What is TSA PreCheck®?

TSA PreCheck® is a program administered by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It allows 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® can help travelers move more efficiently through U.S. airport security.

• TSA PreCheck® members can use a separate security line. They don’t have to remove their shoes, belt or light jacket, 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®.

• Capital One Venture and Venture X cardholders receive up to a $120 credit for TSA PreCheck®.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.

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.

The TSA PreCheck® application fee is up to $85, depending on where you enroll and whether it’s a new enrollment or a renewal.1 In some instances, the fee may be covered by a travel credit card. For example, Venture and Venture X cards offer up to a $120 credit for the TSA PreCheck® application fee.²

TSA PreCheck® membership lasts five years.

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

• Shoes

• Light jackets

• Laptops

• Approved small 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 or suspended from TSA PreCheck®.

For those eligible for TSA PreCheck®, 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 process should take about five minutes.

3. Schedule an in-person appointment. The appointment will include fingerprinting, document handoff and application fee payment.

4. Receive a KTN. If approved, wait for 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 can depend on your travel preferences and habits.

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, including some Capital One cards, reimburse cardholders with up to a $120 statement credit for the TSA PreCheck® application fee.² 

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

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

TSA PreCheck® can help travelers move through airport security faster. You can apply for TSA PreCheck® online, followed by attending an 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 up to a $120 statement credit for TSA PreCheck®.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. 

• Earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary, with the Venture X card.

• 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.