TSA PreCheck Cost 2026: Fees, Comparison & Free Options
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TSA PreCheck costs about $76.75-$85 for 5 years (~$17/year) in 2026, depending on enrollment provider. Global Entry costs $120 for 5 years and includes PreCheck — the better deal if you travel internationally. Many premium credit cards (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve) reimburse the fee entirely.
Flying this fall? TSA PreCheck is the easiest way to skip long security lines — and it's cheaper than most people think. Here's the complete 2026 cost breakdown.
TSA PreCheck Cost 2026
| Detail | Cost |
|---|---|
| Membership | $76.75 - $85 for 5 years |
| Per year | ~$17/year |
| Validity | 5 years (renew online) |
| Airports | 200+ across the US |
The Real Answer: Why You'll See $76.75, $78, $79.95 and $85
There's no single "official" price — it depends on which enrollment provider you choose. This is why sites contradict each other. Here's the full breakdown:
| Provider | Enrollment Fee | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| TSA.gov official | $79.95 / 5 years | Online, lower fee (~$70) |
| IDEMIA (most common provider) | $78 / 5 years | Online renewal available |
| Telos | $85 / 5 years | In-person or online |
| Via credit card reimbursement | $0 out of pocket | Credits refresh every 4-5 years |
All providers are approved by TSA and give the same 5-year membership. If a third-party site quotes "$85+", it's either the Telos fee or includes service fees — you never need to pay more than $85.
- 👶 Kids under 12: free — they use the PreCheck lane with an enrolled parent/guardian
- 🪖 Active-duty military: free TSA PreCheck (all branches)
- 💳 Credit card holders: Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and others reimburse the full fee
- ✈️ Elite status: some airlines (United, Delta, Alaska) provide free membership as a perk
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR
| Program | Cost | Best For | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | $76.75-85 / 5 yrs | Domestic travelers | Fast lanes at 200+ airports |
| Global Entry | $120 / 5 yrs | International travelers | TSA PreCheck + expedited customs |
| CLEAR | ~$189/year | Frequent flyers at busy hubs | Biometric ID at security |
Tip: Global Entry is only $35 more than PreCheck and includes it — if you travel abroad even occasionally, it's the smarter buy.
How to Get TSA PreCheck FREE
- 💳 American Express Platinum: up to $100 credit every 4.5 years
- 💳 Chase Sapphire Reserve: $100 credit (Global Entry or PreCheck)
- 💳 Capital One Venture X: $120 credit — covers Global Entry
- 💳 Many Citi & United cards: similar fee credits
Is It Worth It?
If you fly domestic at least twice a year, yes. PreCheck lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and leaves laptops and liquids in your bag — saving 5-15 minutes per trip through dedicated lanes. At $17/year, it pays for itself in one trip.
How to Apply
- 🌐 Apply online at tsa.gov/precheck (10 minutes)
- 📅 Schedule a 10-minute in-person appointment
- 🪪 Bring ID and proof of citizenship
- 📮 Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3-5 weeks
FAQ — TSA PreCheck 2026
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