Best Credit Cards for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR: Streamline Your Travel in 2024
In today's fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity, especially when it comes to travel. Long security lines at airports can be a significant source of stress and frustration for travelers. Fortunately, expedited security programs like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR offer a solution to this problem, allowing passengers to breeze through airport checkpoints with ease. Even better, several premium credit cards now offer reimbursements for these trusted traveler programs, making it possible to enjoy a smoother travel experience without incurring additional costs.
This comprehensive guide will explore the best credit cards that offer benefits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR in 2024. We'll delve into the features of each card, compare their pros and cons, and help you determine which option might be the best fit for your travel needs and financial goals.
Understanding Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR
Before we dive into the credit card options, let's briefly review what each of these expedited security programs offers:
Global Entry
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members can use automated kiosks at select airports, bypassing the regular passport control queues. The program costs $100 for a five-year membership and includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program that offers expedited security screening at participating U.S. airports. Members can use dedicated security lanes and enjoy benefits such as leaving shoes, light jackets, and belts on, and keeping laptops and liquids in their bags. The program costs $78 for a five-year membership when applying directly.
CLEAR
CLEAR is a private company that uses biometric technology to verify travelers' identities, allowing them to skip the document check portion of the security process. After verification, CLEAR members are escorted to the front of the security line (either standard or TSA PreCheck). CLEAR is available at select U.S. airports and costs $189 per year.
Now that we've covered the basics of these programs, let's explore the credit cards that offer reimbursements for their application fees or annual memberships.
Best Overall: The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out as the best overall option for travelers seeking comprehensive coverage for expedited security programs. This premium travel card offers credits for all three major programs: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR.
Key Features:
- Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every 4 years
- Up to $189 annual statement credit for CLEAR Plus membership
- Extensive airport lounge access, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass Select membership
- Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
- 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
- 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel
- $200 annual airline fee credit
- $200 annual Uber Cash credit
- $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit
- $155 annual Walmart+ credit
- $240 annual digital entertainment credit
While the $695 annual fee is undoubtedly steep, frequent travelers who maximize the card's benefits can easily recoup this cost and more. The Platinum Card is ideal for those who prioritize luxury travel experiences and want the most comprehensive airport security benefits available on a single card.
Pros:
- Covers all three major expedited security programs
- Extensive airport lounge access
- Generous travel credits and perks
- Strong earning rate on travel purchases
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited bonus categories for everyday spending
Best for Flexible Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® continues to be a favorite among travel enthusiasts, offering a well-rounded package of benefits and flexible redemption options through the Ultimate Rewards program.
Key Features:
- Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS every 4 years (increasing to $120 on October 1, 2024)
- $300 annual travel credit automatically applied to travel purchases
- 3X points on travel (after using the $300 travel credit) and dining worldwide
- 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 5X points on flights booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Priority Pass™ Select membership for airport lounge access
- Lyft Pink All Access membership for one year
- DoorDash DashPass subscription
With an annual fee of $550, the Sapphire Reserve offers substantial value for frequent travelers who can take advantage of its numerous benefits. The card's strength lies in its flexible Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners or redeemed at 1.5 cents per point through Chase Travel.
Pros:
- Flexible and valuable rewards program
- Strong earning rates on travel and dining
- Comprehensive travel protections
- Lower annual fee compared to the Amex Platinum
Cons:
- No CLEAR credit
- Fewer luxury travel perks compared to ultra-premium cards
Best for Lower Annual Fee: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
For travelers seeking a more affordable option with solid benefits, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers an excellent balance of perks and simplicity.
Key Features:
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every 4 years
- Earn 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere
- 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Capital One Travel portal for bookings and exclusive deals
- Ability to transfer miles to travel partners
With an annual fee of $95, the Venture card is significantly more accessible than ultra-premium options while still providing valuable travel benefits. Its simple, flat-rate earning structure makes it easy for cardholders to accumulate miles on all purchases without worrying about bonus categories.
Pros:
- Lower annual fee
- Simple, flat-rate rewards structure
- Flexible redemption options
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Cons:
- No CLEAR credit
- Fewer premium travel perks compared to higher-end cards
- Lower earning rate on travel compared to some competitors
Best for Delta Air Lines Loyalists: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
For frequent Delta flyers, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers valuable perks tailored to the airline's ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every 4 years
- Complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta
- Annual Companion Certificate for domestic first class, Delta Comfort+, or main cabin round-trip travel
- First checked bag free on Delta flights
- Priority boarding on Delta flights
- 3X miles on Delta purchases
- 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $30,000 in a calendar year, up to four times per year
With an annual fee of $550, this card is best suited for Delta loyalists who frequently fly with the airline and can take full advantage of its Delta-specific benefits.
