• TSA Precheck

Complete Guide to TSA PreCheck & Global Entry (and how to get them FREE!)

Categories: Credit Card BenefitsBy Last Updated: April 3, 2024

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. If you are approved, you will receive an email with your Known Traveler Number.
  4. 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

  1. Apply Online – The application process for Global Entry is more extensive than for TSA PreCheck. You will pay your $100 application fee when you apply. With the right credit card, you will be able to receive a statement credit for your application fee. Starting October 1, this fee will go up to $120. Also starting 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.
  2. 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.

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 $100, 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. Starting October 1, 2024 the fee for Global Entry will go up to $120. Also starting October 1, 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.

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. Starting 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 $100 ($120 after October 1, 2024)
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.
Website More info here More info here

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:

  1. Add your Known Traveler Number to your flight reservation
  2. Make sure “TSA PRE” printed on your boarding pass
  3. Enjoy the shorter lines!

You must link your KTN to your flight 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.

Which cards offer this benefit for free?

For a complete list, see the TSA website’s list here.

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).

Best Overall Cards With TSA Precheck

The Capital One® Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card are both in our Top 5 Credit Cards. These are solid cards that offer great benefits and sign up bonuses. Both of these also offer a statement credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry!

Capital One® Venture® Rewards

credit card

welcome offer:

75,000 miles

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

Annual Fee:

$95

  • Miles can be redeemed to erase any travel purchase. 50,000 miles = $500
  • Can be transferred to a variety of partners like Jet Blue, Wyndham, Avianca, Turkish Airways and more
  • Also worth considering the Venture X which has more benefits and the same offer.
My Take

If you really can’t stomach the annual fee of the Venture X, the Venture has a similar offer and a lower $95 fee! Points have the same uses as the Venture X.

An offer expired in July 2021 for a total of 100K: 50K after $3K in the first 3 months + 20K after $20K in the first 6 months.

Capital One® Venture X Rewards

credit card

welcome offer:

75,000 miles

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

Annual Fee:

$395

  • $300 annual travel credit when booking through Capital One’s portal
  • 10,000 points every year on account anniversary (worth at least $100)
  • Statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
  • Easy airport lounge access for your whole family
  • Miles can be redeemed to erase any travel purchase. 75,000 miles = $750
  • Can be transferred to a variety of partners like Jet Blue, Wyndham, Avianca, Turkish Airways and more.
  • Get my downloadable checklist here so you can max your benefits
My Take

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.

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.

Cards with annual fee waived the first year

UnitedSM Explorer

credit card

Current Bonus:

50,000 miles

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Annual Fee:

$95

$0 for your first year, then $95.

  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
  • Free checked bag for account holder and one companion on the same reservation
  • Free TSA Precheck or Global Entry credit
  • Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders.

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). This is a slightly higher than usual offer. I like that the annual fee is waived in the first year and those two guest passes to United Club are nice!

An offer expired in August 2022 for 70K after $3K spend. A standard offer is 50k bonus miles.

non affiliate link

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature®

credit card

Current Bonus:

50,000 points

Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $3000 in the first 90 days

Annual Fee:

$95

(waived the first year)

  • $95 annual fee BUT is waived for military members and veterans.
  • TSA Precheck or Global Entry statement credit
  • $100 Airline Incidental Credit

non affiliate link

Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®

credit card

Current Bonus:

90,000 points

Earn 90,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Annual Fee:

$95

(waived the first year)

  • Cell phone protection included when you pay your bill with this card
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Global Entry or TSA Precheck Statement Credit
My Take

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.

We don’t have offer history yet since this card is brand new.

Cards with a $99 annual fee or less

IHG® One Rewards Premier

credit card

Current Bonus:

140,000 points

Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual Fee:

$99

  • Free Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide (worth 40,000 points)
  • 4th night free when you redeem points for any stay of 4 or more nights
  • 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 or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card

My Take

This is a great way to earn some IHG points! 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.

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.

IHG® One Rewards Premier Business

credit card

Current Bonus:

175,000 points

New Limited Time offer! Earn up to 175,000 Bonus Points. Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 35,000 Bonus Points after spending a total of $7,000 in the first 6 months from account opening.

Annual Fee:

$99

  • 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 or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card

My Take

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.

140,000 points is the standard offer. A 165,000 point offer ended in June 2023.

Capital One® Venture® Rewards

credit card

welcome offer:

75,000 miles

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

Annual Fee:

$95

  • Miles can be redeemed to erase any travel purchase. 50,000 miles = $500
  • Can be transferred to a variety of partners like Jet Blue, Wyndham, Avianca, Turkish Airways and more
  • Also worth considering the Venture X which has more benefits and the same offer.
My Take

If you really can’t stomach the annual fee of the Venture X, the Venture has a similar offer and a lower $95 fee! Points have the same uses as the Venture X.

An offer expired in July 2021 for a total of 100K: 50K after $3K in the first 3 months + 20K after $20K in the first 6 months.

non affiliate link

Navy Federal’s Visa Signature Flagship Rewards

credit card

Current Bonus:

40,000 points

Earn 40,000 points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Annual Fee:

$49

  • Free Amazon Prime Membership
  • Free TSA Precheck or Global Entry Credit

Cards with an annual fee from $199-$250

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business

credit card

Current Bonus:

80,000 points

Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual Fee:

$199

  • TSA Precheck/Global Entry statement credit
  • 4 upgraded boardings per year
  • Free in-flight wifi
  • 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $10,000 spent
  • 4x earning on Southwest flights; 2x on local transit, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
  • 9000 points per year on your card member anniversary

My Take

This card offer hasn’t changed in over a year. They 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.

