Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
If there’s one thing everyone can agree on about flying, it’s that nobody likes a long security line at the airport. Thankfully, you have a few options for paying a little extra to skip the crowds.
Statement credits for CLEAR®, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees have become a standard benefit of many travel rewards cards, and are available as bundles as well.
Below, CNBC Select reviews the difference between each travel perk — TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR — and how your credit card could help you save on membership fees.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR Comparison
| TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | CLEAR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of airports | 200+ | 77+ | 58+ |
| Price | $77.95 to $85 for 5 years $68.95 to $70 for renewals |
$120 for 5 years | $199 per year |
| How often to renew | Every 5 years | Every 5 years | Every year |
| Eligibility requirements | Available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents 18 years of age or older | Available to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents and residents of select international countries | Available to individuals 18 years of age and older with a valid U.S. Driver’s License, U.S. Passport, or U.S. State Issued ID |
Source: TSA.gov and clearme.com
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck
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Cost
The cost varies by enrollment provider and ranges from $77.95 to $85 for a 5-year membership. Renewal fees are $68.95 to $78 depending on which provider you renew through and whether you renew online or in-person.
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TSA PreCheck perks
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Locations with TSA PreCheck lanes
Pros
- Available at 200+ airports and with 90+ airlines
- Children 12 years old and under can come with parent/guardian through the TSA PreCheck lane
- Children 13 to 17 years old can come with a parent/guardian through the TSA PreCheck lane when the PreCheck logo is on their boarding pass
- Membership is valid for five years
Cons
- Appointment required at an enrollment center
- No benefits when traveling internationally
If you rarely travel abroad and don’t want to pay for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck offers a five-year membership and gives you expedited security checks at more than 200 select airports in the U.S. This is probably your best option if you don’t have a U.S. passport.
For anyone who has experienced TSA PreCheck, the process is less invasive than the standard security screenings. You don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, light jacket, laptop or TSA-approved liquids.
To apply, you have to submit an online application and then schedule a 10-minute in-person appointment at one of the many enrollment centers. The appointment includes a background check and fingerprinting.
The price for TSA PreCheck ranges from $77.95 to $85 depending on which enrollment providers you apply through. Renewals are $68.95 to $70 — again, depending on how you renew. The cheapest way to register for TSA PreCheck is through CLEAR, though CLEAR has fewer enrollment locations than the other providers.
Compare travel insurance options
Global Entry
Global Entry
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Cost
A 5-year membership costs $120
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As of Oct. 1, 2024, children under 18 years old won’t pay an application fee when the parent/guardian is a member of a valid trusted traveler program (Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS) or is applying at the same time.
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Global Entry perks
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Airports with Global Entry
Pros
- Includes TSA PreCheck benefits
- Expedited entry on arrival in at major U.S. airports
- Membership is valid for 5 years
Cons
- Appointment required at an enrollment center
- More complicated approval process and fewer enrollment centers, so it’s tougher to get an interview compared to TSA PreCheck
- Children and family can’t use the Global Entry lane unless they have their own membership
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. after traveling internationally. It basically means getting in the express line at customs and immigration, which can save you time and a potential headache after a long trip.
To apply, you must submit an application, pay a non-refundable $120 fee and complete an in-person interview. If approved, your five-year membership includes both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck in the U.S. Those 18 or younger get their fee waived if their parent or guardian is already a member.
To qualify for Global Entry, you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident. Residents of select countries can also qualify, and you can learn more about international application requirements. Applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s consent to participate in Global Entry. Learn more about eligibility for Global Entry, and be sure to check out CNBC Select’s guide on how to apply for Global Entry.
Which cards offer TSA PreCheck/Global Entry statement credits
Here’s a sampling of some popular travel credit cards that offer statement credits for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees. Though each of these cards has an annual fee, this travel perk can help offset it — not to mention all the additional rewards you can earn using these cards regularly.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
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Rewards
5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase
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Welcome bonus
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
N/A for purchases and balance transfers
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Pros
- 5 miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Cons
- No introductory APR
- There’s a $95 annual fee
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
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Rewards
Unlimited 2X miles on all eligible purchases, and 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booked via Capital One Travel portal
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Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
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Regular APR
19.99% – 29.49% variable APR
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Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
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Foreign transaction fees
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Credit needed
Pros
- Large welcome bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
- Up to $120 statement credits for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
Cons
- High annual fee
- No introductory 0% APR period
The United℠ Explorer Card is worth it even if you only fly with United Airlines once or twice a year because you can take advantage of two United Club passes each year and you can receive free checked bags.
