Average TSA PreCheck cost

TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership, whether you're applying for the first time or renewing in person. That breaks down to roughly $15.60 per year or just over $1.30 per month for expedited airport security screening at more than 200 airports nationwide. If you're a frequent traveler (or even an occasional one), that fee can save you significant time and hassle at the checkpoint.

TSA PreCheck detail	Cost / information
New application fee	$78
Renewal fee (online)	$70
Renewal fee (in person)	$78
Membership duration	5 years
Annual cost (new application)	$15.60
Children under 12	Free (with PreCheck parent/guardian)

TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program run by the Transportation Security Administration. Members enjoy a dedicated screening lane where they can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags, and move through security faster than standard passengers.

How much does TSA PreCheck cost vs. other trusted traveler programs?

TSA PreCheck at $78 is the most affordable trusted traveler program available. If you need additional benefits like expedited customs clearance for international travel or identity verification before the security line, other programs are available at a higher price point.

Program	Cost	Duration	Key benefits
TSA PreCheck	$78	5 years	Expedited domestic security screening
Global Entry	$100	5 years	TSA PreCheck + expedited U.S. customs entry
NEXUS	$50	5 years	TSA PreCheck + expedited U.S./Canada border crossing
SENTRI	$122.25	5 years	TSA PreCheck + expedited U.S./Mexico border crossing
CLEAR Plus	$189 per year	1 year	Identity verification to skip to the front of the security line

Global Entry is a popular alternative because it includes TSA PreCheck benefits and costs only $22 more. If you travel internationally even once or twice a year, Global Entry typically offers the best value. NEXUS is the least expensive option at $50, but it requires approval from both U.S. and Canadian authorities and is primarily designed for travelers who frequently cross the U.S.-Canada border.

CLEAR Plus is fundamentally different from the other programs. It uses biometric verification (fingerprints or iris scan) to confirm your identity and move you to the front of the security line. It does not replace TSA PreCheck; many travelers use both together. However, at $189 per year, CLEAR costs significantly more over time.

How to apply for TSA PreCheck

Applying for TSA PreCheck involves three steps: an online pre-enrollment, an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, and a background check. Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days, though it can take up to two weeks.

Application step	Details
Step 1: Online pre-enrollment	Complete the application at the TSA PreCheck website; takes about 5 minutes
Step 2: In-person appointment	Visit an enrollment center for fingerprinting and document verification; takes about 10 minutes
Step 3: Background check	TSA reviews your information; results typically arrive in 3 to 5 days
Payment	$78 (paid during the application process)
Required documents	U.S. passport, driver's license, or other acceptable ID

Step 1: Pre-enroll online

Visit the official TSA PreCheck enrollment website and fill out the application. You'll provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, address, and citizenship status. The online portion takes about five minutes.

Step 2: Visit an enrollment center

After completing the online application, schedule an appointment at one of the 500+ enrollment locations operated by IDEMIA or CLEAR. During this visit, an agent will verify your identity documents, collect your fingerprints, and take your photo. The entire in-person process typically takes about 10 minutes.

You can enroll through two authorized providers:

• IDEMIA enrollment centers (the original TSA-authorized provider)
• CLEAR enrollment locations (added as an authorized provider in recent years)

Both charge the same $78 application fee, and both provide the same TSA PreCheck membership.

Step 3: Receive your Known Traveler Number

Once TSA completes your background check, you'll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Add this number to your airline loyalty profiles and booking reservations to ensure the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass.

TSA PreCheck renewal cost

Renewing TSA PreCheck online costs $70, which is $8 less than the original application fee. If you renew in person at an enrollment center, the fee is $78. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your membership expires.

Renewal method	Cost
Online renewal	$70
In-person renewal	$78

Online renewal is faster and cheaper. You won't need another in-person appointment unless TSA specifically requests updated fingerprints or documentation. The online process takes just a few minutes, and your membership is typically renewed within days.

If your membership has been expired for an extended period, you may need to complete the full application process again, including an in-person visit and fingerprinting, at the full $78 fee.

Ways to get TSA PreCheck for free

Many travelers never pay the $78 fee out of pocket. Several credit cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee as a cardholder perk, and some employer travel programs cover the cost as well.

