TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are trusted traveler programs under the Department of Homeland Security and can help make your travel days more enjoyable. They’re similar programs, but have some key differences that can help you decide which one is right for you and your adventures.
TSA PreCheck offers expedited security screening benefits for domestic flights departing from U.S. airports, allowing travelers to keep their shoes, belts, and laptops on at over 200 U.S. airports and with more than 90 participating airlines.
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, plus expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers entering the United States. Global Entry costs $100 for five years, while first-time enrollment to TSA PreCheck costs $78-$85 for five years.
Also, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so if you have Global Entry, you can use dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for any domestic flights. Both programs require an application with fee, background check, and interview.
Not sure which is best for you? Here’s what to consider.
Key Takeaways
- TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are trusted traveler programs that offer expedited security screening and other benefits.
- TSA PreCheck is primarily for domestic travel, while Global Entry includes expedited customs clearance for international travel.
- Both programs require an application, background check, and fee payment.
- TSA PreCheck costs $78-85 for a 5-year membership, while Global Entry costs $100 for a 5-year membership.
- Choosing between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry depends on personal factors such as travel frequency, international travel, and budget.
What is TSA PreCheck?
Run by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, TSA PreCheck speeds up security screenings for domestic flights departing from major U.S. airports.
Benefits
TSA PreCheck is popular for its efficiency and convenience. With it, you won’t need to remove your shoes, belt, or jacket when you go through security. Additionally, you can keep your liquids and laptop in your bag. If you have children 17 and under, they can join you in the dedicated lanes when traveling on the same reservation and when TSA PreCheck appears on the child’s boarding pass.
Overall, the expedited screening process gets you to your gate faster and with fewer surprises. According to the TSA, most enrolled passengers get through security in about 10 minutes.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
To be eligible for TSA PreCheck, you need to be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. lawful permanent resident. Citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI can also participate in TSA PreCheck. You’ll also need to pass a background check and have no travel-related violations.
To apply, you need to fill out a form online, then go to a 10-minute appointment at an enrollment center. At the in-person visit, they’ll collect your biometric data (fingerprints, photo), verify your identity, do a background check and collect payment.
Once approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Add this number to your airline reservations to get “TSA PreCheck” displayed on your boarding pass, granting you access to the designated lines (in most airports) for TSA PreCheck passengers. You will manually add your KTN when booking online via a participating airline website.
Some airlines, such as Southwest and American Airlines, allow you to add your KTN to your profile so that it automatically applies to your reservations.
Cost and Duration
Enrollment in PreCheck lasts five years. TSA works with two enrollment partners for PreCheck—Idemia and Telos. First-time enrollment with Idemia is $78, or $85 with Telos. Online renewal is $70 through either provider.
Tip
If you have a credit card with premium travel benefits, they may provide a statement credit for the application fees of either program.
What is Global Entry?
Run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection under Homeland Security, the Global Entry program is more comprehensive, providing additional benefits for preapproved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States.
Benefits
Global Entry offers all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus expedited entry for international travelers. When returning to the U.S. from travel abroad, you get to skip the lines and paperwork at more than 75 airports. Just scan your passport at the Global Entry kiosks, have your photo taken, and you’re done. Global Entry also includes expedited customs screening for international air travelers when entering the U.S.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Global Entry is available to U.S. lawful permanent residents and select foreign nationals. The application process is very similar to TSA PreCheck: You need to complete an online application, pay a fee, and submit biometric information in-person for a background check.
Unlike PreCheck, the in-person interviews for Global Entry take place almost exclusively at airports, with fewer available locations and appointments.
As with PreCheck, you’ll get a known traveler number once approved, which you can add to airline reservations. You’ll also get a plastic ID card for Global Entry.
Cost and Duration
Global Entry costs $100 for five years. Some premium travel credit card issuers, such as Capital One and Chase, offer statement credits for the application cost of Global Entry or PreCheck as benefits on select cards.
