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Complete Guide to TSA PreCheck & Global Entry (and how to get them FREE!)
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are two of the five Trusted Traveler Programs overseen by the Department of Homeland Security. What does that mean? You don’t wait in line as long and you don’t have to take off your shoes.
There are more than 35 credit cards that cover the cost TSA PreCheck or Global Entry as a card benefit: keep reading to find out my favorites. Some even waive the annual fee the first year! (By the way: You don’t have to keep it beyond that year).
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travelers to expedite the security screening process at airports. First, you get to go through a special line. It also lets you go through security without having to remove shoes, belts, and jackets or take out liquids and electronics from carry-on bags.
Is TSA PreCheck Even Worth It?
Yes. At least, I think so. Having TSA PreCheck is one of my top recommendations for families wanting to cut down on stress at the airport.
Going through security may seem like a small part of your day, but it is hard to relax until you’ve gotten through and can go to your gate. And you get it for 5 years.
TSA PreCheck is great because:
Lines are shorter
People in the TSA PreCheck line move more quickly through the line because they know what they are doing
You don’t have to take off your shoes
You don’t have to remove liquids from your bag
You don’t have to remove laptops or devices
Any kids 12 and under can go through the TSA PreCheck with an adult who has it — so you only need to get it for the adults in your family.
Kids 13-17 can usually access the TSA Precheck line if traveling with a parent that has TSA Precheck and they are on the same air reservation — it would print “TSA PRE” on their boarding pass if eligible.
How to get TSA PreCheck
Apply Online – You will need to fill out an online application. At the end of your application form you will be able to schedule an in person appointment at an enrollment center.
Enroll – At your appointment at the enrollment center, you will pay your $85 (if you have the right credit card, you will receive this back as a statement credit!), and you will have your fingerprints taken and a background check will be run. This appointment just takes a few minutes.
If you are approved, you will receive an email with your Known Traveler Number.
You will enter your Known Traveler Number in your airline accounts and/or when you are booking flights. Your boarding pass will indicate that you are TSA PreCheck. You can only use the TSA PreCheck lane if it is on your boarding pass! If you forget to add your Known Traveler Number and the airline does not have it on record, you will be turned away from the TSA PreCheck lane.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry gives you the benefits of TSA Precheck while also adding expedited entrance to the US when you’ve been abroad. You can use automated kiosks at select airports, bypassing the long customs and immigration lines.
Is Global Entry Worth It?
While TSA PreCheck helps you through the security line at U.S. airports, Global Entry helps you when you are entering the U.S. by air, land, or sea. As an added benefit, if you have Global Entry, you will also have access to the TSA PreCheck lines for yourself as well as kids under twelve.
If you travel outside the country regularly, Global Entry can save you a lot of time spent in the passport control line on your way into the U.S. You will be directed to a special Global Entry line and be received by a kiosk.
How to get Global Entry
Apply Online – The application process for Global Entry is more extensive than for TSA PreCheck. You will pay your $120 application fee when you apply. With the right credit card, you will be able to receive a statement credit for your application fee. As of October 1, 2024, kids under 18 will be exempt from this fee if a parent already has Global Entry or is applying for Global Entry at the same time.
Schedule an interview – In order to get approved for Global Entry, you will need to go to an in person interview. You may schedule your interview at an enrollment center or, in some cases, you may be able to complete this when you return to the U.S. at an Enrollment on Arrival location. Even kids need an interview.
Note that interviews can take months to schedule and U.S. Customs and Border Control sometimes recommends that people utilize Enrollment on Arrival or sign up for TSA PreCheck instead.
Should I get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
Enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry will give you access to the TSA PreCheck lines at the airport. So which one should you sign up for?
Cost
At $120, Global Entry costs slightly more than TSA PreCheck ($85), but most cards that offer this benefit will allow you to use it for either program.
Years valid
Both programs are valid for 5 years. You may renew your TSA PreCheck membership up to six months before the expiration date. You may renew your Global Entry membership one year prior to expiration. (Credit cards typically allow this benefit to be used once every four years.)
