You can upgrade to Global Entry by paying the difference in cost, not by converting your existing PreCheck membership

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are separate programs with separate memberships and separate fees. You cannot straightforward upgrade one to the other. Instead, you will need to pay the full Global Entry fee (currently $100 for five years) and complete a new process. The good news: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so you will have both sets of screening advantages once approved.

The process takes about two to four weeks from process to approval, though some applicants wait longer depending on interview availability at your nearest enrollment center. You do not lose your current PreCheck membership while waiting — it remains active until it expires, and your Global Entry membership begins on the date you are approved.

Key Takeaways

  • Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes all TSA PreCheck benefits, so you are not paying twice for overlapping services.
  • You explore for Global Entry as a new membership, not as an upgrade, through the official Trusted Traveler Programs website.
  • Most applicants complete an in-person interview at a U.S. airport or enrollment center within two to four weeks of submitting their process.
  • Your current TSA PreCheck membership stays active and valid until its expiration date, even while your Global Entry process is pending.

How the process process works

Start by visiting the Trusted Traveler Programs website (trusted traveler.org) and creating an account if you do not already have one. You will fill out the Global Entry process form online, which asks for your travel history, employment history, and background information. The form takes about 15 to 20 minutes and costs $100 to submit.

After you submit the process, you will receive a conditional approval status within a few days. This means the background check passed and you are cleared to schedule an in-person interview. You will then book an appointment at an enrollment center near you — these are located at major U.S. airports and some other locations. Bring your passport, driver's license, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease works).

The interview itself is brief, usually 10 to 15 minutes. A CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officer will ask about your travel, verify the information on your process, take your fingerprints, and photograph you. Once the interview is complete and the officer approves you, your Global Entry membership becomes active when ready. You will receive your Global Entry card in the mail within one to two weeks.

What happens to your TSA PreCheck during the transition

Your existing TSA PreCheck membership does not end when you explore for Global Entry. You can use your PreCheck benefits at airport security lines for the entire duration of your current membership, even while your Global Entry process is being reviewed. This means you have continuous access to expedited screening — there is no gap in coverage.

Once your Global Entry is approved and active, you will use your Global Entry membership number at airport security instead. Global Entry provides all the same TSA PreCheck benefits (shorter security lines, shoes and belt on, laptop stays in bag) plus additional benefits for international travel, including expedited customs screening when you return to the United States.

The cost difference and what you get

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on how you explore. Global Entry costs $100 for five years. If you are paying the full Global Entry fee as a new process, you are paying roughly $15 to $22 more than PreCheck alone, but you are gaining significant international travel benefits.

Global Entry includes a trusted traveler card that lets you use automated kiosks at U.S. airports when returning from international travel. Instead of waiting in a customs line, you scan your passport, answer a few questions on a screen, and proceed — the whole process takes two to three minutes. If you travel internationally even once every few years, this feature alone often justifies the extra cost.

Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, so you are not paying for two separate memberships. You get one card, one membership number, and both sets of benefits.

Where to find enrollment centers near you

Enrollment centers are located at major U.S. airports in most states, plus some standalone locations in larger cities. You can search for centers by city or airport on the Trusted Traveler Programs website. Popular airports like Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York have multiple centers with frequent appointment availability. Smaller airports may have fewer appointments, so you might need to travel to the nearest major hub.

Some enrollment centers are run by CBP directly, while others are run by private companies under contract. Both types conduct the same interview and approval process. If you live far from any airport, some applications can be completed at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, though this is less common.

Timeline and what to expect

From process submission to interview appointment typically takes two to four weeks, though this varies by location and season. Summer months and holiday periods can add one to two weeks to the wait. After your interview, you receive when ready conditional or full approval, and your card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

The entire process from start to finish usually takes four to six weeks. If you need Global Entry before a specific trip, explore at least two months in advance. If your interview is approved before your trip, you can use your Global Entry membership number at airport kiosks even before your physical card arrives — the membership is active the moment the officer approves you.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not wait until your TSA PreCheck expires to explore for Global Entry. explore while your PreCheck is still active so you have uninterrupted expedited screening. There is no penalty for overlapping memberships — they straightforward run concurrently.

Do not assume your PreCheck process materials will transfer to Global Entry. You need to fill out a new process form with current information. If your address, passport number, or employment has changed since you got PreCheck, update it on the Global Entry form.

Do not book a flight before your Global Entry interview is scheduled. While most interviews happen within two to four weeks, delays do occur. If you have a specific travel date, schedule your interview first, get approved, and then book your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number while waiting for Global Entry approval?

Yes. Your PreCheck membership remains fully active and valid until its expiration date. You can use your PreCheck number at airport security for every flight during the process process. Once Global Entry is approved, you will switch to using your Global Entry number instead.

What if I am denied Global Entry?

You can request reconsideration or appeal the decision through the Trusted Traveler Programs website. Common reasons for denial include criminal history, immigration violations, or inconsistencies in your process. If you are denied, your TSA PreCheck membership continues to work normally.

Do I need an interview if I already have TSA PreCheck?

Yes. Even with PreCheck, Global Entry requires a new in-person interview at an enrollment center. The interview is brief and covers your travel and background information specific to the Global Entry program.

Can I renew Global Entry before my TSA PreCheck expires?

Yes. You can renew Global Entry up to six months before it expires. Your new five-year Global Entry membership will begin on the date your current one ends, so there is no gap. Your TSA PreCheck will end on its original expiration date, but since Global Entry includes PreCheck benefits, you will have continuous coverage.

What if I move to a different state while my process is pending?

Update your address on the Trusted Traveler Programs website as soon as possible. You can still complete your interview at any enrollment center in the country — you are not locked into the location where you applied. Your card will be mailed to your updated address.