How to Get TSA PreCheck for Free - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

How to Get TSA PreCheck for Free - NerdWallet? ›

The best way to get TSA PreCheck for free is by carrying an eligible credit card. Dozens of credit cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee if you use that card to pay upfront. Here's a quick overview of some of these cards.

According to the TSA: “Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days.” One way to speed up the process is to sign up using the TSA's new partnership with Staples stores.

Travel smarter with TSA PreCheck. A TSA PreCheck™ agent will conduct enrollments at select AAA branches. Enrolling in TSA PreCheck™ creates a smarter travel experience with fewer hassles and less stress. Enrollment is $78 dollars and good for 5 years.

Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling. Immigration violations.

It takes five minutes to submit an online application and schedule an in-person appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting at an enrollment center. Please note, legitimate online registration for TSA PreCheck® can begin at tsa.gov/precheck or be accomplished at tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov.

How long does it take to get approved? Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Considering this, applicants are encouraged to renew at least 60 days prior to expiry. TSA will notify members with eligibility results.

The best way to get TSA PreCheck for free is by carrying an eligible credit card. Dozens of credit cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee if you use that card to pay upfront.

If you travel often, TSA PreCheck is definitely worth it, especially if you're able to get it for free via a credit card (and even if not, the fee only comes to about $14 to $16 per year), as it will save you time and stress once you get to the airport.

The Transportation Security Administration is reducing the cost to apply to its TSA PreCheck program, making the popular service easier to access. The enrollment and in-person renewal fee will now cost $78, lower than its original cost of $85, according to the TSA. The cost to renew online will remain the same at $70.

Who gets turned down for TSA PreCheck? ›

If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing ...

Conviction* within the last 10 years of any one or more of the crimes listed below will disqualify you for employment with TSA. 1.

About 1% of all applications received by Global Entry and TSA PreCheck applications are denied.

You can apply for Clear online or at an airport Clear kiosk by showing valid government-issued identification. Unlike TSA PreCheck, there is no background check needed to apply for Clear, although you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident 18 or older.

Online TSA PreCheck® renewals require a nonrefundable renewal fee of $70. In person TSA PreCheck® renewals completed at an enrollment center require a nonrefundable renewal fee of $78.

No, TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.

Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Considering this, applicants are encouraged to renew at least 60 days prior to expiry.

Visit tsa.gov/precheck to learn more about the TSA PreCheck® Application Program. You can pre- enroll and make an appointment online or walk-in at an enrollment center.

TSA PreCheck allows walk-ins for interviews, but applicants with appointments are prioritized. Appointments are scheduled to last about 10 minutes (but if the enrollment center is busy, it may take a bit longer).

TSA Pre-Check is not for free for seniors.

If you are 75 or older, you should be able to keep your light jacket and shoes on when going through security so you do have a form of Pre-Check in many cases.

Do seniors get TSA PreCheck? ›

Bonus: If you're 75 or older, TSA usually allows you to go through the security pre-check line, which means you don't have to remove your shoes or separate laptops or liquids from your carry-on.

Free 2-month trial

If you're not satisfied with CLEAR after your two-month trial, you can cancel any time before your account is set to renew for no additional cost.

You may also be asked about your employment status, how often you travel, why you want to join PreCheck and other fairly innocuous questions. Expect to be fingerprinted and have your photo taken. You'll also have to pay the PreCheck enrollment fee of $85, which entitles you to five years of membership.

In March 2021, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a scam alert describing misleading websites that claimed to offer victims TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS application services but instead charged the consumer $140.

TSA PreCheck is offered through the government while Clear is offered through a private company. Clear expedites the document/identity screening process and TSA PreCheck expedites the physical screening process. Clear membership costs $189 per year and TSA PreCheck membership costs $85 for five years.

TSA Pre✓® membership may be renewed up to six months before the expiration date of your KTN, and you will retain your current KTN as long as you renew up to one year after expiration. For most members, renewal is easy and may be completed online.

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows air travelers deemed low-risk to enjoy an expedited security screening process at U.S. airports. TSA PreCheck passengers have shorter lines at airport security; have to remove less clothing; are subject to less-rigorous scans, and other conveniences.

If you want to go through TSA PreCheck with your spouse …

To go through the faster, easier TSA PreCheck lane together, you and your spouse must both have a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass. This usually means you need two separate memberships.

You're Deemed Suspicious Prior to Check-In

This could happen for a varietyof reasons. The TSA, as well as airports around the world, identify certain behaviors as suspicious. There is an extensive list of about 92 of these behaviors in the U.S., but the most common ones are: Paying for any of your tickets in cash.

Does TSA check your credit? ›

However, to safeguard the ranks of this vital agency, a rigorous and thorough background check was set into place as part of the TSA hiring process. From checking credit rating to unpaid debts, and criminal convictions, there are a number of factors that can you lead to automatic disqualification.

You may leave on your shoes and light jacket during screening. If you alarm during security screening, you may be required to remove your shoes for further screening or undergo a pat-down. You can request to be seated during this portion of the screening.

If your background check reveals a disqualifying criminal offenses or any other concerns, the TSA will issue you a letter known as a “Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility.” Upon receipt of such a letter, we advise you to immediately have an attorney review the letter on your behalf.

TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.

You can't upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry

You must complete the Global Entry application documents and then make an interview appointment. Not all Global Entry applications are approved for various reasons, including past infractions or criminal records.

If you already have TSA PreCheck and want to switch to Global Entry, you'll need to complete the entire Global Entry application process and pay the $100 application fee. This is why it's a good idea to think about the benefits of having both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck before applying for either of the programs.

Your Global Entry membership will last for five years. Also, note that the Global Entry application process can be more time-consuming than the TSA PreCheck application process. The Department of Homeland Security states that it can take up to four to six months to process an application.

More than 99 percent of travelers who apply are admitted into the expedited airport screening program, according to TSA spokesperson Jenny Burke. Last year, 1.8 million travelers applied for PreCheck – a 12 percent jump up from 1.6 million in 2017.

The short answer is that Clear allows members to verify their identity using biometric scanning ahead of airport security, whereas Global Entry expedites re-entry into the U.S. after international travel. Clear allows you to hurry through security lines faster at 50-plus airports around the United States.

When will I receive my Global Entry card? New enrollees will receive their Global Entry card 7-10 business days after approval for Global Entry.

How long does a TSA PreCheck appointment take? ›

10-min in-person appointment that includes fingerprinting for a background check.

TSA PreCheck allows walk-ins for interviews, but applicants with appointments are prioritized. Appointments are scheduled to last about 10 minutes (but if the enrollment center is busy, it may take a bit longer).

While you are granted a second chance to pass, a second failure will result in automatic disqualification from the test. After a second failure, you will not be allowed to take the Airport Assessment for six whole months.

Dress is business attire - coat and tie, etc. You will sign another NDA agreeing not to disclose what questions are asked. During the Airport Assessment, you will also take a Color Vision Test and have your fingerprints taken. Assuming you pass the Airport Assessment, you will have a medical and drug screening.

This process typically takes less than 30 days, but can take up to 90 days. TSA PreCheck® enrollees found to have committed a disqualifying offense may have their TSA PreCheck® enrollment temporarily suspended or permanently disqualified, depending on the severity of the offense.

Bonus: If you're 75 or older, TSA usually allows you to go through the security pre-check line, which means you don't have to remove your shoes or separate laptops or liquids from your carry-on.