What’s included
TSA PreCheck will get you AND any kids 12 and under into the TSA PreCheck lane at the airport. These are dedicated security lanes that allow you to keep your shoes on and leave your liquids and laptops in your bags.
Global Entry will get you and any kids 12 and under into the TSA PreCheck lane. You (and only you) will also have expedited reentry into the U.S. through automatic kiosks at dozens of U.S. airports, as well as some international airports. The full list of participating airports is available through Customs and Border Protection. As of October 1, 2024 kids under 18 can get Global Entry for free if a parent already has Global Entry or is applying for Global Entry at the same time — but they do need to apply for Global Entry to access the benefits.
Eligibility
Both programs are open to applicants that are U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents. Global Entry is also available to citizens of more than a dozen other countries.
Passport requirements
A passport is not required for TSA PreCheck. A passport is required for Global Entry.
Application process
The application process for Global Entry is a lot more involved and can take several months to complete. Most Global Entry applications must be completed at an enrollment center.
However, Global Entry does have an Enrollment on Arrival option that allows conditionally approved applicants to complete their interviews upon arrival into the U.S. You can read more about Enrollment on Arrival here.
TSA PreCheck
Global Entry
Cost
$85
$120 – Kids are free if a parent has Global Entry or is applying for it at the same time.
Years Valid
5
5
Includes
Access to TSA PreCheck lane at the airport for you and all kids 12 and under. Kids 13-17 traveling on the same reservation as a parent with TSA Precheck should also have access to the TSA Precheck lane.
Access to TSA PreCheck lane at the airport for you and all kids 12 and under, expedited reentry into US after an international trip only for named individual (kids must have their own Global Entry)
Eligibility
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents
U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain other countries
Passport Required
No
Yes, or lawful permanent resident card
Application Process
Application process: 5 minute application online. 10 minute appointment to get fingerprinted and get a background check
Online application. Once conditionally approved, you will need to make an appointment at an enrollment center for finger printing and an interview. You can also complete the interview when returning to the US at a number of airports.
Important to note: There are fewer enrollment centers for Global Entry interviews so make sure there is one near you if you choose to apply for that program. Interviews are often scheduled farther out, even months in the future.
After approval, then what?
You will be issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Just having this number will not automatically get you access to the TSA Precheck line at the airport.
First, you will need to be flying on an airline that participates in the program. There are some international airlines who do not participate even though they depart from US airports. Check the list here.
If you are flying on an eligible airline:
Add your Known Traveler Number to your flight reservation
Make sure “TSA PRE” printed on your boarding pass
Enjoy the shorter lines!
You must link your KTN to yourflight reservation. You can add it to your frequent flier account, add it when you are making a reservation, or add it after you have made your reservation. If your TSA PreCheck status does not make it onto your boarding pass, you will NOT be able to use the TSA PreCheck lane.
Getting Global Entry For Kids
Applying for Global Entry for kids is almost the exact same process as applying for an adult. The only difference is, kids must have parent or guardian permission to apply so you’ll need to enter parent/guardian info on the application.
If parents and kids are applying for global entry at the same time, fill out the parent’s application first. Once your application is submitted, you’ll get an application ID #. As the parent or guardian, you’ll need that number when you apply for your kids to get their application fee waived.
If the parent already has Global Entry when you go to apply for your kids, you’ll enter your PASS ID on the application under parent info.
Applying for Global Entry for Minors
Each individual must have their own account to apply for Global Entry so you’ll need to create a separate account for each child with a unique e-mail address. You can’t apply for multiple children on one application, they each need their own.
Bonus Tip: Gmail has a trick where you can create multiple email addresses under one account. By adding a + followed by additional characters or numbers, you can create unique email addresses that all go to the same inbox. For example, if your email is parentname@gmail.com, you could do parentname+kid1@gmail.com and those emails will go to the same inbox. You can do this for multiple children and they’ll all go to the same inbox. Just add something after the + to help you know which child the email account is for.
Global Entry Fee for Minors
As of October 1, 2024, Global Entry is free for minors if a parent already has Global Entry or is applying for Global Entry at the same time.