Method	Savings
Travel credit cards with PreCheck/Global Entry credit	Up to $100
Employer reimbursement programs	Up to $78
Military membership (active duty)	Free
Children under 12 (traveling with PreCheck member)	Free

Credit cards that cover TSA PreCheck

Dozens of premium and mid-tier travel credit cards offer a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees. Some popular options include:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve (covers up to $100 for Global Entry or PreCheck)
• American Express Platinum (covers up to $100 every 4 years)
• Capital One Venture X (covers up to $100 for Global Entry or PreCheck)
• Citi Prestige (covers up to $100 for Global Entry or PreCheck)
• United Explorer Card (covers up to $100 every 4 years)

Since many of these cards reimburse up to $100, applying for Global Entry instead of standalone TSA PreCheck gives you even more value because Global Entry includes PreCheck benefits.

Military and government eligibility

Active-duty U.S. military members receive TSA PreCheck benefits for free when they use their Department of Defense (DoD) ID number as their Known Traveler Number. No separate application or fee is required. Some government employees and members of Congress may also be eligible through their agencies.

What TSA PreCheck includes

The $78 fee grants you access to dedicated PreCheck screening lanes at over 200 U.S. airports on 90+ participating airlines. The benefits apply to domestic and international flights departing from U.S. airports.

Benefit	Standard screening	TSA PreCheck screening
Shoes	Must remove	Keep on
Belt	Must remove	Keep on
Light jacket	Must remove	Keep on
Laptop	Must remove from bag	Keep in bag
3-1-1 compliant liquids	Must remove from bag	Keep in bag
Average wait time	30+ minutes (peak times)	Under 5 minutes (93% of the time)

According to TSA data, 93% of PreCheck passengers wait less than five minutes in the security line. During peak travel periods like holidays and summer months, that time difference can be even more dramatic compared to standard screening lanes.

Participating airlines

Over 90 airlines participate in the TSA PreCheck program, including all major U.S. carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. Many international carriers operating flights from U.S. airports also participate.

Children and family members

Children 12 and under can use the TSA PreCheck lane for free when traveling with a parent or guardian who has PreCheck. Children 13 and older need their own TSA PreCheck membership. Each family member aged 13 or older must apply and pay the $78 fee individually.

Is TSA PreCheck worth the cost?

For most travelers who fly at least two to three times per year, TSA PreCheck is well worth the $78 investment. At roughly $15.60 per year, the program pays for itself in time savings and reduced stress during even a single busy travel day.

Travel frequency	Cost per trip (over 5 years)
2 flights per year (10 total)	$7.80 per trip
6 flights per year (30 total)	$2.60 per trip
12 flights per year (60 total)	$1.30 per trip
24 flights per year (120 total)	$0.65 per trip

Beyond the math, PreCheck offers peace of mind. You don't need to arrive as early at the airport, you avoid the scramble of removing shoes, belts, and electronics at the conveyor belt, and you typically bypass the longest lines. For business travelers, families, and anyone with mobility concerns, the convenience can be significant.

If you travel internationally, consider paying the extra $22 for Global Entry instead. You'll get all the TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs processing when returning to the United States. If you're thinking about becoming a travel agent, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is practically essential for staying efficient while traveling frequently.

Frequently asked questions

How long does TSA PreCheck last?

TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date of approval. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date, either online for $70 or in person for $78.

Can I use TSA PreCheck for international flights?

Yes. TSA PreCheck works for international flights departing from U.S. airports, as long as you're flying on a participating airline. The expedited screening applies at the U.S. departure checkpoint. It does not provide benefits at foreign airports or for customs entry (Global Entry covers that).

Is TSA PreCheck the same as Global Entry?

No. TSA PreCheck is a domestic security screening program that costs $78. Global Entry costs $100 and includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited U.S. customs and immigration processing when arriving on international flights. Global Entry requires a more thorough background check and an interview with a Customs and Border Protection officer.

What happens if my TSA PreCheck application is denied?

If your application is denied, the $78 fee is not refunded. Common reasons for denial include certain criminal convictions, incomplete applications, or issues found during the background check. You can appeal a denial through the TSA's Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP).

Do I always get TSA PreCheck on my boarding pass?

Not always. While most PreCheck members receive the designation on every boarding pass, TSA reserves the right to conduct random standard screenings. Make sure your Known Traveler Number is correctly entered in your airline profile and reservation to maximize your chances. Mismatched names or numbers are the most common reason PreCheck doesn't appear on a boarding pass.

Can I get a refund on my TSA PreCheck fee?

TSA PreCheck fees are generally non-refundable once you've completed the application and enrollment process. If there was a technical error during payment, you may contact the enrollment provider (IDEMIA or CLEAR) for assistance.