- No annual fee for the first year
- Unlocks upgrades for elite members on award flights
- Two free United Club airport lounge passes every year
- Valuable United Airlines perks, such as in-flight purchase discounts and the ability to earn elite status credit through credit card spending
- First checked bag free benefit requires you to pay for the flight with the card
- United Airlines has a dynamic award chart which can limit the value and flexibility of your miles
Highlights
- Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Free first checked bag – a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations
- Up to $300 in annual travel credit
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase’s travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Top-tier travel and shopping protections
- High annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Access to 1,400+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass and Amex Centurion lounges (Enrollment required)
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
Highlights
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $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.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® 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 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $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.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Balance transfer fee
Foreign transaction fee
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits are commonly worth up to $120 or $85, respectively, and they are typically offered every four or five years, depending on which card you have. You receive the statement credit after you submit and pay for an application, and it can take a few weeks to see the cost credited to your account.
CLEAR®
CLEAR Plus
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Cost
You can bundle with a 5-year TSA PreCheck membership for the same $199 cost. Military and government employee discounts available. Discounts available for select airline loyalty program members.
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CLEAR perks
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Locations with CLEAR
Pros
- Allows you to skip to the front of the line at airport security
- Family members under 18 years old can come with you through the CLEAR lane for free
- Discounts available with select airline loyalty programs that are free to join
Cons
- Expensive annual membership fee
- Not available at all airports
- Without a TSA PreCheck membership, you’ll still have to remove your shoes, belt and laptop from your bag at airport security
CLEAR® is a newer addition to accelerating airport security screenings. CLEAR uses your eyes and fingertips rather than traditional IDs to verify your identity when you travel. The most expensive program of the three, CLEAR costs $199 for an annual membership that does not include TSA PreCheck. However, you can also enroll in a CLEAR Plus membership bundled with TSA PreCheck.
New CLEAR Plus members only have to pay $199 for the TSA PreCheck bundle for the first year ($77.95 for your TSA PreCheck application and a discounted $121.05 CLEAR Plus membership), so you’re essentially getting your TSA PreCheck application fee waived. After the first year, your CLEAR Plus membership automatically renews at $199 annually.
If you’re renewing your TSA PreCheck membership and you don’t have a CLEAR Plus membership, you can get the same discounted price, $199 for the first year ($68.95 for a 5-year online renewal of TSA PreCheck membership, and $130.05 for your first year of CLEAR Plus).
With CLEAR, you can add up to three adult family members for only $119 per year each. Kids under 18 are free and don’t need to enroll. Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members with status can often receive CLEAR discounts. CLEAR also offers discounts for military service members and government employees.
To apply, you sign up online and complete an in-person biometric scan. Once you are approved to use CLEAR, your experience going through security at the airport is pretty seamless. You report directly to a CLEAR kiosk and scan your fingerprints or eyes. A representative then escorts you to a security checkpoint.
For sports and music fans, the membership also grants you CLEAR Sports, which allows you to skip the security line when attending many major stadiums and entertainment venues throughout the country, including Staples Center and Madison Square Garden.
Which card offers CLEAR® Plus statement credits
The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a premium business card loaded with statement credit offers for business services and travel that help justify its steep annual fee.
- Access to 1,400+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass (Enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
- Statement credit offers worth over $1,400 every year
- Hotel and rental car elite status perks
- Earns flexible rewards you can transfer to 20+ airline and hotel loyalty programs (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned; Benefits may be subject to auto-renewal)
- High annual fee
- Limited bonus spending categories
- Some statement credit offers are earned in small increments or only apply to purchases from a single brand
Highlights
- Welcome Offer: 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.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- 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®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® 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 03/2023.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Access to 1,400+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass and Amex Centurion lounges (Enrollment required)
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
Highlights
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $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.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® 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 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $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.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Balance transfer fee
Foreign transaction fee
Additionally, with the American Express® Green Card, you can receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year toward a membership. Terms apply.
This credit can help offset the Green Card’s $150 annual fee (see rates and fees) while you get to enjoy a discounted CLEAR® Plus membership. American Express® Green Card cardholders also earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible travel, transit and at restaurants worldwide and 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.
The American Express® Green Card is geared toward those who frequently travel and eat out often, but don’t want to shell out on a premium card.
- Up to $199 credit for a CLEAR® Plus membership each year (subject to auto-renewal)
- Earns flexible rewards you can transfer to 20+ airline and hotel loyalty programs
- No foreign transaction fees
- $150 annual fee
- No ongoing non-travel statement credit offers
The United℠ Explorer Card is worth it even if you only fly with United Airlines once or twice a year because you can take advantage of two United Club passes each year and you can receive free checked bags.
