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When delving into the world of travel points and credit cards, it’s easy to make assumptions about their benefits. A common misconception among consumers is that a credit card offering a Global Entry (GE) benefit will also include the standalone TSA PreCheck benefit. However, this is not the case with the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card.
Global Entry Vs. TSA PreCheck
It is important to understand the differences between the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.
- Global Entry (GE) focuses primarily on international travelers. It allows expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers from international destinations upon arrival in the U.S.
- An approved Global Entry application also includes a complimentary TSA PreCheck.
- TSA PreCheck focuses on domestic travel within the U.S. It allows expedited security screening travelers at major U.S. airports.
- TSA PreCheck has a standalone application process that is a lot easier than the Global Entry application process.
- Global Entry costs $120, and TSA PreCheck costs between $79 and $85, depending on the enrollment provider.
The Ritz-Carlton Card’s Global Entry Benefit Terms
Global Entry Application Fee Statement Credit
Apply for global entry, a U.S. customs and border protection program, using your Ritz-Carlton Credit Card to pay your application fee (currently $120) and receive a $120 statement credit. If approved, you will also be eligible to receive TSA precheck privileges at no additional cost.
You must use the U.S.-issued Visa Infinite card to complete the Global Entry application and pay a $120 application fee with your Chase Visa Infinite card.
The Ritz-Carlton Card Does Not Have Standalone TSA PreCheck Credit Benefit
As you can see from the terms mentioned above,
- The Ritz-Carlton credit card only offers Global Entry credit.
- The Ritz-Carlton card is a Visa Infinite card that offers the benefit.
Therefore, the Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite card does not cover the standalone TSA PreCheck. In other words, if you apply for the TSA PreCheck and pay the application fee with a Ritz-Carlton card, you will not receive the statement credit.
Why Not Just Apply for Global Entry that Includes TSA PreCheck?
It is a great question.
For frequent international travelers, obtaining Global Entry (GE) is a no-brainer. It not only expedites the customs process upon returning to the U.S. but also includes TSA PreCheck, which speeds up domestic travel security. However, if your travels are primarily domestic, you might question whether Global Entry is worth it by considering the following:
- More Steps for Approval: Global Entry requires answering a series of questions and scheduling and attending an interview with an officer, which can be time-consuming.
- More Extensive Background Checks: Global Entry has a more comprehensive background check than TSA PreCheck, which may disqualify some individuals from applying for Global Entry.
- Higher Costs: Global Entry typically costs more than TSA PreCheck, although the Ritz-Carlton card does cover the Global Entry fee.
Therefore, depending on individual circumstances, the Global Entry process may be unnecessarily lengthy compared to the quicker TSA PreCheck.
Possible Ritz-Carlton Card’s Travel Credit for TSA PreCheck Application Fee
If you mistakenly use your Ritz-Carlton card for a standalone TSA PreCheck application, a friendly Chase representative may apply the Ritz card’s travel credit towards that purchase as a one-time courtesy. However, this is dependent on the representative you speak with. The agent can manually apply your annual $300 travel credit benefit towards that purchase, but your mileage may vary.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ritz-Carlton rewards credit card does not offer a standalone TSA PreCheck credit benefit; it only covers the cost of Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck.
However, if you make an honest mistake by paying for the standalone TSA PreCheck application fee with the Ritz card, you can ask a Chase representative to apply your $300 annual travel credit to that charge, though it’s up to the representative’s discretion.
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