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The Airport Stress No One Talks About
Getting through airport security with kids can feel like an Olympic sport. Between juggling snacks, backpacks, and emotional meltdowns, the last thing you want is to be stuck in a painfully long TSA line. The good news? There are ways to skip the chaos—and some of them are completely free when you use the right credit card.
We’ve used all three: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR, and they’ve changed how we travel. In this post, I’m breaking down how each one works, which programs are most family-friendly, and how you can get them without paying out of pocket.
If you’re just getting started with points and perks, here’s a list of travel credit cards that have credits for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR: What’s the Difference?
TSA PreCheck has been the biggest time-saver for our family. You keep your shoes on, your laptop and liquids stay in the bag, and you go through a designated lane that just feels calmer. Kids 12 and under can go through with an enrolled parent, so you only need to apply for the adults in your family. The application is quick, followed by a short in-person appointment. It costs $78 for five years—but many credit cards reimburse the fee.
Global Entry is ideal if you’re flying internationally. It includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs when returning to the U.S. You scan your passport at a kiosk and breeze through—no long lines or paperwork. After a long international flight with kids, that’s a big win. You can apply online and finish the process at an enrollment center or via Enrollment on Arrival at select airports. It’s $120 for five years, and again, several cards cover this.
CLEAR is the fastest of the three and uses biometrics (like fingerprints or eye scans) to verify your identity, letting you skip the TSA ID line entirely. It pairs with TSA PreCheck for an even faster experience. At $189/year, it’s the most expensive option—but kids under 18 can use it for free, and there’s no appointment required.
How to Get These Programs Free With the Right Credit Card
Several travel credit cards reimburse you for the full cost of these programs—and you don’t even have to use the credit for yourself. You can use one card to pay for your partner’s fee, and another for your own. It’s one of the easiest ways to stack travel perks as a family.
Here’s the list of cards that cover the cost—and yes, a few of them offer other helpful travel benefits too.
If you’re also earning points through online purchases, don’t miss my guide to Rakuten vs. Capital One Shopping portals—a super easy way to boost your points balance while booking travel or buying travel gear.
More Travel Tips for Families
Planning a trip soon? These posts might help:
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If you’re ready to start earning points for your next vacation, this beginner’s guide is the best place to start.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
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3 Ways to Skip Airport Security: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR (And How to Get Them for Free!)