- No annual fee for the first year
- Unlocks upgrades for elite members on award flights
- Two free United Club airport lounge passes every year
- Valuable United Airlines perks, such as in-flight purchase discounts and the ability to earn elite status credit through credit card spending
- First checked bag free benefit requires you to pay for the flight with the card
- United Airlines has a dynamic award chart which can limit the value and flexibility of your miles
Highlights
- Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Free first checked bag – a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card has the right mix of benefits if you occasionally fly with Delta, such as free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts.
- Earn up to $300 in travel credit every year
- First checked bag free for you and up to eight companions on eligible flights
- Discounts on eligible in-flight purchases and on Delta award flights (Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees).
- Annual fee after the first year
- Delta flight credit benefit has a high spending requirement to earn
Highlights
- Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold 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.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR® differences
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR can all help you save time at the airport, but each program has unique benefits and strengths.
TSA PreCheck starts at the lowest price point of the three options and could be a good fit for those who travel domestically to make security a little easier but offers fewer benefits for international travel or non-airport venues.
Global Entry provides the most value to those who regularly travel internationally with its expedited returns through customs and immigration. This program includes full TSA PreCheck benefits and requires you to be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident.
CLEAR uses biometric technology instead of traditional I.D. verification to speed up the security screening process at airports, as well as some stadiums and entertainment venues. CLEAR starts at the highest price point of the three options.
Pricing
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR have different pricing structures, but there are ways to receive statement credits for each program and offset their costs.
- TSA PreCheck: $77.95 to $85 for 5 years
- Global Entry: $120 for 5 years
- CLEAR: $199 per year
Remember, you must pay for your membership with your qualifying card to be eligible for the statement credit. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry last five years while CLEAR memberships must be renewed annually.
FAQs
What is better, CLEAR or Global Entry?
CLEAR and Global Entry are very different programs because CLEAR saves you time going through security screenings, while Global Entry saves you time at customs and immigration upon arrival in the U.S. after traveling internationally.
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
Global Entry members automatically receive TSA PreCheck expedited security benefits as part of their membership.
Do I need Global Entry if I already have TSA PreCheck?
While Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, TSA PreCheck does not include Global Entry.
Is getting Global Entry worth it?
Global Entry can be worth it as it saves you a lot of time and hassle when returning from an international trip. It also includes all TSA PreCheck benefits.
Can I upgrade my TSA PreCheck to Global Entry?
Unfortunately, you can’t upgrade TSA PreCheck to Global Entry — you must apply for the program separately.
How many U.S. airports have CLEAR access?
CLEAR is now available at 60+ domestic airports, including:
- Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, Austin, TX (AUS)
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Baltimore, MD (BWI)
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport, Birmingham, AL (BHM)
- Boise Airport, Boise, ID (BOI)
- Boston Logan International Airport, Boston, MA (BOS)
- Bradley International Airport, Hartford, CT (BDL)
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Buffalo, NY (BUF)
- Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago, IL (MDW)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, IL (ORD)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Northern Kentucky (Cincinnati), OH (CVG)
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Cleveland, OH (CLE)
- Dallas Love Field Airport, Dallas, TX (DAL)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas, TX (DFW)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu, HI (HNL)
- Denver International Airport, Denver, CO (DEN)
- Detroit Metro Airport, Detroit, MI (DTW)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, TX (IAH)
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg, SC (GSP)
- Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, GA (ATL)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, NY (JFK)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus, OH (CMH)
- Juan Santamaría International Airport, San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
- Kahului Airport, Maui, HI (OGG)
- Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City, MO (MCI)
- LaGuardia Airport, New York City, NY (LGA)
- Long Beach Airport, Long Beach, CA (LGB)
- Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans, LA (MSY)
- Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville, KY (SDF)
- Miami International Airport, Miami, FL (MIA)
- Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, WI (MKE)
- Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport, Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
- Nashville International Airport, Nashville, TN (BNA)
- Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, NJ (EWR)
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC)
- Oakland International Airport, Oakland, CA (OAK)
- Orlando International Airport, Orlando, FL (MCO)
- Palm Beach International Airport, Palm Beach, FL (PBI)
- Palm Springs International Airport, Palm Springs, CA (PSP)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
- Pittsburgh International Airport, Pittsburgh, PA (PIT)
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Raleigh, NC (RDU)
- Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, Warwick (Providence), RI (PVD)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington, DC (DCA)
- Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento, CA (SMF)
- Salt Lake City International Airport, Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
- San Antonio International Airport, San Antonio, TX (SAT)
- San Diego International Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN)
- San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco Bay Area, CA (SFO)
- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Savannah, GA (SAV)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, WA (SEA)
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St. Louis, MO (STL)
- Tulsa International Airport, Tulsa, OK (TUL)
- Washington Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC (IAD)
- Westchester County Airport, New York City, NY (HPN)
- Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City, OK (OKC)
- William P. Hobby Airport, Houston, TX (HOU)
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