Key Highlights
Deciding between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck can streamline your airport experience. Here’s what you need to know about these trusted traveler programs:
- TSA PreCheck offers expedited security screening for domestic flights departing from U.S. airports.
- Global Entry includes all TSA PreCheck benefits plus faster customs screening when you enter the United States.
- The application fee for Global Entry is $100, while TSA PreCheck costs $78-$85 for new applicants.
- Both programs grant you a Known Traveler Number and are valid for five years.
- Your choice depends on whether you travel mostly domestically or internationally.
Understanding Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
Are you tired of long airport lines? Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are two Trusted Traveler Programs from the Department of Homeland Security designed to make your journey smoother. While both programs help you save time, they serve different primary purposes. TSA PreCheck, run by the Transportation Security Administration, focuses on speeding up security screening within the U.S.
In contrast, Global Entry is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and is designed for international travel, expediting your entry into the country. Understanding their core functions is the first step in deciding which of these traveler programs is right for you. We’ll explore the benefits and eligibility requirements of each to help you choose.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a program that provides expedited airport security screening for flights departing from U.S. airports. After a successful background check, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you add to your airline reservations. This gives you access to dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes, which are typically much shorter and faster than standard security lines.
One of the key benefits of TSA PreCheck is the convenience. You won’t need to remove your shoes, belts, or light jackets. Plus, you can leave your laptop and compliant liquids in your carry-on bag. These security screening benefits significantly reduce hassle and stress.
This program helps travelers save time at the airport by streamlining the physical screening process. According to the TSA, most passengers with a TSA PreCheck membership wait less than 10 minutes, making it a valuable tool for frequent domestic travelers looking for a more efficient airport experience.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a comprehensive program that offers all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus expedited customs clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international air travelers returning to the United States. This program is a game-changer if you frequently travel abroad. Instead of waiting in long processing lines, you can use automated kiosks at major airports.
Who should choose Global Entry? If you travel internationally even once or twice a year, the program is worth considering. At the Global Entry kiosk, you simply scan your passport or green card, provide your fingerprints for verification, and complete a customs declaration. This process takes a fraction of the time of the traditional customs line.
The Global Entry program is available to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select other countries. A Global Entry membership is ideal for anyone looking to make their return from international trips as smooth and quick as possible.
Key Differences Between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
The main difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck comes down to their primary function. TSA PreCheck is designed to speed up the airport security screening process for domestic travel departing from U.S. airports. On the other hand, Global Entry streamlines the U.S. customs process for travelers arriving from international destinations.
While Global Entry costs slightly more, it’s important to remember that it includes all TSA PreCheck benefits. This makes it a two-in-one solution for many travelers. Let’s look closer at how their screening processes differ and how their coverage applies to domestic versus international trips.
Screening Processes and Time Savings
Both programs help travelers save significant time, but in different parts of the airport. The primary TSA PreCheck benefits come from a faster security screening experience before you get to your gate. You can expect a much shorter wait and less hassle during the physical screening.
Global Entry members enjoy these same PreCheck perks, but their biggest time-saving advantage comes after landing from an international flight. They bypass the standard customs and immigration lines, which can often take hours during peak times. The entire application process for both programs involves a background check to ensure you are a low-risk traveler.
Here’s how you save time:
- TSA PreCheck: Access to dedicated, faster security lanes.
- TSA PreCheck: No need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids from your bag.
- Global Entry: Use of automated kiosks to bypass long customs lines upon U.S. entry.
- Global Entry: Includes all TSA PreCheck benefits for domestic departures.
Domestic vs. International Travel Coverage
Your travel habits are the biggest factor when choosing between these programs. If your travels are almost exclusively within the United States, TSA PreCheck offers everything you need for quicker airport security on domestic flights. It’s effective and slightly cheaper, making it a very practical choice for domestic flyers.
However, the moment you add international travel to your plans, the value of Global Entry becomes clear. It provides expedited customs processing when you return to the U.S., a benefit TSA PreCheck does not offer. Since Global Entry includes PreCheck, it covers you for both domestic departures and international arrivals.
Are there situations where TSA PreCheck is better than Global Entry? Yes. If you have no plans to travel internationally within the next five years and want the quickest application process, TSA PreCheck is the more straightforward and cost-effective option. The enrollment process is generally faster and has more available appointment locations.
Cost Comparison and Value for Travelers
When deciding between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, the application fee is an important consideration. Global Entry costs more than TSA PreCheck, but is the price difference worth it for your travel experience? For many, the added benefit of expedited customs makes the higher fee a worthwhile investment.
Fortunately, many popular travel credit cards offer a statement credit that covers the application fee for either program. This perk can make the decision even easier, as it may eliminate the cost entirely. Let’s compare the fees and membership durations directly to see which offers better value for you.
Application Fees and Membership Duration
The cost is a key differentiator between the two programs. The application fee for a Global Entry membership is $100. In contrast, a new TSA PreCheck membership costs between $78 and $85, depending on the enrollment provider you choose. Both memberships are valid for five years before you need to renew.
When you break it down, the price difference for the Global Entry application is minimal—only a few dollars per year for the added benefit of expedited customs. If you plan to take even one international trip in the next five years, that extra cost can easily pay for itself in time and convenience.
Here is a simple breakdown of the costs and membership duration for each application program:
| Feature | Global Entry | TSA PreCheck |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $100 | $78-$85 |
| Membership Duration | 5 years | 5 years |
| Includes TSA PreCheck? | Yes | N/A |
Credit Cards and Other Ways to Cover Fees
Did you know you might not have to pay the application fee out of pocket? Many premium travel credit cards offer statement credits that reimburse you for the cost of applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This is a valuable perk that can make either program essentially free.