Delta Skymiles® Platinum American Express

credit card

welcome offer:

50,000 miles

Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

Annual Fee:

$350

(Terms Apply | Rates and Fees)

  • Enhanced! Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • New! Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
  • New! Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
  • New! $120 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
  • New! $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.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive $100 back for Global Entry or $85 back for TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • New! 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.
  • New! $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.
  • New: 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.
  • New! 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.

My Take

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. 

90,000 miles matches the highest ever offer for this card. It has been as low as 50,000 miles in the past. 90,000 point offer ended in March 2024.

Premium Cards (annual fees $450+)

Capital One® Venture X Rewards

credit card

welcome offer:

75,000 miles

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

Annual Fee:

$395

  • $300 annual travel credit when booking through Capital One’s portal
  • 10,000 points every year on account anniversary (worth at least $100)
  • Statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
  • Easy airport lounge access for your whole family
  • Miles can be redeemed to erase any travel purchase. 75,000 miles = $750
  • Can be transferred to a variety of partners like Jet Blue, Wyndham, Avianca, Turkish Airways and more.
  • Get my downloadable checklist here so you can max your benefits
My Take

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.

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.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

credit card

Current Bonus:

60,000 points

Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

 

Annual Fee:

$550

  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • $15 per month statement credit for Instacart
  • Great transfer options to Hyatt, United, Southwest, and more
  • TSA Precheck or Global Entry credit
  • Priority Pass lounge and restaurant access

My Take

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 will be 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! The travel credit is very easy to use and if you use Instacart, the annual fee is easily made up. I also like to use this card to book via Chase’s travel portal. When you use 10,000 points, you’ll get $150 worth of travel.

A publicly available online offer for 80,000 points ran in December 2022.

An offer for 100,000 points ended in 2019.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express®

credit card

Current Bonus:

185,000 points

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.

Annual Fee:

$650

(Terms Apply | Rates & Fees)

  • $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.
  • Complimentary Platinum Elite status
  • 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 50k)
  • 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

My Take

High annual fee on this card but you have a potential to get some great benefits, too. This bonus does have huge potential but you’d need to have paid Marriott nights to get the full bonus. I personally am skipping this one but that’s due to not being focused on Marriott at this time.

Bonus fluctuates from 75,000 bonus points and up. Best recent welcome bonus of 150,000 points after spending $6,000 in 3 months ended August 2023.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

charge card

welcome offer:

up to 150,000 membership rewards® points

Offers vary depending on the link you use to apply. Check CardMatch to see if you are matched with the new 150k offer on The Platinum Card® from American Express that is exclusive to CardMatch.

Alternate offer: Some people are finding up to 175,000 point offers at this link when they open in incognito.

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.

Annual Fee:

$695

(Terms Apply | Rates & Fees)

  • $200 annual airline incidental 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.
  • Lounge access to Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass lounges and more, enrollment required
  • Hilton Gold Status, enrollment required
  • Marriott Gold Status, 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.

My Take

This has a high spend as well as 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. If you qualify for this CardMatch offer, it’s a huge offer for not too much spend.

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.

non affiliate link

Business Platinum Card® from American Express

charge card

welcome offer:

150,000 points

Open in incognito tab to see 150k offer. Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $15,000 in qualifying purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.

Alternate targeted offer: 200,000 points (log in after clicking this link to see if your account is targeted.

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.

Annual Fee:

$695

(Terms Apply | Rates & Fees)

  • $200 annual airline incidental credit, enrollment required
  • Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on select purchases such as with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers. Enrollment required.
  • Lounge access to Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass lounges and more, enrollment required
  • Hilton Gold Status, enrollment required
  • Marriott Gold Status, enrollment required
My Take

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 Dell credits. The Dell credits come twice a year ($200 for January-June and $200 for July-December). 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.

The offers on this card fluctuate greatly. It has been as low as 80,000 points.

Delta Skymiles® Reserve American Express

credit card

welcome offer:

60,000 miles

Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Annual Fee:

$650

(Terms Apply | Rates & Fees)

  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. You will receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
  • Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
  • Enhanced! Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • $240 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
  • New! $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® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
  • With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
  • Not a Medallion Member? Delta SkyMiles® Reserve 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.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive $100 back for Global Entry or $85 back for TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • $200 Delta Stays Statement Credit: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members can earn up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
  • Transform your car rental experience with Hertz President’s Circle Status, compliments of your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve 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.
  • 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.
My Take

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!

We have seen offers as high as 125,000 miles on this card in the past. Recent better offer was 100k and ended in March 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 ($189) 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 $189 CLEAR credit. Children go through CLEAR free, and you can add additional adults to your membership for $60 per person.

If you are interested in trying CLEAR you can sign up for a CLEAR trial for you and your family here.

Mobile Passport Control App

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.

 

Credit Cards that give Free TSA PreCheck
Credit Cards that give Free TSA PreCheck
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