Is TSA PreCheck® Worth It for Amex® Card Members?
5 Min Read | Published: February 5, 2026
Is TSA PreCheck® worth it? Discover the value of faster airport screenings and how Amex® TSA PreCheck credits reimburse the upfront fee.
At-A-Glance
- TSA PreCheck® speeds up domestic airport screenings with a simple enrollment process and a 5-year membership.
- Eligible Amex® Cards cover up to $85 in TSA PreCheck fees every 4 years for primary and qualifying Additional Card Members through a statement credit.
- Enrolling in TSA PreCheck and charging the fee to an eligible Card can help you save valuable time at the airport without paying extra.
Long airport lines might have you juggling shoes, laptops, and liquids while rushing to catch a flight. TSA PreCheck® can help you bypass pesky security steps, like removing outerwear and taking your laptop out of your bag. Plus, several American Express® Cards cover up to $85 of the application fee through a statement credit, making it easier to enjoy faster, more comfortable security screenings.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
The TSA PreCheck program can help you save valuable time with faster screenings on over 90 airlines at more than 200 airports nationwide.1 Enrollment takes about 15 minutes. You’ll be fingerprinted, have your photo taken, and pay an $85 fee, which eligible Card Members can have reimbursed as a statement credit.2 Once enrolled, you’ll be able to go through U.S. airport security in a designated TSA PreCheck lane. You can keep your shoes, belts, and light outerwear on, and even leave your laptop and smaller liquids in your bag.
Other benefits of opting for TSA PreCheck typically include:
- Reduced stress
- 5-year, renewable membership3
- A more efficient travel experience
- Automatic ability for children 12 and under to join you in TSA PreCheck lanes4
Combining TSA PreCheck with your Card’s travel benefits, like elite lounge access and hotel credits, can make for an even more enjoyable journey.
Is TSA PreCheck Worth the Cost?
Whether you find TSA PreCheck worth the cost can depend on your travel style and frequency. Weighing the pros and cons of membership could help you decide if this expedited security screening program is right for you.
TSA PreCheck Pros:
- You can cut down on stressful airport time.
- You can navigate the security line more comfortably without having to remove footwear and outerwear or carry-on devices.
- You don’t have to remove 3-1-1 liquids from your bag.
- If you don’t travel internationally often and still want to reduce your airport security time, TSA PreCheck enrollment costs less than Global Entry.
TSA PreCheck Cons:
- TSA itself usually doesn’t provide refunds for the application, which is $85, or renewal fees, which can range from $58.75-$70.5
- While you can use TSA PreCheck to speed up both domestic and international departures, the program does not speed up U.S. Customs screenings upon returning to the country.
- You’ll have to renew your membership every 5 years in person.6
Amex Cards that Cover the TSA PreCheck Fee
Both first-time and renewing TSA PreCheck members can receive an application fee credit every 4 years with select Amex Cards.
- The Platinum Card®
In addition to full fee reimbursement for you, Platinum also provides full fee reimbursement for qualifying Additional Card Members when they use their own card, along with elite airport lounge access at 1,550+ locations for a luxury travel experience wherever you fly.7 - Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card
Frequent Delta flyers can get their application fee back, along with a $150 annual statement credit for qualifying bookings or prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com, and even check their first bag for free.8 - Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card
Building off Delta SkyMiles Platinum benefits, you’ll also receive 15 Delta Sky Club® visits per Medallion® Year and complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when flying Delta. - Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Card
You can get your fee reimbursed, breeze through security, and arrive even faster at a participating Marriott Bonvoy establishment, where you’ll have Elite Status and enjoy one free night a year at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy on eligible stays.9
Resort fees and terms apply
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Free PreCheck
TSA-PreCheck enrollment is simple, just like the Amex fee credit reimbursement process:
- Choose a conveniently located eligible enrollment provider through tsa.gov. This may be as close as your local office supply store.
- Complete the TSA PreCheck application online and submit it in 5 minutes or less.
- Whether you’re paying your first-time enrollment fee at a physical location or renewing online, use your qualifying Amex Card to charge the fee.
- Receive up to an $85 statement within several days to several weeks.
- Repeat the process every 4 years per account.
Frequently Asked Questions
American Express cannot directly grant you TSA PreCheck membership. If you’re an eligible Card Member, however, Amex will reimburse your application fee in the form of a statement credit every 4 years.
With select Delta-partnered Amex Cards, like the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve Cards, yes. You can receive a statement credit for your TSA PreCheck application or renewal fee.
Typically, you can expect to know if you’re approved for your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in as little as 3 days.10 However, some applications may take 5-60 days to process.11
You don’t typically need both, since qualifying for Global Entry gains you TSA PreCheck status at no additional cost. The main difference is that Global Entry provides accelerated U.S. Customs screenings, while TSA PreCheck reduces time spent on domestic security departure screenings.
The Takeaway
TSA PreCheck can help you bypass long lines, keep your shoes and jacket on, and head straight to your gate with less stress. And with eligible American Express Cards that reimburse the application fee, you could enjoy speedier screenings at no extra cost. Choose the Card that speaks to your travel style, whether that means relaxing in a lounge, checking into your favorite hotel, or flying with your preferred airline, and enjoy every trip in less time.
1,2 “TSA PreCheck®,” Transportation Security Administration
3,4,6,10,11 “TSA PreCheck® FAQ,” Transportation Security Administration
5 “TSA PreCheck® Renewals,” Transportation Security Administration
7 Read details about Platinum Card terms and conditions to learn more.
8 Read details about Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card terms and conditions to learn more.
9 Read details about Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card terms and conditions to learn more.
Liv Gillespie is a Philadelphia-based writer with a double M.A. in English Linguistics & Literature and Secondary Education. Her work focuses on personal finance.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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