If your credit card includes this benefit, you simply pay the application fee with that card, and the issuer will credit the amount back to your account. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express are well-known for this feature, often alongside other travel perks like airport lounge access.
Here are some ways to get your fee covered:
- Travel Credit Cards: A wide range of cards offer statement credits for the application fee every four to five years.
- Airline Loyalty Programs: Some frequent flyer programs, like United MileagePlus, allow you to use miles for reimbursement.
- Hotel Loyalty Programs: Programs such as Marriott Bonvoy may offer points redemption options to cover the fee.
Application and Approval Process
The application processes for both programs start with an online application where you’ll provide some personal information. Both require a background check and an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. However, the specifics of the in-person step differ, which can influence your decision. TSA PreCheck has over 600 enrollment locations, making it easier to schedule an appointment.
In contrast, Global Entry has fewer enrollment centers, and securing an interview can sometimes take longer. Approval times also vary, with TSA PreCheck often being much faster. Let’s walk through the steps for each application so you know what to expect.
Steps to Apply for TSA PreCheck
Applying for TSA PreCheck is a relatively straightforward process. The first step is to choose an enrollment provider and complete the online application. This takes only a few minutes and requires you to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
After submitting your online application, you will need to schedule a brief in-person appointment at an enrollment center. This appointment typically takes about 10 minutes and involves verifying your identity, getting fingerprinted, and paying the fee. Once approved, you’ll receive your Known Traveler Number.
Here are the basic steps:
- Apply Online: Choose a provider and fill out the quick application.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book a 10-minute in-person appointment at an enrollment center.
- Attend Your Appointment: Provide fingerprints, show your ID, and pay the fee.
- Get Your KTN: Add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservations to see the TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass.
Steps to Apply for Global Entry
The Global Entry application process is more involved than TSA PreCheck’s. You’ll start by creating a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account and completing the detailed online application. This requires a non-refundable fee and a rigorous background check. You must also have a valid passport.
Once your application is conditionally approved, you must complete an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. A convenient alternative is the Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) program, which allows you to complete your interview when you arrive in the U.S. from an international trip, no appointment needed.
Here is a summary of the application process:
- Apply Online: Create a TTP account and submit your application and fee.
- Receive Conditional Approval: Wait for the background check to be completed.
- Complete an Interview: Schedule an interview at an enrollment center or use Enrollment on Arrival.
- Get Approved: Once you pass the interview, you’ll receive your membership card and KTN.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Needs
Ultimately, choosing between these trusted traveler programs depends entirely on your personal travel habits. Do you primarily take domestic flights, or do you have international travel on the horizon? Your answer will point you toward the best program for your needs and help you improve your overall travel experience.
If you’re a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who travels abroad, Global Entry often makes the most sense. However, if you stick to domestic routes, TSA PreCheck is a fantastic and slightly more accessible option. Let’s explore the ideal scenarios for each program.
Best Scenarios for TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is the perfect choice for certain types of travelers. If you fly frequently within the United States but rarely, if ever, travel internationally, this application program provides all the airport security benefits you need without the extra cost or more complex application of Global Entry.
Additionally, the convenience of the application process itself is a major plus. With significantly more enrollment centers across the country, scheduling your in-person appointment is much easier and quicker. The approval time is also typically shorter, meaning you can start enjoying TSA PreCheck benefits sooner.
TSA PreCheck is your best bet if you:
- Travel almost exclusively on domestic flights.
- Do not have a valid passport or plans to get one soon.
- Want a faster, more convenient application and approval process.
- Prefer a lower upfront application fee.
Who Should Consider Global Entry?
Global Entry is designed for travelers who venture beyond U.S. borders. If you plan on taking even one international trip in the next five years, this program offers tremendous value by expediting your customs clearance upon return. The time saved by skipping long immigration lines alone often justifies the cost.
Because Global Entry includes full TSA PreCheck benefits, you don’t have to choose between expedited security and expedited customs—you get both. This makes it a comprehensive solution for anyone who travels both domestically and internationally. The program is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and citizens of several other partner countries.
You should strongly consider Global Entry if you:
- Travel internationally, even just once a year.
- Want the combined benefits of expedited security and customs.
- Already have a valid passport.
- Can get the application fee covered by a credit card, making it an even better value.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck ultimately depends on your travel habits and needs. Both programs offer unique benefits, whether you’re a frequent international traveler or someone who primarily flies domestically. Understanding the differences in screening processes, costs, and application procedures can help streamline your travel experience, saving you time and hassle at the airport. Consider your travel patterns and preferences carefully to make an informed decision that enhances your journey. If you’re still unsure which program suits you best, feel free to reach out for personalized advice or assistance!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck benefits?
Yes, Global Entry membership automatically includes all TSA PreCheck benefits. When you are approved for Global Entry, your Known Traveler Number works for TSA PreCheck lanes, giving you an expedited security and customs experience. You do not need to apply for both programs separately.
Can I upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry?
No, you cannot directly upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry. The programs are managed by different agencies and have separate application processes. To get Global Entry, you must complete a new online application, pay the full fee, and complete the required Global Entry enrollment interview.
How long does it take to get approved for each program?
Approval times vary. For TSA PreCheck, most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number in 3-5 days, though it can take up to 60 days. The Global Entry application process is much longer and can take 4-6 months or more due to the extensive background check and interview requirement.
What is the main difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?
The main difference is their focus. TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening for domestic flights within the U.S. Global Entry speeds up customs clearance for travelers entering the U.S. from abroad. Crucially, Global Entry includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, making it a more comprehensive program.
Does Global Entry skip TSA lines?
Yes, in a way. Since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, members can use the expedited TSA PreCheck security screening lanes. After adding your Known Traveler Number to your reservation, a TSA PreCheck indicator will appear on your boarding pass, granting you access to these faster lines.