When you first create an account for your minor children, you’ll see the fees listed, but those will be removed during the application process. If a parent already has Global Entry or has an application in process, you’ll need to include that parent’s information on the application. Then the fee will change to $0.
Once you submit the application, you’ll wait for conditional approval, just like when applying for an adult. When the application is conditionally approved, you’ll be ready to schedule an interview. Everyone must go through the interview process, even babies!
Some of our favorite cards are on this list – including the Chase Sapphire® Reserve, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card – and provide a statement credit for the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck once every four years.
Note that this statement credit can be used for anybody – it does not have to be used for the primary cardholder. So if you have multiple cards with this benefit, you can get Global Entry for yourself on one card and for someone else with your other card(s).
Note: On October 1, 2024 the cost for Global Entry increased to $120. Capital One, Chase, Citi, Barclay’s, and American Express all increased the reimbursement on their cards that offfer this benefit to cover the full $120.
Targeted 100k Offer: Some people receive a targeted offer for 100,000 miles after spending $5000 when going through preapproval at certain links (like the one below) Just be careful because many people see a 75k offer and other people are only pre-approved for a different card with low offer. (Community Referral below)
This card often has a very comparable welcome offer to the higher annual fee Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — but with a lower annual fee.
The miles you earn are worth a minimum of 1 cent per mile so 75,000 miles at minimum can be redeemed to offset $750 of any travel expense. You also have the option to transfer miles to airline partners or hotel partners just like you can with the Venture X.
This card also includes a credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry!
Don’t let the annual fee of $395 scare you. The $300 annual travel credit and a slew of other benefits make this card a keeper. Plus you’ll immediately up your travel game with airport lounge access and Hertz Presidents’ Club status. Read my complete guide here.
This is the second card in my Three Year Plan despite the annual fee because I really think it is the easiest premium card to get your value back. Between the $300 annual travel credit and the 10,000 miles every year on account anniversary (redeemable for a minimum of $100 in travel), that’s huge value right there.
When this card was released in November 2021, it had a 100,000 miles bonus offered (with a $10,000 spend requirement over 6 months). Since March 2022, it has had the same 75,000 mile bonus offer.
Starting October 6, 2023 – a new 90k offer was available exclusively through select referral links. This ended early in December 2023.
United just quietly upped their pricing for flights booked with points, so that was a disappointment to see (though it is part of points inflation). I like that the annual fee is waived in the first year and you still get a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit in the first year as well as those two guest passes to United Club!
This is a strong offer if you’re collecting Choice points. This can offer some great value — especially in Europe and around the US. Keep in mind, this does add to your 5/24 count.
This card is a great way to earn some IHG free nights! You will get a Trusted Traveler program benefit (use for TSA Precheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS), Platinum Elite status (which can give you room upgrades), and 4th night free when you book with points.
IHG has a large footprint and it’s useful to have a stash of IHG points for lots of kinds of trips! IGH has a large number of hotels in Europe that sleep 4 (which is rare!). You can also check out my map of Holiday Inn Vacation Clubs — they have villas with kitchens and some sleep 6. We often use IHG points everywhere from Holiday Inn Express, avid, or Staybridge Suites on road trips. And for a little upgraded stay, we love the Kimpton brand.
This card is a keeper for the annual free night certificate you’ll get on your cardmember anniversary each year. We often redeem ours for a staycation in Chicago!
140,000 points is the standard offer. A 175,000 point offer ended in Spring 2023. A 165,000 point offer ended on April 3, 2024. An offer for 5 free nights (up to 60k per night) ended in September 2024.
Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member
Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
This is a great way to earn some IHG points! I prefer this to the personal version of this card since it has less of an impact to your credit score and 5/24 status. You will get TSA Precheck or Global Entry, Platinum Elite status (which can give you room upgrades), and 4th night free when you book with points.
IHG has a large footprint in Europe of hotels that sleep 4. You can also check out my map of Holiday Inn Vacation Clubs — they have villas with kitchens and some sleep 6. We often use IHG points at Holiday Inn Express, avid, or Staybridge Suites on road trips. Or love a stay at a Kimpton.
