Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID: Is It Free With Your Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
.webp)
TSA PreCheck has long been the traveler's secret weapon for breezing through airports, and now its new Touchless ID feature is making the experience even faster. Better yet, several credit cards will pay for your enrollment entirely.
Here's everything you need to know.
What Is TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is a biometric identity verification option that allows enrolled PreCheck members to move through the dedicated lane without physically presenting their boarding pass or ID at the checkpoint. Instead, a camera verifies your identity using facial recognition matched to your TSA PreCheck profile.
How it works:
- You enroll in TSA PreCheck as usual (see below)
- At participating airports, opt in to Touchless ID when you arrive at the PreCheck lane
- A camera scans your face and matches it to your government ID on file
- If verified, you're cleared — no fumbling for your phone or boarding pass
It's fully optional. You can always use your traditional boarding pass and ID if you prefer.
Which Airports Have Touchless ID?
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is currently available at a growing number of major U.S. airports. The program is expanding throughout 2026, so check the TSA website for the most current list of participating locations before your trip.
How to Enroll in TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck membership costs $78 for 5 years (renewed at $70). Here's the enrollment process:
- Apply online at tsa.gov/precheck — fill out the application and pay the fee
- Schedule an in-person appointment at one of 600+ enrollment centers nationwide (many are located inside airports or at UPS stores)
- Complete your appointment — bring a valid government ID and proof of citizenship; the appointment takes about 10 minutes
- Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — add it to your airline profiles so it appears on your boarding passes
- Look for the TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass (the flying airplane logo) and use the dedicated lane
Approval typically takes 3–5 business days after your appointment.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR Plus: What's the Difference?
The smart play: If you travel internationally even once or twice a year, Global Entry is the better value — it includes TSA PreCheck automatically and costs only $22 more over five years.
CLEAR Plus works differently from PreCheck — it verifies your identity using fingerprints or iris scans so you can skip to the front of the ID check line, but you still go through standard or PreCheck screening afterward. Many frequent flyers use both CLEAR and PreCheck together for maximum speed.
Which Credit Cards Cover TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
This is where it gets really good. Several premium travel credit cards reimburse the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry entirely — effectively making these programs free if you carry the right card.
American Express Platinum Card® (See Rates & Fees) — Best for Luxury Travelers
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Serious Points on Flights"} ]]
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. Eligibility and Benefit level vary by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® — Best for Travel and Dining Rewards
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "High-Value Perks"} ]]
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Best for Travel Perks
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2888", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Luxurious Travel Benefits" } ]]
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — Best for Beginner Travelers
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "High Travel Rewards" } ]]
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (See Rates & Fees) — Best for Delta Loyalists
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "789", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Convenient Travels"} ]]
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. Eligibility and Benefit level vary by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Capital One Venture X Business — Best for Business Travelers
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3444", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Top Business Travel Card" } ]]
How to Use Your Credit Card Reimbursement
Most cards reimburse automatically as a statement credit when you pay the enrollment fee with your card. A few tips:
- Pay with the card that has the benefit — the reimbursement won't apply retroactively to a different card
- Global Entry covers PreCheck — if your card offers a $100 credit and Global Entry costs $100, go with Global Entry since it includes PreCheck automatically
- Add your KTN to all your airline profiles — Delta, United, American, Southwest — so the PreCheck indicator shows up consistently on your boarding passes
Stack Your Travel Savings with Kudos
Once you've chosen the right card for your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry reimbursement, make sure you're also maximizing every other dollar you spend on travel. Kudos is a free smart wallet that automatically recommends the best credit card to use at checkout across 15,000+ merchants — so whether you're booking flights, hotels, or rental cars, you're always earning the most rewards possible.
Think of it this way: the right card gets you through security faster. Kudos makes sure that card is working as hard as possible every time you use it.
Bottom Line
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is one of the best quality-of-life upgrades available to frequent travelers — and with the right credit card, enrollment is effectively free. If you travel internationally, spring for Global Entry (it includes PreCheck). If you want the ultimate airport experience, pair it with CLEAR Plus and a card like the Amex Platinum that covers all three.
The security line doesn't have to be where your trip gets derailed. A few smart moves upfront, and you'll be at the gate while everyone else is still untying their shoes.
Unlock your extra benefits when you become a Kudos member
Turn your online shopping into even more rewards
Join over 400,000 members simplifying their finances
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
.webp)
