What TSA PreCheck Actually Costs and How to Pay for It

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on which application channel you use

The standard fee for TSA PreCheck is $85 for a five-year membership. Some application centers and third-party vendors charge $78 instead — the difference comes down to who processes your application. You pay once upfront, and the membership covers you for five years from approval, not from the date you pay.

The fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied. You will not get money back if the TSA finds disqualifying information during your background check, so understanding what can disqualify you before you pay matters.

A few specific groups pay nothing: active-duty military members, Reserve and National Guard members, and veterans with a VA disability rating can get TSA PreCheck at no cost through a separate enrollment process. If you are in one of these categories, you do not use the standard application and fee.

Key Takeaways

• The standard TSA PreCheck fee is $85 for five years, though some application centers charge $78 — both are official prices.
• You pay the full fee upfront when you submit your application, and it is non-refundable if you are denied.
• Active-duty military, Reserve, National Guard, and veterans with a VA disability rating do not pay the standard fee and use a separate enrollment path.
• The fee covers only TSA PreCheck; Global Entry and other trusted traveler programs charge separately and have their own membership periods.
• You can renew your membership up to six months before it expires, and the five-year clock restarts from your renewal date.

Where the price difference between $78 and $85 comes from

The TSA sets the maximum fee at $85, but some application centers operate at a lower cost and pass that savings to you. Most TSA PreCheck application centers — which include some airports, some police departments, and some private enrollment centers — charge the full $85. A smaller number charge $78.

The difference is not about quality or speed. Both prices are official. The lower price simply reflects the operating costs at that particular location. When you search for an application center near you on the TSA website, the fee for each location appears in the results, so you can see what you will pay before you book an appointment.

Online application through the TSA's official portal also shows you the fee before you commit. You cannot negotiate or find a discount code — the price you see is the price you pay.

How to pay and what happens after you submit payment

Payment methods vary by application channel. If you apply online through the TSA website, you pay by credit card or debit card before your appointment. If you apply in person at an enrollment center, most accept credit cards, debit cards, and some accept cash or checks — call ahead to confirm what that specific location takes.

After you pay, you receive a receipt and a confirmation number. Keep both. Your application then goes into the TSA's system for background review, which typically takes two to three weeks but can take longer. You will receive an email or letter telling you whether you were approved, denied, or need to provide more information.

If you are approved, you will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email or mail. You add this number to your airline reservations to activate your TSA PreCheck benefits at airport security. The membership is active immediately upon approval, even if your physical card has not arrived yet.

What disqualifies you and costs you the non-refundable fee

The TSA conducts a background check that includes criminal history, immigration status, and certain security-related issues. If the check reveals disqualifying factors, your application will be denied and you will not receive a refund of your fee.

Common reasons for denial include felony convictions, certain drug-related offenses, immigration violations, and outstanding warrants. The TSA also denies applications for people with certain mental health adjudications or those subject to restraining orders. The full list of disqualifying factors is on the TSA website, and you should review it before paying.

If you have questions about your own history — a past arrest, a sealed record, or immigration issues — you can contact the TSA PreCheck customer service line before you apply. They cannot tell you whether you will be approved, but they can clarify whether specific situations typically result in denial.

Military and veteran pricing and enrollment

Active-duty military members, Reserve and National Guard members, and veterans with a VA disability rating do not pay the $85 fee. Instead, they use a separate enrollment process and receive TSA PreCheck at no cost.

Active-duty and Reserve/Guard members enroll through their military branch's personnel office or through the Department of Defense's enrollment system. Veterans with a VA disability rating enroll through the VA's website or by visiting a VA facility. The process is different from the standard civilian application, and you will need military or VA documentation to prove your status.

If you are in one of these groups, do not pay the standard fee through the civilian application. Contact your military branch or the VA first to use the no-cost enrollment path.

Renewing your membership and what renewal costs

TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years from the date you are approved. You can renew starting six months before your membership expires. Renewal costs the same as the initial application — $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment center you choose.

Renewal is faster than the initial application because the TSA already has your background information on file. The process typically takes one to two weeks. You can renew online or in person at an enrollment center, just like the initial application.

If you wait until your membership expires, you lose your TSA PreCheck benefits immediately and will need to reapply as a new member. Renewing before expiration ensures there is no gap in your benefits.

TSA PreCheck versus other trusted traveler programs and their costs

TSA PreCheck is separate from Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and other trusted traveler programs. Each program has its own fee and its own five-year membership period. TSA PreCheck covers U.S. airport security only. Global Entry covers U.S. airport security plus expedited customs and immigration screening when you return to the U.S. from abroad.

Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so if you travel internationally, Global Entry may be the better value even though it costs more upfront. NEXUS (for travel between the U.S. and Canada) costs $120 for five years. SENTRI (for travel between the U.S. and Mexico) costs $122.50 for five years.

Some credit cards offer to reimburse the cost of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or other trusted traveler program fees as a cardholder benefit. Check your card's benefits guide to see if yours does. If it does, you still pay the fee upfront and then submit a receipt for reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if my TSA PreCheck application is denied?

No. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. This is why reviewing the disqualifying factors before you pay is important. If you have concerns about your background, contact TSA customer service before submitting your application.

Do I have to pay the full fee again if I renew?

Yes. Renewal costs the same as the initial application — $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment center. You can renew up to six months before your membership expires to avoid any gap in benefits.

What if I lose my Known Traveler Number or forget it?

You can retrieve your KTN by logging into your TSA PreCheck account on the TSA website or by calling customer service. You do not need to pay again or reapply. Your membership is still active as long as it has not expired.

Does my TSA PreCheck fee cover my spouse or children?

No. Each person needs their own membership and pays their own fee. Children as young as infants can get TSA PreCheck, and the fee is the same regardless of age.

Can I use a credit card rewards or airline miles to pay the TSA PreCheck fee?

You must pay with a credit card, debit card, or cash or check at in-person enrollment centers. You cannot pay with miles, points, or gift cards. However, some credit cards offer a statement credit or reimbursement for the fee as a cardholder benefit.