Targeted 100k Offer: Some people receive a targeted offer for 100,000 miles after spending $5000 when going through preapproval at certain links (like the one below) Just be careful because many people see a 75k offer and other people are only pre-approved for a different card with low offer. (Community Referral below)
This card often has a very comparable welcome offer to the higher annual fee Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — but with a lower annual fee.
The miles you earn are worth a minimum of 1 cent per mile so 75,000 miles at minimum can be redeemed to offset $750 of any travel expense. You also have the option to transfer miles to airline partners or hotel partners just like you can with the Venture X.
This card also includes a credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry!
This card really helps make it so easy to get a Southwest Companion Pass. Just pay close attention to your timing when applying if you’re trying to maximize the Companion Pass. It has some great perks like 4 upgraded boardings per year and a credit every 4 years for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. It also gives you free internet on Southwest flights!
Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Limited Time Offer ends 04/02/2025.
(Reader Referral) All information about this card has been collected independently by Katie’s Travel Tricks.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com
Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
Receive $2,500 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles(R) Platinum American Express Card with MQD boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
$120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles(R) Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.
$120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
Not a Medallion Member? Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members. Ticket must be purchased on or after February 1, 2024 to be eligible to receive a complimentary upgrade.
$150 Delta Stays Credit: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members can earn up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Transform your car rental experience with Hertz Five Star® Status, compliments of your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program is required. To receive the benefit, you must add your Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Account number to your SkyMiles Account associated with your Eligible Card, register at delta.com/mypromos/eligible, and “Enroll in Promotion” at delta.com/hertz.
In February 2024, this card added a slew of benefits! Despite the higher annual fee, I think this holds good value — especially if you are a regular Delta flyer. The Companion Certificate alone can make it a break-even card — assuming you actually use this benefit.
It’s important to note that you are not eligible for this welcome offer if you have (or have received a bonus on in the past 7ish years) a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. To maximize your eligibility for Delta offers, you’ll want to start with the Gold card and work your way up.
Don’t let the annual fee of $395 scare you. The $300 annual travel credit and a slew of other benefits make this card a keeper. Plus you’ll immediately up your travel game with airport lounge access and Hertz Presidents’ Club status. Read my complete guide here.
This is the second card in my Three Year Plan despite the annual fee because I really think it is the easiest premium card to get your value back. Between the $300 annual travel credit and the 10,000 miles every year on account anniversary (redeemable for a minimum of $100 in travel), that’s huge value right there.
When this card was released in November 2021, it had a 100,000 miles bonus offered (with a $10,000 spend requirement over 6 months). Since March 2022, it has had the same 75,000 mile bonus offer.
Starting October 6, 2023 – a new 90k offer was available exclusively through select referral links. This ended early in December 2023.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
Great transfer options to Hyatt, United, Southwest, and more
TSA Precheck, NEXUS, or Global Entry credit up to $120 every 4 years
This card stands out over other premium cards for two main reasons. First, it is one of the few cards that still gives you access to Priority Pass experiences (restaurants were discontinued as of July 1, 2024). Most other cards just give access to the lounges but if you frequent an airport with a Priority pass experience, this benefit can be worth a lot to you! Second, the travel credit is very easy to use. I also like to use this card to book via Chase Travel℠. When you use 10,000 points, you’ll get $150 worth of travel.
Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Ends 5/14/2025
All information about this card has been collected independently by Katie’s Travel Tricks. This card is no longer available through Katie’s Travel Tricks.
$300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
1 Free Night Award annually after your Card account anniversary (up to 85k)
Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Benefit options include: Five (5) Suite Night Awards, 85K Free Night Award, and mattress and box spring $1,000 discount from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. Certain hotels have resort fees.
$100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply
High annual fee on this card but you have a potential to get some great benefits, too. The automatic Platinum status makes you eligible for upgrades (if available) and the monthly restaurant credits are easy to use if you remember to use them.
The free night certificate offers a lot of potential value each year, too.
But that’s still a high annual fee, so you need to make sure you’re really using the benefits well.
Read the terms carefully to determine if you are eligible for this welcome offer as Marriott cards have complicated eligibility.
