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TSA PreCheck is free for US military servicemembers with their DOD ID number or Common Access Card (CAC). Military spouses do not automatically get TSA PreCheck benefits.
Military spouses and dependents can get TSA PreCheck through premium credit cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card or American Express Platinum Card®.
You can skip the regular airport security line and use the TSA Pre✓ lines like in the image below.
The Transportation Security Agency offers PreCheck to trusted travelers that sign up for the program and to US military personnel. These travelers are considered low risk and can enter the secure area with less intense screening.
PreCheck is included in the separate Global Entry program. Global Entry allows expedited immigration screening when you enter the US from a foreign country. This program can also save lots of time
In this post:
How To Get TSA PreCheck with a DOD ID or CAC
When you purchase your airline ticket, ensure you enter your DOD ID into the “Known Traveler Number” when you check out.
TSA PreCheck Military Spouse
If you are a military spouse, you have to sign up for TSA PreCheck and get a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
Military spouses and military dependents do not get TSA PreCheck for free since they do not have CAC IDs with a DOD ID number.
I recommend military spouses purchase Global Entry with one of the premium travel cards that offer Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and is great if you live or travel overseas.
Credit Cards That Provide TSA PreCheck Fee Credit for Military Spouses
- American Express Platinum Card®
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
When you return to the US, you can expedite your trip through US Customs and Immigration with Global Entry.
Many travel cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer TSA PreCheck credit or Global Entry credit as part of their member benefits.
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, and since as a military servicemember you already get free TSA PreCheck, it makes sense to sign up for Global Entry if you have one of these elite travel credit cards.
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Learn how to apply on our partner's secure site
- $795 annual fee adjusted with Chase policy
- bonus_miles_full
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠ including The Edit℠
- 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct
- 3x points on dining worldwide
- 1x points on all other purchases
- Get a $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Live the lounge life at over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests.
- Up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years which saves you a ton of time
- Up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 – a value of $288 annually
- Member FDIC
- Learn more in the Chase Sapphire Reserve review
TSA PreCheck Benefits
TSA PreCheck makes the hassle of airport security much easier to deal with. Benefits include:
- Expedited screening: 95% of TSA PreCheck customers were through security in less than 5 minutes
- Keep your shoes, belt, and light jackets on
- Leave your laptop and toiletries in your carry on bag
- Other electronics can remain in your bag
TSA PreCheck for Retired Military And Veterans
Military retirees and veterans are not eligible for free TSA PreCheck. However, if you have any of the premium travel rewards cards listed above, you can get an TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee waiver on most of the cards. That allows you to have free TSA PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck Frequently Asked Questions
US military servicemembers with a Common Access Card qualify for free TSA PreCheck. Military dependents need to sign up for PreCheck. I recommend using a military credit card such as the Amex Platinum Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve to sign up for Global Entry, which includes PreCheck. You must be a lawful permanent resident (LPR or “green card” holder), US citizen, or US national to apply for PreCheck.
PreCheck is free for US military servicemembers. Just use your DOD ID number from the back of your CAC as your “known travel” number. You can also use credit cards that include TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit as a benefit.
TSA PreCheck is 100% worth it, even if you only fly once every 5 years! It can save you hours of time. How much do you value your time at? If you value your time more than $40 per hour, you need to get PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck normally costs $85 for a 5 year members. Global Entry is only an additional $15 for $100 total. US military servicemembers get PreCheck for free.
Yes! TSA PreCheck is free for US military with a CAC and DOD ID. Enter the DOD ID number from the back of your CAC into the “Known Traveler Number” when you purchase your ticket and you can go through TSA PreCheck. It's much faster and convienent.
Yes, the US military ID or Common Access Card (CAC) is a “Real ID” and is eligible for flying.
my son is flying home from ak. and has lost his id military card can he still receive his military benifits.
Yes, you’re not required to show military ID, just add the ID number to the Known Traveler Number on the booking. He can use a different form of ID or even travel without ID.
I absoluely agree that disabled Veterans should be allowed to have TSA Precheck fees waived. They have served their country when others refused to do so and still refuse. They went to serve their country and came home a lesser person then when they went i.e. PTSD, amputations, loss of bodily functions etc. Give them a break!
Gold Star widows do they get TSA precheck
I do not believe so.
Clear is only a little more and they get thru way faster. And precheck is seeing a reduction in lines and an increase in time almost back to regular line time. Wondering if they are pushing clear!
And vets should get discount and disabled vets should be free.