Maximizing Credit Card Value for Air Travel

By far some of the most unused benefits of certain credit cards are CLEAR Membership, TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry. I have yet to figure out why that is, however I can tell you that when I tell people they are most likely able to have CLEAR + TSA PreCheck for free they stare at me. There are currently over 30 credit cards that offer a reimbursement for Global Entry(which includes TSA PreCheck) and 14 credit cards with either free or reduced CLEAR memberships, allow you to breeze through security.

What are Global Entry, TSA PreCheck

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are both Trusted Traveler Programs designed to make airport security and customs processes faster and more convenient.

• TSA PreCheck is focused on expedited security screening for flights departing from U.S. airports. Members can use dedicated security lanes and skip removing shoes, belts, laptops, and liquids during screening. Keep in mind that in certain airports belts still set off the metal detectors… I am looking at you DFW!
• Global Entry is designed for international travelers returning to the U.S. It provides expedited customs clearance through automated kiosks at select airports. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, making it a great option for frequent international travelers. You can even do your interview upon reentry at most major airports. I recently did this and it took approximately 5 minutes.

If you travel domestically more often, TSA PreCheck might be enough. If you frequently travel internationally, Global Entry is the better choice since it includes TSA PreCheck perks.

What is a CLEAR membership?

CLEAR is a biometric identity verification service that helps travelers skip the standard TSA security lines at airports. Instead of showing an ID, CLEAR members use fingerprint or iris scans to verify their identity at dedicated CLEAR kiosks. After verification, they are escorted directly to the security screening area.

Key Benefits of CLEAR:

• Faster airport security: Bypass long ID check lines.
• Biometric verification: No need for physical identification. Either uses fingerprints or facial recognition
• Available at major airports: CLEAR lanes exist in many U.S. airports and are showing up at smaller airports. My home airport of SAV(Savannah Hilton Head International) even has CLEAR!
• Works with TSA PreCheck: If you have both, you can speed through security even faster.

Best Cards for Global Entry

• American Express Platinum
  • Reimbursement for Global Entry once every 4 years
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
  • Reimbursement for Global Entry once every 4 years
• American Express Delta Platinum
  • Reimbursement for Global Entry once every 4 years
• American Express Delta Reserve
  • Reimbursement for Global Entry once every 4 years

Best Cards for CLEAR

• American Express Platinum
  • $199 Statement credit that fully covers a CLEAR PLUS membership yearly.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
  • $199 Statement credit that fully covers a CLEAR PLUS membership yearly.
• American Express Delta Platinum
  • Discounted rate of $159 a year for CLEAR PLUS.
• American Express Delta Reserve
  • Discounted rate of $159 a year for CLEAR PLUS.
• American Express Hilton Aspire
  • $199 Statement credit that fully covers a CLEAR PLUS membership

Did you know about these benefits? Do you already have TSA PreCheck of Global Entry? Drop a comment below with any questions you have!