Offer fluctuates from 75,000 bonus points and up. Welcome offer of 150,000 points after spending $6,000 in 3 months ended August 2023. Welcome offer of 185,000 points ended in May 2024.
All information about The Platinum Card® from American Express®has been collected independently by Katie’s Travel Tricks. The Platinum Card® from American Express® is no longer available through Katie’s Travel Tricks.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com
Up to $200 annual airline incidental statement credit, enrollment required
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
$199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
Lounge access to Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass lounges and more, enrollment required
Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Benefit renews annually. Enrollment required. Terms Apply. You must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible Platinum Card from American Express must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex benefit may only be used in United States.
This has a high annual fee. BUT may be worth it for some people, especially if you can leverage the airline, digital entertainment, and Uber credits. The airline incidental statement credit is per calendar year. That means most people can actually get the $200 airline credit twice in the first year of holding the card.
Just note that if you get this offer, you’ll become ineligible to earn a welcome offer on the Gold or Green cards. To maximize your points earned, start with the Green card, then get the Gold, then this one.
The offers on this card fluctuate greatly. It has been as low as 80,000 points. Typically personal referral links show higher offers than affiliate links and I always try to keep my pages updates with these.
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Note: Sometimes these links will show some people higher offers. You can also test them in other browsers or incognito.
(Reader Referral) All information about The Business Platinum Card® has been collected independently by Katie’s Travel Tricks. The Business Platinum Card® is no longer available through Katie’s Travel Tricks.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com
The American Express Global Lounge Collection(R) can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 10/2024. Access is limited to eligible Card Members.
Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card(R). Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card(R).
Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
NEW! Make the Business Platinum Card(R) work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
$199 CLEAR(R) Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR(R) Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card(R).
This has a very high spend as well as high annual fee. BUT may be worth it for some people, especially if you can leverage the statement credits. The airline incidental statement credit is per calendar year. That means most people can actually get the airline credit twice in the first year of holding the card, up to $200 each time.
Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/2/2025.
(Reader Referral) All information about this card has been collected independently by Katie’s Travel Tricks.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com
Delta SkyMiles(R) Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion(R) Year to the Delta Sky Club(R) when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion(R) Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
Receive $2,500 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles(R) Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+(R), or Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
$240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles(R) Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
$120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles(R) Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
Delta SkyMiles(R) Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
With your Delta SkyMiles(R) Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion tier and fare class grouping while flying Delta.
In February 2023, American Express added a slew of benefits to this card and raised the annual fee by $100. It feels similar to the “coupon book” style of The Platinum Card® from American Express. Still if you’re a Delta loyalist this card may very well make sense for you!
If you want to rack up the most Delta miles, do NOT start with this card. Currently restrictions in the fine print state that if you open this card, you’ll become ineligible for the bonus offers on the other Delta consumer cards. You’ll want to start with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and then work upward (by upward I mean increasing the annual fee) from there.
We have seen offers as high as 125,000 miles on this card in the past. A 100k offer ended in March 2024. A 95k offer ended July 2024.
Alternatives to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
If you don’t have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, there are several other options that can help make your travel a bit smoother.
NEXUS and Sentri are two additional Trusted Traveler Programs that your credit card may cover. These programs are primarily for those who are looking for expedited crossing between the U.S. and Canada (NEXUS) or expedited entrance into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico (Sentri). While these programs have their own benefits, enrollment centers are limited and only located near the Canadian and Mexican borders.
CLEAR
CLEAR is a private company that offers an expedited airport security experience through the use of biometric information (iris scan) to verify your identity.
CLEAR lines at major airports are often empty. CLEAR is more expensive ($199) than both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, and is only valid for one year. Both the American Express Platinum card and the American Express Green card offer a $199 CLEAR credit. Children go through CLEAR free, and you can add additional adults to your membership for $60 per person.
If you are looking for expedited reentry into the U.S. without Global Entry, be sure to download the Mobile Passport Control app on your phone before your flight.
This free app allows eligible travelers to submit passport and customs declaration information to Customs and Border Protection electronically, after arrival at one of the 38 participating locations. You will then have access to an expedited passport control line. You can read all about Mobile Passport Control here.
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