Pros:
- Extensive Delta-specific perks
- Complimentary lounge access when flying Delta
- Ability to earn Medallion Qualification Miles for elite status
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Benefits primarily centered around Delta Air Lines
- No CLEAR credit (though Delta offers discounted CLEAR membership for SkyMiles members)
Best for Business Travelers: Capital One Venture X Business
Small business owners and employees who travel frequently will find the Capital One Venture X Business card particularly appealing, offering a mix of premium travel benefits and business-oriented features.
Key Features:
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every 4 years
- $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel
- 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
- 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- 2X miles on all other purchases
- Complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and Partner Lounge Network
- Cell phone protection
- Employee cards at no additional cost
With a $395 annual fee, this card offers premium travel benefits tailored to business needs. The combination of travel credits, lounge access, and strong miles earning potential makes it an excellent choice for companies looking to maximize their travel expenses.
Pros:
- Comprehensive travel benefits for businesses
- Strong earning rates on travel purchases
- Annual travel credit and anniversary bonus miles
- Employee cards at no additional cost
Cons:
- No CLEAR credit
- Highest earn rates limited to bookings through Capital One Travel
Comparing the Options: Which Card is Right for You?
Choosing the best credit card for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR ultimately depends on your travel habits, spending patterns, and overall financial strategy. Here are some scenarios to help guide your decision:
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If you're a luxury traveler who wants it all: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers the most comprehensive set of travel benefits, including credits for all three expedited security programs.
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For frequent travelers seeking flexible rewards: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides a great balance of travel perks and a versatile rewards program with the Ultimate Rewards points.
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If you're looking for a lower annual fee option: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers solid travel benefits and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit at a more accessible price point.
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For Delta Air Lines loyalists: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card provides extensive Delta-specific perks that can significantly enhance your travel experience with the airline.
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Business owners and employees who travel often: The Capital One Venture X Business card offers a strong mix of travel benefits and business-oriented features.
When making your decision, consider the following factors:
- How often do you travel, and would you use the card's travel benefits enough to offset the annual fee?
- Do you prefer a simple, flat-rate rewards structure or are you willing to track bonus categories for higher earning potential?
- Are you loyal to a specific airline or do you value flexibility in your travel rewards?
- Do you need employee cards for your business?
- How important are additional travel perks like lounge access and travel credits to you?
Maximizing Your Card's Benefits
Once you've chosen a card, it's essential to make the most of its benefits:
- Apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck as soon as you receive your card to start enjoying expedited security.
- If your card offers CLEAR credit, enroll in the program to further streamline your airport experience.
- Take advantage of any travel credits, lounge access, or other perks offered by your card.
- Use your card for all eligible travel and dining purchases to maximize point earnings.
- Explore transfer partners and redemption options to get the best value for your points or miles.
Conclusion: Investing in Smoother Travel
In 2024, credit cards that offer benefits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR present an excellent opportunity to enhance your travel experience while earning valuable rewards. By choosing the right card for your needs, you can save time at the airport, enjoy additional travel perks, and potentially save money on travel expenses.
Remember that while these cards offer valuable benefits, they often come with annual fees. Carefully consider your travel frequency and spending habits to ensure that the card you choose aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals. With the right credit card in your wallet, you can look forward to smoother, more enjoyable travel experiences in the years to come.
FAQs about Best Credit Cards for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR
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Q: Can I use my credit card's Global Entry credit for TSA PreCheck instead?
A: Yes, most cards that offer a Global Entry credit will also allow you to use it for TSA PreCheck. However, since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, it's generally more valuable to apply for Global Entry if you're eligible. -
Q: How often can I use my card's credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
A: Typically, these credits are available once every 4 or 5 years, aligning with the membership renewal period for these programs. -
Q: Do I need both Global Entry and CLEAR?
A: While there's some overlap in benefits, the two programs serve different purposes. Global Entry expedites the customs process when entering the U.S., while CLEAR speeds up the identity verification process at security checkpoints. Having both can provide the most comprehensive expedited travel experience. -
Q: Can authorized users on my credit card account also receive Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits?
A: This varies by card. Some cards, like the Platinum Card® from American Express, extend the credit to authorized users, while others may not. -
Q: If I already have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, can I use my card's credit for someone else's application?
A: Yes, you can typically use the credit to pay for anyone's application fee. The credit is applied when the fee is charged to your card, regardless of whose name is on the application.