I cannot believe five years have already gone by since I signed up for the TSA PreCheck benefit. Time flys right? Corny jokes aside, thankfully I received an email indicating that my TSA PreCheck benefit was set to expire. Learn more about avoiding long airport security lines in this basic guide to renew the TSA PreCheck benefit!
What is TSA PreCheck
To recap, TSA PreCheck is a membership that provides expedited airport screening across the United States when traveling domestically. Passengers who enroll can utilize an express lane and are not required to remove items from luggage or take their shoes off.
When can you renew TSA PreCheck
The TSA PreCheck renewal process opens up six months prior to the expiration date. This leaves members plenty of time to complete the short online renewal application and if needed; find a credit card to waive the fee.
Can you keep the same TSA PreCheck Number
I was glad to learn from the Universal Enroll website that I will be able to keep the same TSA PreCheck number. One less thing to worry about is a win in my book!
Four Steps to Renew TSA PreCheck
Step 1 – Applicant Information (Identity)
This is step is straightforward. Click here to start the renewal process. Then verify your contact information and update your passport if it expired since the initial TSA PreCheck enrollment.
Step 2 – Security Questions
The TSA PreCheck renewal may need to be done in person if the person applying has been charged with a felony or answers yes to any of the criminal record questions.
Step 3 – Survey Question
The third step is a short survey where the TSA PreCheck folks want to know how much you love the service!
Step 4 – Pay the $85 Renewal Fee
This is the easy step since I technically don’t have to pay a dime. My Chase Sapphire Reserve Card comes with a $100 credit towards either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. The $100 credit renews every four years so I logged in to double-check the terms of the benefit. It’s nice that the Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits portal indicates when the benefit was last used. Mine was 11/6/2016 as shown in the photo below. As I said earlier, time flies!
Why not Global Entry
When I first signed up for TSA PreCheck I completely missed the Global Entry benefit and was kicking myself. Global Entry provides expedited entrance into the United States and includes TSA PreCheck. Essentially a two-for-one. Interestingly, it hasn’t actually made any difference for me entering the country since I use the free Mobile Passport App. How do I know? Well, Lisa has Global Entry and we have a fun game we play when the plane lands where we race each other through customs with our expedited options. I’m pretty sure I’m undefeated!
(Editors Note: He’s not undefeated.)
Credit Cards that offer the TSA PreCheck Benefit
There are a handful of credit cards that offer the TSA PreCheck benefit. Over the last five years, expedited airport security line access has become the status quo which will most likely leave basic travelers with plenty of choices. If you end up with more than one credit, perhaps gift it to a basic traveler in need?
Top Credit Cards that offer the TSA PreCheck Benefit
| Credit Cards that offer the TSA PreCheck Benefit | When does the TSA PreCheck Benefit Renew |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve Card | Every four years |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Every four and a half years |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Every four years |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card | Every four years |
| Unitedâ„ Explorer Card | Every four years |
| IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card | Every four years |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card | Every four years |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | Every four years |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | Every five years |
| Navy Federal Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card | Every four years |
Are You ready to renew your TSA PreCheck? Click this link to start the process!
Basic Breakdown
The whole TSA PreCheck renewal process took me maybe five minutes to complete. Straightforward and simple is what I like which is typically not what we see with these sorts of government programs. I love being able to utilize the expedited TSA lines and it has literally made a difference in me making a flight on more than one occasion. And it’s FREE thanks to my Chase Sapphire Reserve!
Let us know!
Are you team TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
I’d love to hear in the comments below or over in our 8,700+ Member Basic Travel Facebook Group!
More Basic Reading
- Basic Guide to Expedited Airport Screening – TSA Pre-Check
- How I saved $774 on Home Internet
- 7 Reasons to Plan a Summer Road Trip
- Top Credit Card Offers of the Month
- Basic Guide to Airport Lounge Access
For rates and fees for American Express cards mentioned in this post, please see the following links: The Platinum Card® from American Express (See Rates & Fees; terms apply);
