How To Get Tsa Precheck Global Entry And Clear Services For Free

Airport security programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear offer significant time-saving benefits for travelers. These programs provide expedited screening processes, allowing members to bypass standard security lines and reduce wait times. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), approximately 99 percent of PreCheck passengers clear security in 10 minutes or less. While these programs typically require payment of application fees, there are numerous methods for qualifying for them at no cost or at a reduced rate. This article explores the various ways U.S. consumers can obtain these valuable travel benefits without paying full price.

Understanding TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear

TSA PreCheck is a program that allows members to use dedicated security lanes at more than 200 U.S. airports. PreCheck members can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and electronics and small liquids can remain in their bags during screening. The standard application fee is $85, which covers membership for five years once approved.

Global Entry expedites the customs process for returning international travelers and includes TSA PreCheck benefits as part of the package. The application fee is $100, also covering five years of membership.

Clear uses biometric identification (fingerprint or iris scans) to verify identity, allowing members to proceed to the front of security lines. Clear members are escorted to the front of either the TSA PreCheck screening line (if they also have PreCheck) or the normal TSA screening line. Clear operates on an annual subscription model rather than a five-year fee structure like PreCheck and Global Entry.

Credit Card Reimbursement Programs

One of the most common methods for obtaining TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for free is through credit card benefits that reimburse the application fees. Many travel-focused credit cards offer this perk as part of their benefits package.

Several credit cards currently provide reimbursement for Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck fees:

• Provident World+ Travel Visa Signature Card: $45 annual fee (waived the first year)
• HSBC Premier World Mastercard Credit Card: $95 annual fee (waived for qualified Premier clients, covers TSA PreCheck only)
• Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature Flagship Rewards: $49 annual fee (only available for members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families)
• U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold American Express® Card: $85 annual fee
• IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card: $89 annual fee
• SunTrust Travel Rewards Credit Card: $89 annual fee (waived first year)
• BB&T Spectrum Travel Rewards Credit Card: $89 annual fee (waived first year, limited to $85 statement credit)
• Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card: $95 annual fee

When using a credit card to pay for either Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck ($85) applications, the reimbursement typically appears as a statement credit. It is important to note that while these benefits cover the application fees, they usually cannot be used for both programs simultaneously. The reimbursement can typically only be used once every 4-5 years, depending on the specific card terms.

Financial experts advise against applying for a credit card solely for the purpose of obtaining the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursement, as many of these cards carry high annual fees. However, if the card offers additional benefits that align with a traveler's needs, such as airline fee credits, the annual fee may be justified.

The reimbursement process generally involves paying for the application with the qualifying card and waiting for the credit to appear in the account. Specific details about reimbursement timing and processing can be found in the terms and conditions for each card.

Loyalty Program Redemptions

Several hotel and airline loyalty programs offer options to obtain TSA PreCheck benefits through point redemptions or membership benefits. These programs provide alternative methods for travelers to access expedited security without paying cash out-of-pocket.

Hotel loyalty programs that allow members to redeem points for TSA PreCheck benefits include:

• IHG Rewards: 30,000 points for TSA PreCheck
• Marriott Bonvoy: 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for TSA PreCheck
• Radisson Rewards: 65,000 points for TSA PreCheck

Additionally, some hospitality programs offer TSA PreCheck as a direct membership benefit. Currently, programs providing this benefit include:

• IHG One Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy
• Orbitz Rewards Platinum
• United Mileage Plus

For airline loyalty program members, Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan offers specific benefits related to Clear services. Mileage Plan members who sign up for Clear receive 1,500 bonus miles, plus an additional 1,250 miles each year they renew their membership as an MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, or MVP Gold 100K tier member.

Travelers should consider the relative value of redeeming points for these security programs. While using points can be beneficial, especially for those with excess points that might otherwise expire, financial experts note that many credit cards offer direct fee reimbursements that might provide better value than redeeming valuable points or miles.

Military Benefits

Active-duty members of the U.S. Military, Reserves, and the National Guard qualify for free TSA PreCheck through a special program established through a partnership between the Department of Defense and the TSA. This benefit recognizes the frequent travel needs of military personnel and eliminates the usual application process and fees.

To access this benefit, military members simply need to enter their Department of Defense (DoD) ID number when making flight reservations. This process provides instant access to TSA PreCheck lanes without requiring a separate application, background check, or payment of fees. The benefit also extends to midshipmen and cadets of the Air Force Academy, West Point, Naval Academy, and Coast Guard Academy.