Key Differences
TSA PreCheck is slightly cheaper and easier to get than Global Entry. However, Global Entry offers more comprehensive benefits on both domestic flights as well as international flights to the U.S. Both offer faster security screening and a smoother airport experience.
| Differences Between PreCheck and Global Entry | ||
|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | |
| Benefits | -Expedited physical security screenings at over 200 major U.S. airports -Keep your belt and shoes on -Keep liquids and laptops in your bag. -Application fees covered by certain credit cards | -Includes TSA PreCheck, plus expedited customs screening for entry to the U.S. -Use electronic kiosks for reduced wait times -No paperwork to fill out upon entry -Application fees covered by certain credit cards |
| Cost | Starting at $78 for five years, $70 to renew | $100 for five years |
| Application process | Application, background check, and interview at 500+ enrollment centers | Application, background check, and interview at 116 enrollment centers |
Which Program is Right for You?
In general, Global Entry makes more sense if you travel internationally, whereas TSA PreCheck is ideal for domestic travel. You don’t need to get TSA PreCheck if you already have Global Entry, since it’s included. So, if you already have a passport and you can afford the application fee, Global Entry makes sense.
On the other hand, if you only travel domestically, just getting TSA PreCheck might be easier since the processing time is much shorter than for Global Entry. TSA recommends enrolling in Global Entry if you travel internationally four or more times a year.
Also keep in mind, Global Entry only gives you expedited entry into the U.S. So, there’s no benefit if you travel from France to Nigeria, or from Colombia to Peru, for example.
Tip
Not sure which one is right for you? Use this calculator at the bottom of this webpage to choose a program based on your travel needs.
How to Apply to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Here are the steps to apply for Global Entry:
1. Apply online: Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account and pay a $100 non-refundable fee.
2. Enroll: Once you receive conditional approval, you have the option to complete your interview upon arrival into the United States at an Enrollment on Arrival location. Or, schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
Warning
The application processing time for Global Entry is currently 4-6 months, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Customs Border Protection recommends passengers who are flying internationally into the U.S. to complete Global Entry enrollment at an Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) location as an alternative to scheduling an interview at an Enrollment Center.
3. Membership: Once you’ve completed the enrollment interview, your Global Entry membership lasts five years.
Here are the steps to apply for TSA PreCheck:
1. Apply Online: Choose your enrollment provider and location near you, and then fill out the online application.
2. In-person enrollment appointment: Attend a 10-minute visit at your chosen provider that includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
3. Enjoy TSA PreCheck: Once approved, your membership lasts for five years. Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline reservations to make sure you’ll be able to use PreCheck at the airport.
For TSA PreCheck, you can use a valid passport, an unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), permanent resident or “Green Card”, and other acceptable documents. For Global Entry, you must bring a valid passport to the interview.
Can I Use TSA PreCheck For International Travel?
You can use TSA PreCheck for domestic flights departing from U.S. airports,including when you depart from a U.S. airport to a foreign country and for domestic connecting flights after you return to the United States. Be sure it’s on your boarding pass when you check in and have your KTN with you if necessary.
How Long Does It Take To Get Approved For TSA PreCheck Or Global Entry?
For TSA PreCheck, most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3-5 days, although some applications can take up to 60 days. Global Entry processing times can be longer, with the application process taking up to 6 months.
Can I Apply For Both TSA PreCheck And Global Entry?
You can, but if you’re going to want both, you might as well just apply for Global entry, since it includes TSA PreCheck. If you have domestic travel coming up soon and you don’t want to wait, get PreCheck. Just be aware that you’ll still have to go through a second process and pay more if you later purchase Global Entry.
How Can I Get Global Entry Or TSA PreCheck For Free?
- Military Members and DoD Civilians can use TSA PreCheck program’s priority pass for free for themselves and accompanying children 18 and under.
- More than 30 credit cards including Southwest Rapid Rewards business credit card, Capital One Venture cards, and the Citi Prestige Card offer a statement credit towards the TSA PreCheck application or renewal fee.
- When applying for TSA PreCheck through IDEMIA, you can get reimbursem*nts through hotel and airline loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, Southwest Airlines More Rewards, and United Mileage Plus.
- Many of these programs will reimburse you for either PreCheck or Global Entry, check with your provider.
The Bottom Line
At just $22 more for the same perks and more, Global Entry is a comprehensive choice for travelers who want to streamline the airport experience. If you travel both domestically and internationally, it’s likely worth the extra cost and time to get Global Entry since it already includes the benefits of TSA PreCheck. Regardless of which program you choose, planning ahead is key to take advantage of these trusted traveler programs.
