What is TSA PreCheck®?

TSA PreCheck® is a United States government Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It allows eligible travelers to use an expedited screening line to get through security checkpoints more quickly.

Here’s how TSA PreCheck works 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 TSA PreCheck application fee as a card benefit.

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

TSA PreCheck works by expediting security screening for 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 within three to five days. But it can take up to 60 days.

TSA PreCheck is meant to streamline airport security by providing access to dedicated screening lanes and reducing the need to remove items such as:

• Belts

• Light jackets

• Laptops

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

To be eligible for TSA PreCheck, you must be a U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident. According to the TSA, children 12 years and under can use the TSA PreCheck lane with an enrolled parent or guardian. Children aged 13 to 17 must 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 TSA PreCheck or suspended from it.

TSA PreCheck costs between $76.75 and $85 for five years, depending on your chosen enrollment provider.

Some people may be eligible for 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 TTPs: 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 offer benefits that include reimbursement of 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.

Capital One offers TSA PreCheck and Global Entry application fee reimbursement on select travel credit cards. Cardholders can receive a statement credit for the application fee when it is paid with an eligible card, subject to benefit terms and timing restrictions.

• Venture

• Venture X

• Venture Business

• Venture X Business

You can start the TSA PreCheck application 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.

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.

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.