This military-specific program was developed to streamline security clearance for those who serve, acknowledging their unique travel requirements and frequent movement between bases and locations. The automatic inclusion of their DoD ID in flight reservations ensures that military travelers can access expedited security lanes without additional paperwork or processing time.

Bundled Programs

Travelers who frequently fly internationally may find that signing up for Global Entry provides additional value beyond just expedited customs processing. Global membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck benefits, meaning travelers receive both domestic and international expedited services through a single application.

Global Entry costs $120 for a five-year membership, but this fee is often covered by credit card reimbursements. For those who travel internationally at least once or twice per year, the combination of expedited customs processing and domestic security screening can provide significant time savings.

Beyond Global Entry, other trusted traveler programs also include TSA PreCheck benefits:

• NEXUS: A program jointly administered by Canada and the U.S. that facilitates travel between the two countries. The NEXUS fee is $50 for a five-year membership and includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
• SENTRI: A program for low-risk travelers frequently entering the U.S. from Mexico. The SENTRI fee is $100 for a five-year membership and includes TSA PreCheck benefits.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, more than 13 million Americans currently use these trusted traveler programs, with sign-ups increasing by 26% since 2022. The bundled nature of these programs provides travelers with enhanced benefits across different types of travel scenarios, making them particularly valuable for those who fly both domestically and internationally.

Clear Benefits

While TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are administered by the U.S. government, Clear operates as a private service that provides expedited security screening through biometric verification. Clear offers several options for obtaining its services at no cost or at a reduced rate.

Clear provides a free trial period for new users. According to promotional information, prospective members can try Clear for two months at no cost. This trial period allows travelers to experience the benefits of Clear before committing to a full membership subscription.

Clear also offers family-friendly benefits: - Travelers younger than 18 can pass through Clear with an adult member for free - Clear offers family plans that include up to three additional adults on a primary membership for $125 per additional person, per year

For students, Clear previously offered college student discounts, but this benefit is no longer available. However, younger travelers can still access Clear for free when accompanied by an adult member.

Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan members receive additional benefits when signing up for Clear. New members get 1,500 bonus miles, and those who renew their membership at MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, or MVP Gold 100K status receive an additional 1,250 miles each year.

Clear members should still bring their photo ID when traveling, as the TSA reserves the right to conduct random ID checks on all passengers. However, the biometric verification process typically eliminates the need to present physical identification during normal security screening.

Luxury Travel Community Benefits

For members of exclusive travel communities, certain luxury services may include TSA PreCheck as a complimentary benefit. ASmallWorld, described as a cross between a social networking site and a private members' club, offers PreCheck for free to some of its members.

ASmallWorld provides its members with access to various travel benefits, including perks at hotel partners like Four Seasons and upgrades with cruise and airline partners such as Silversea and Etihad. For these members, complimentary PreCheck membership serves as an additional benefit within a broader package of luxury travel services.

While this option is limited to members of specific exclusive communities, it represents another avenue through which travelers may access expedited security screening without paying standard application fees.

Conclusion

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear offer valuable time-saving benefits for travelers, allowing expedited processing through airport security and customs. While these programs typically require payment of application fees or annual subscriptions, there are numerous methods for obtaining them at no cost or at a reduced rate.

The most common approach involves using credit cards that reimburse application fees, with numerous travel-focused cards offering this benefit. For those who prefer not to open new credit accounts, loyalty program redemptions provide alternative options, with hotel and airline programs allowing members to use points or offering PreCheck as a membership benefit.

Military members qualify for free TSA PreCheck through a special program that leverages their DoD identification number. International travelers may find Global Entry particularly valuable, as it includes both expedited customs processing and TSA PreCheck benefits through a single application.

Clear offers its own set of benefits, including a free trial period and family-friendly pricing options. For members of exclusive travel communities like ASmallWorld, PreCheck may be provided as part of a broader package of luxury travel benefits.

By understanding these various options, travelers can select the method that best aligns with their needs and circumstances, allowing them to enjoy the convenience of expedited security screening without paying full price.

Sources

1. How to Get TSA Precheck or Global Entry for Free
2. How to Get TSA PreCheck for Free
3. How to Get TSA PreCheck, Global Entry & Clear for Free
4. 10 Ways You Could Qualify for Free TSA PreCheck