How To Navigate Airport Security Like a Pro

Many people apply for a new credit card because of the hefty signup or welcome bonus. But there are so many more perks that come with certain cards that most people overlook. One of the newest features you’ll see featured on Travel Rewards cards such as the Capital One Venture Card or the United Explorer Card is free TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry. Let’s learn about this perk and what makes it so valuable.

The first thing we need to answer is: What’s the difference between TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry?

TSA Pre-Check is used when you are starting your trip. It allows you to access a shorter security line, but it not only speeds up the process, it makes security easier for you. When you are assigned TSA Pre-Check, you don’t have to take off your lightweight jacket or shoes when going through the security line. It also allows you to leave some electronics in your bags that non pre-checked passengers have to remove and slide through the x-ray. TSA Pre-Check is in use at over 300 airports and costs $85 and lasts for 5 years. Here’s where you can apply for TSA Pre-Check (but keep reading first.)

Global Entry is used when you are flying into the United States from another country. It allows you to speed through the customs portion of the airport faster as they have already identified you as being safe to enter the country. The one part about Global Entry that most people don’t realize is that Global Entry includes TSA Pre-Check. That’s right. By signing up for Global Entry, you also become TSA Pre-Checked. Global Entry costs $100 and lasts for 5 years. Here’s where you can apply for Global Entry.

Cards like the Capital One Venture Card, IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card, or the United Explorer Card will give you up to a $100 statement credit if you use their card to pay for either TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry. Since both options last for 5 years and these credit cards will pay up to $100, the only logical decision is to choose Global Entry since it includes TSA Pre-Check. (Note: This was written March 28th, 2019, and therefore some of the card offers may not still be accurate. Clicking on the links will bring you to the most accurate data.)

One last golden nugget I like to share with people is that the credit card companies don’t care who gets the Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check. They just see the transaction hit your statement and apply a credit as long as it has been 4 years since the last time they did so. This is valuable as the credit card could be in your name, but you could use the credit card to pay for someone else’s (maybe your spouse) Global Entry and it would be covered. Make sense? I love the feature.