What is TSA PreCheck®?

TSA PreCheck® is a program administered by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It allows eligible travelers to use an expedited screening line to get through security checkpoints more quickly.

Learn more about TSA PreCheck and how to apply. 

What you’ll learn:

• TSA PreCheck members can use a separate security line. They don’t have to remove their belts or light jackets, and they can keep laptops and small liquids in their luggage.

• An online application, application fee and in-person appointment are required to enroll in TSA PreCheck.

• Some travel rewards credit cards may cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck as a card benefit.

• Capital One Venture, Venture X, Venture X Business and Spark 2X Miles cardholders can receive a statement credit for the TSA PreCheck application fee.¹

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) run by the TSA. It offers expedited security screening to low-risk travelers at more than 200 airports and 90 airlines.

The cost of TSA PreCheck can be up to $85, depending on where you enroll and whether it’s a new enrollment or a renewal.¹ TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years.

After being approved for TSA PreCheck, members receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) they can provide when booking flights on participating airlines. Their boarding pass will show the TSA PreCheck logo, which gives them access to the TSA PreCheck line. According to the TSA, members typically receive their KTN in three to five days. But it can take up to 60 days.

TSA PreCheck lines mean a faster security screening process. TSA says 99% of TSA PreCheck members wait in line less than 10 minutes.

Unlike typical airport security screening, TSA PreCheck doesn’t require travelers to remove:

• Belts

• Light jackets

• Laptops

• Approved small liquids (3-1-1 compliant liquids)

U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply for TSA PreCheck. According to the TSA, children 12 years and under can use the TSA PreCheck lane with an enrolled parent or guardian. Children 13 to 17 years old have to apply for their own KTN to access the TSA PreCheck lane. 

Applicants with a criminal history or a violation of federal security regulations may be ineligible for or suspended from TSA PreCheck.

Some people may be able to get free TSA PreCheck benefits through a credit card. They include:

• Military members and Department of Defense (DOD) civilians: Active-duty military members, DOD employees, and U.S. military academy cadets and midshipmen can use their DOD ID number as a KTN.

• Members of other TTP programs: Members of other TTPs like Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI may also have access to TSA PreCheck.

• Travel rewards credit cardholders: Some travel credit cards may come with benefits that include reimbursement for the TSA PreCheck application fee.

• Loyalty program members: Some airline and hotel loyalty programs may allow members to use rewards to pay for the TSA PreCheck fee.

Some Capital One travel rewards cards offer a statement credit for the TSA PreCheck application fee.² These include:

• Venture

• Venture X

• Venture X Business

• Spark 2X Miles

If you meet the eligibility requirements for TSA PreCheck, you can apply online. Here are the steps for applying:

1. Choose a provider. Select a TSA provider partner—either CLEAR®, IDEMIA or Telos®—with an enrollment center near you.

2. Apply online. Complete the application on the provider’s website. The application process should take about five minutes.

3. Schedule an in-person appointment. Next, you can make an appointment at the enrollment center you found near you.

4. Attend the appointment. The appointment will include fingerprinting, document handoff and fee payment.

5. Receive a KTN. If approved, you’ll receive a KTN to add to flight reservations.

TSA says 99% of TSA PreCheck members wait in line less than 10 minutes. Whether TSA PreCheck is worth it may depend on your travel preferences and habits.

To learn more about TSA PreCheck, check out these answers to frequently asked questions.

TSA PreCheck can help travelers move through airport security faster. To get TSA PreCheck, you can apply online and attend an in-person interview at an enrollment center. 

To become a TSA PreCheck member, you’ll also need to pay an application fee. One benefit of some Capital One cards is that you could receive a statement credit for the TSA PreCheck application fee.²

Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience more enjoyable. View important rates and disclosures.

• Explore travel rewards cards with unlimited miles you can actually use. 

• Elevate your next adventure with the Venture X card, which offers premium travel benefits and more.

• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, and earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Venture card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, with no annual fee with the VentureOne card.