TSA PreCheck helps to expedite your journey through airport security. With lines often snaking around the airport, having it can make a big difference.
Membership in the program is valid for five years, and renewing it online is recommended about six months before expiration. There is no penalty to starting early since the new membership period begins as soon as the previous one ends, meaning you won’t be overlapping membership periods.
Here’s what you need to know about TSA PreCheck renewal, so you can extend your membership for another five years.
How much is TSA PreCheck renewal?
TSA PreCheck renewal is easier (and cheaper) than before since it can be done online and the membership fee has dropped from $85 to $70 for online applications. TSA says that most people renew online anyway, but if you choose to do it in person, the $85 price remains.
Even if you don’t have one of these travel rewards cards, someone you know just might. Since the cardholder can pay for someone else’s application — and receive a credit for the fee — it may be worth finding a family member who is not using their credit (perhaps someone who does not travel much or has already used the perk from another card they have) to cover yours.
🤓Nerdy Tip
It might make more sense for frequent international travelers to apply for Global Entry, which costs $100 for five years, because it automatically includes TSA PreCheck. Applying for TSA PreCheck first and then Global entry would be more time-consuming.
How to renew TSA PreCheck?
After completing the renewal form, you’ll need to pay the online fee, so be sure to use one of the credit cards mentioned above if possible. Some travelers may have to supply additional biometric information (like fingerprints) similar to what you did when you first applied. This will require visiting a TSA PreCheck application facility, which are located at major airports as well as other locations.
The time it takes to receive confirmation can vary, taking from a few days to a few months. The good news is that most people are approved within a week. To check your approval status, you will need to visit the Universal Enroll website and select “Check my service status.”
What if I have Global Entry?
If you received TSA PreCheck through Global Entry (which costs $100 but is also covered by many credit cards), your TSA PreCheck renewal will automatically happen if re-approved for Global Entry. When you renew Global Entry through the Trusted Traveler Program website (you’ll need to log in), you can follow the steps to have both renewed at the same time. And thankfully, Global Entry members now have a 24-month grace period for renewal.
If you applied only for TSA PreCheck and do not have (or need) Global Entry, you will only need to complete the above process to renew TSA PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck renewal is easy
The process to renew TSA PreCheck is not hard, and if approved, it will be good for another five years. Depending on the credit cards you carry, it might also be free.
Frequent flyers know that having expedited security can improve the travel experience and get you to the gate — or even better, the lounge — faster than other travelers.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2022, including those best for:
This post was originally published on Nerd Wallet
