost always a better value to apply for Global Entry, as it includes TSA PreCheck benefits and is only slightly more expensive, usually within the credit limit. However, Global Entry typically has a longer application and interview process. For domestic-only travelers, TSA PreCheck is perfect.
Step 2: Begin Your TSA PreCheck Application
Once you've confirmed your American Express card offers the credit, it's time to start the application process.
Sub-heading: Choose Your Enrollment Provider
The TSA partners with several official enrollment providers for TSA PreCheck. The two most common are:
IDEMIA: Formerly MorphoTrust, this is a widely used provider with numerous enrollment centers.
Telos: Another authorized provider.
CLEAR: While CLEAR offers its own expedited security service, they also facilitate TSA PreCheck enrollment.
You can choose any of these providers. The application process is largely similar. For the purpose of this guide, we'll assume you're using one of the primary TSA PreCheck enrollment providers (IDEMIA or Telos).
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
Sub-heading: Complete the Online Application
Visit the Official Website: Go to the official TSA PreCheck website (
tsa.gov/precheck Select Your Provider: You'll be directed to choose an enrollment provider (IDEMIA or Telos). Click on your preferred provider's link.
Start New Application: Follow the prompts to begin a new application.
Fill Out Your Information: You'll need to provide personal details such as:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Current address
Contact information
Citizenship status
Criminal history (if any)
Be meticulous when filling this out. Any discrepancies could cause delays. The online portion typically takes only 5-10 minutes.
Step 3: Schedule Your In-Person Appointment
After completing the online application, the next crucial step is your in-person appointment.
Sub-heading: Select an Enrollment Center
Search for Locations: During the online application, or by visiting your chosen provider's website, you'll be able to search for enrollment centers near you. You can typically search by zip code, city, or airport code.
Consider Walk-Ins vs. Appointments: While some centers accept walk-ins, it's highly recommended to schedule an appointment online. This will significantly reduce your wait time.
Sub-heading: Prepare for Your Appointment
Required Documents: This is critical. You will need to bring specific documents to verify your identity and citizenship. The most common and preferred document is a valid U.S. passport. If you don't have a passport, you'll generally need:
A valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license)
Proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate or Certificate of Naturalization)
Always check the specific requirements on the TSA or your chosen provider's website before your appointment. Failing to bring the correct documents will result in you being turned away.
Arrival Time: Arrive a few minutes early for your scheduled appointment.
Sub-heading: Attend Your Appointment
The in-person appointment is usually quick and straightforward, lasting about 10-15 minutes.
Document Verification: An agent will review your identification and citizenship documents.
Fingerprinting: Your fingerprints will be digitally scanned.
Photo: A photo will be taken for your file.
Payment: This is where your American Express card comes in! You MUST pay the application fee with your eligible American Express card.
Step 4: Pay with Your American Express Card for the Credit
 |
This is the key step to getting TSA PreCheck for free.
Sub-heading: Use Your Eligible American Express Card
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.
When it's time to pay the application fee (currently up to $85, depending on the provider), make sure to use the American Express card that offers the TSA PreCheck statement credit benefit.
Crucial Note: The credit is applied as a statement credit to your Amex account after the charge posts. You will pay the fee upfront at the enrollment center. American Express will automatically detect the qualifying transaction and apply the credit.
Sub-heading: What to Expect for the Statement Credit
Timing: American Express typically states that the statement credit can take up to 8 weeks to post to your account. However, many users report seeing the credit appear much faster, often within a few business days or a week.
Monitoring Your Account: Keep an eye on your Amex statements or online account. If you don't see the credit after 8 weeks, contact American Express customer service.
Step 5: Receive Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and Enjoy Expedited Security!
After your appointment and successful background check, the final step is receiving your KTN.
Sub-heading: Await Approval
The average processing time for TSA PreCheck applications is typically 2-3 weeks, though it can vary. Some applicants receive their KTN in as little as 3-5 days, while others might wait up to 60 days.
Sub-heading: Receiving Your KTN
Email Notification: You will usually receive an email notification when your application status changes or when you are approved.
Online Lookup: You can also check the status of your application online using the provider's website where you applied.
Your KTN: Once approved, you will be issued a unique 9 or 10-digit Known Traveler Number (KTN). Keep this number safe!
Sub-heading: Using Your KTN
Add to Reservations: Whenever you book flights, always enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number," "TSA PreCheck," or "PASS ID" field. This is how the airlines know you're eligible for expedited screening.
Frequent Flyer Profiles: Add your KTN to your frequent flyer profiles with all airlines you typically fly. This way, it will automatically populate when you book tickets while logged into your account.
Boarding Pass: When your KTN is successfully added to your reservation, your boarding pass (printed or mobile) will display a TSA PreCheck indicator (often a "TSA PRE✓®" logo). This is your ticket to the expedited lane!
Step 6: Renewal Process (Every 5 Years)
TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years. Don't let it expire!
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
Sub-heading: Online Renewal
Most members can renew their TSA PreCheck online through the TSA website or their chosen enrollment provider. This process is generally simpler as it doesn't always require another in-person appointment unless there are significant changes to your information or a new background check is deemed necessary.
The renewal fee is often slightly lower for online renewals.
If your American Express card still offers the TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, you can use it again to cover the renewal fee! Remember to check the terms for how often the credit is available (e.g., every 4 years for Global Entry, every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck with some Amex cards).
Congratulations! You've now navigated the process of getting TSA PreCheck, potentially for free, with your American Express card. Enjoy the faster, smoother, and less stressful airport experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to further assist you:
How to check if my American Express card has the TSA PreCheck benefit?
You can check your American Express card's benefits by logging into your online account and navigating to the "Benefits" section, or by reviewing your card's benefits guide or terms and conditions.
How to apply for TSA PreCheck online?
You can apply for TSA PreCheck online by visiting the official TSA website ([tsa.gov/precheck]) and following the prompts to select an enrollment provider and complete the initial application form.
How to schedule a TSA PreCheck interview?
After completing the online application, you'll be prompted to schedule your in-person interview at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center through your chosen provider's website.
How to find TSA PreCheck enrollment centers near me?
You can find enrollment centers by using the locator tool on the official TSA website or the website of your chosen enrollment provider (e.g., IDEMIA, Telos), searching by zip code, city, or airport code.
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
How to ensure my American Express card covers the TSA PreCheck fee?
To ensure your Amex card covers the fee, you must pay the application fee with your eligible American Express card at the time of your in-person enrollment appointment. The credit will then be applied as a statement credit to your account.
How to get my Known Traveler Number (KTN) after approval?
Upon approval, you'll typically receive your KTN via email. You can also look up your KTN on the TSA website or your enrollment provider's website using your application details.
How to add my KTN to airline reservations?
When booking a flight, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "TSA PreCheck," or "PASS ID" during the passenger information entry. You can also add it to your frequent flyer profiles with various airlines.
How to renew my TSA PreCheck membership?
You can renew your TSA PreCheck membership online through the official TSA website or your enrollment provider's website within six months of its expiration date.
How to choose between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry with American Express?
If your American Express card offers a credit for both, consider Global Entry if you travel internationally, as it includes TSA PreCheck benefits and expedites customs clearance upon re-entry to the U.S. If you only travel domestically, TSA PreCheck is sufficient.
How to resolve issues if the American Express statement credit doesn't appear?
If the statement credit for your TSA PreCheck fee doesn't appear within 8 weeks of payment, contact American Express customer service by calling the number on the back of your card.
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
