You could be forgiven for thinking that every single credit card on the market offers a statement credit to reimburse you for getting Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. While the more jaded among us might brush aside news when a credit card adds this benefit, we’re happy to see anything that helps more people breeze through security. Travel can be stressful enough if you don’t like standing lines so more opportunities to avoid those lines is a good thing in our book.
Cards That Offer A Statement Credit
Just in case you thought we were kidding, check out this of cards that will provide a $100 statement credit to cover the Global Entry application or an $85 credit to cover the TSA PreCheck application. At this point, there’s really no excuse to not get Global Entry. You’ll notice there are even a couple business cards that provide the perk including the Capital One Spark Miles.
| Card | Annual Fee |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $450 |
| Chase United Explorer Card | $95 (waived the first year) |
| IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card | $89 |
| Capital One Venture (Learn More) | $95 (waived the first year) |
| Capital One Spark Miles (Learn More) | $95 (waived the first year) |
| The Platinum Card from American Express (Learn More) | $550 |
| The Business Platinum Card from American Express (Learn More) | $595 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card (Learn More) | $450 |
| Citi Prestige Card (Learn More) | $495 |
| Citi /AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard (Learn More) | $450 |
| Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card (Learn More) | $95 |
| CNB Crystal Visa Infinite (Learn More) | $400 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card (Learn More) | $400 |
| U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold American Express Card (Learn More) | $85 |
| SKYPASS Select Visa Signature Card (Learn More) | $450 |
| UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card (Learn More) | $495 |
| PenFed PathFinder Rewards Amex Card (Learn More) | $0 |
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a trusted traveler program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Those who are approved after submitting an application and completing a quick interview are then allowed to use expedited security lanes upon entering the U.S. If you’ve ever stood in a massive immigration line coming into the U.S., you might have wondered about the little kiosks you saw people using instead. That’s Global Entry. Rather than filling out a card, you simply scan your passport, use the touch screen to quickly answer a few questions and bring your receipt to a CBP official. It’s that simple.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is another trusted traveler program but it’s managed by the Transporation Security Administration (TSA). Rather than expedite the process of coming into the U.S., TSA PreCheck helps you get through security faster when departing from a participating U.S. airport on a participating airline. Rather than taking out removing liquids from your bag, separating your laptop from all your stuff and removing your shoes (and belt), members can skip that annoying process. Instead, members can simply put their bag through screening and leave their shoes on while walking through the metal detector. Doesn’t hurt that the lines are often shorter.
Should You Get Global Entry Or TSA PreCheck?
Honestly, unless you will absolutely never travel outside of the U.S., get Global Entry. It’s $100 instead of $85 but it’s so easy to get covered with any of the cards we mentioned in the list above. Even more important, Global Entry also gives you access to TSA PreCheck. If it’s not obvious, expedited screening when boarding flights in the U.S. and when entering the U.S. is better than just having a better airport security experience when boarding flights in the U.S. Yes, the wait time for Global Entry interviews can make the process a bit slower but it’s absolutely worth it. The smart move is to apply ASAP and just get things moving so you can enjoy the perks sooner rather than later.
Which Card Should You Get To Cover The Global Entry Fee?
If you’re newer to earning credit card points or just haven’t opened many cards in the last couple of years, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has to be the go-to option while you’re still under 5/24. Not only do you get reimbursed for the Global Entry application but you’ll earn 3X Ultimate Rewards points on travel and dining purchases — 1X on everything else, you’ll receive a $300 travel credit every cardmember year and you’ll get a Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access. Not to mention, we think it’s the best card if you like booking flight deals.
If you’re over 5/24, the Amex Platinum (Learn More) also comes with Priority Pass Select but also provides access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta, Centurion Lounges and more. It even provides a couple of clever ways to save on luxury travel. Additionally, it comes with a $250 airline fee credit that can be used to offset baggage and other ancillary fees. You can even earn 5X Membership Rewards points when booking flights directly with airlines.
If you’re a business owner, the Amex Business Platinum (Learn More) comes with similar benefits as the personal version. However, if you prefer a lower annual fee the Capital One Spark Miles (Learn More) is a simple choice to get Global Entry.
Final Thoughts
While a Global Entry statement credit isn’t a make or break feature of these cards, Global Entry can be the difference between a 30-second wait at a security checkpoint and an hour. Even if you already have Global Entry, if you travel with a significant other or travel buddy, you can pay for their application fee so they can gain access for free and you won’t have to stand around waiting for them. Of course, maybe it’s fun for you to laugh at your friends suffering through security after you’ve breezed through without a care in the world.
Featured image courtesy of Customs and Border Protection
