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How to Renew the TSA PreCheck Benefit

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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.

TSA PreCheck benefits / UniversalEnroll.DHS

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.

TSA PreCheck Enrollment Questions / UniversalEnroll.DHS

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!

TSA PreCheck Enrollment Questions / UniversalEnroll.DHS

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.)

Run through the airport for bragging rights!

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 BenefitWhen does the TSA PreCheck Benefit Renew
Chase Sapphire Reserve CardEvery four years
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressEvery four and a half years
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardEvery four years
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® CardEvery four years
Unitedâ„  Explorer CardEvery four years
IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit CardEvery four years
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit CardEvery four years
Capital One Spark Miles for BusinessEvery four years
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express CardEvery five years
Navy Federal Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards CardEvery four years
Chart showing Credit Cards that offer the TSA PreCheck Benefit
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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 8,400+ Member Basic Travel Facebook Group!

More Basic Reading

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);

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

Disclosure: Basic Travel Couple, LLC has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Basic Travel Couple, LLC and CardRatings and MileValue may receive a commission from card issuers. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

The comments section below responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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