TSA PreCheck® Renewal: A How-To Guide
4 Min Read | Published: May 8, 2024
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
Discover how TSA PreCheck® accelerates your travels. Explore the simple steps for renewing your membership and enjoy a seamless journey ahead.
At-A-Glance
- TSA PreCheck® can help to expedite your journey, saving you valuable time getting through security at the airport.
- TSA PreCheck renewal can typically be done online or in person at an enrollment center.
- Some American Express Cards offer statement credit for TSA PreCheck.
Frequent travelers understand the benefits of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck®. It can save valuable time getting through security lines at the airport, you’re spared the inconvenience of taking off your shoes, belt, and jacket, and you can even leave the laptop in your bag.1 If you already have it, TSA PreCheck is good for five years. In this article, we’ll explain how you can go about renewing your TSA membership.
When Should You Renew TSA PreCheck?
You may renew your TSA PreCheck membership up to six months before your membership expires. You can find out when that is by going to the TSA website, visiting the Renew page, and entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN). You can look it up on the page if you’ve forgotten that number. You’ll also need to enter your date of birth and legal last name.
The TSA will send you reminders when your PreCheck status is about to expire. If you haven’t received any of these, then you can also attempt to renew on the TSA PreCheck renewal page. If you’re outside the six-month window, they’ll deny your request. They’ll also alert you if your TSA PreCheck has expired.
How to Renew TSA PreCheck
Renewing TSA PreCheck is typically a simple online exercise in most cases. You may also be able to renew in person at an enrolment center. The procedure for those who qualify is as follows:
- Head to the TSA PreCheck website
- Select “Renew Your Membership”
- Enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN), date of birth, and last name
- Update your information (if applicable)
- Pay the fee. This is currently a $70 online or $78 in-person renewal fee (visit the TSA website renew page for the latest information on pricing)
TSA PreCheck versus Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI
It’s important to understand that TSA PreCheck gives travelers expedited screening benefits at domestic airports in the U.S. only. Global Entry, another program the TSA offers, provides expedited customs screening to travelers entering the United States. Global Entry participants receive TSA PreCheck status automatically.
PreCheck and Global Entry are both part of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Trusted Traveler Programs. Other Trusted Traeveler Programs are NEXUS, which offers expedited screening for sea, air, and land travel to and from Canada, and SENTRI, which is for air and land travel throughout North America. They also offer a program called FAST, which is a commercial clearance program for low-risk shipments entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico.
Using Your American Express® Card to Pay for TSA PreCheck Renewal
If you pay for TSA PreCheck renewal with your eligible American Express Card, you may be eligible to receive a statement credit for the application fee. You may receive a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your eligible card. This program is available on American Express Cards, including The Platinum Card®, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card, and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a unique identifier for individuals approved for TSA PreCheck. It must be added in the KTN field when booking airline travel reservations so that the TSA PreCheck indicator will appear on your boarding pass.2
For most members, renewal can be done online. However, in some cases, you may need to renew in person. If this is the case, you’ll receive an on-screen notification when filling out your online application.3
Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits with their membership, but TSA PreCheck does not include Global Entry membership.4
The Takeaway
Don’t wait until the last minute to renew your TSA PreCheck status. You are able to renew within six months of expiration. Renewal is typically straightforward and can be done online or in person at an enrollment center.
1 “How not to be "That Guy" at the airport checkpoint,” Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
2 “What is a Known Traveler Number (KTN)?,” Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
3 “Is it Time to Renew Your TSA Pre✓® Membership?,” Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
4 “Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is better?,” Bankrate
Kevin D. Flynn is a financial services provider, business coach, and financial writer. He lives in Leominster, Massachusetts, with his wife Evelyn, two cats, and ten wonderful grandchildren.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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