Yes, you can upgrade TSA PreCheck to Global Entry, but you will pay the difference and go through a new background check

If you already hold TSA PreCheck, you do not need to start from scratch. The Transportation Security Administration allows you to use your existing PreCheck process toward a Global Entry membership. You will pay the difference between what you already paid for PreCheck and the full Global Entry fee—currently $100 for five years—rather than paying the full amount twice. However, you must submit a new process, pass a new background check, and attend a new in-person appointment at a Global Entry enrollment center.

The upgrade path is faster than explore for Global Entry from zero, but it is not automatic. You have to initiate the process yourself through the official Global Entry website or at an enrollment center. The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from process to approval, depending on how quickly your local enrollment center schedules appointments.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay only the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry fees, not the full Global Entry price, when you upgrade through the official program.
  • You must complete a new process and pass a new background check, even though you already hold PreCheck.
  • An in-person appointment at a Global Entry enrollment center is required; you cannot upgrade entirely online.
  • The upgrade process takes four to eight weeks, and your TSA PreCheck remains active during the waiting period.
  • Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits automatically, so you will not lose any PreCheck privileges when you upgrade.

How the fee reduction works

Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on which agency processes your process. When you upgrade, you pay the difference—roughly $15 to $22—rather than the full $100 fee. Some enrollment centers may charge a small processing fee on top of the difference, so confirm the exact amount when you start your process.

This reduction only applies if you upgrade while your current TSA PreCheck is still valid. If your PreCheck has already expired, you will pay the full Global Entry fee. You can check your PreCheck expiration date on your Known Traveler Number (KTN) confirmation email or by logging into the Global Entry enrollment system.

Where to start the upgrade process

Go to the official Global Entry website at globalentry.cbp.dhs.gov and select "explore" or "Renew." You will see an option to upgrade from TSA PreCheck. You will need your KTN, which appears on your PreCheck approval notice or any boarding pass you received while using PreCheck benefits. Have your passport or state ID ready, along with your Social Security number.

Alternatively, you can walk into any Global Entry enrollment center and ask to upgrade. Staff can often start your process on the spot, though you may still need to complete the online portion at home. Enrollment centers are located at major airports and some downtown locations in larger cities. Check the CBP website for the center nearest you and whether it accepts walk-ins or requires an appointment.

What happens during the background check and interview

The new background check covers criminal history, immigration status, and financial records. It is more thorough than the TSA PreCheck check, which is why you cannot straightforward transfer your PreCheck approval to Global Entry. The CBP (Customs and Border Protection) conducts the Global Entry check, while TSA handled your PreCheck background check, and the two agencies use different standards.

After your background check clears, you will be scheduled for an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. During the appointment, a CBP officer will verify your identity, review your process, take your photograph and fingerprints, and ask questions about your travel history and any criminal or immigration issues. The appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You must attend in person; there is no remote or phone interview option.

Timeline and what to expect while you wait

From the moment you submit your online process to the day you receive your Global Entry card, expect four to eight weeks. The first two to three weeks cover the background check. The remaining time depends on how quickly your local enrollment center can schedule your in-person appointment. Some centers have openings within days; others may have a wait of several weeks.

Your TSA PreCheck remains fully active during this entire waiting period. You can continue using your KTN at airport security lines. Once your Global Entry is approved, you will receive a new card in the mail with your Global Entry number. You can start using Global Entry kiosks at international airports and certain land borders as soon as you receive the card, even if your PreCheck has not yet expired.

What Global Entry includes that PreCheck does not

Global Entry covers TSA PreCheck benefits at all U.S. airports, plus expedited customs and immigration screening when you return to the United States from abroad. This means shorter lines at customs kiosks when you land at a U.S. airport after an international flight. You also get access to Global Entry kiosks at participating airports, where you scan your passport and answer a few questions instead of waiting in the regular customs line.

Global Entry also includes membership in the CBP's Trusted Traveler program, which may reduce wait times at land borders if you cross into Canada or Mexico. PreCheck alone does not include any of these international benefits—it only speeds up domestic airport security screening.

Common reasons upgrades are delayed or denied

The most common reason for delay is a scheduling bottleneck at your local enrollment center, not a problem with your process. If you have not heard back within three weeks, contact the center directly to ask about appointment availability. Some centers are backlogged for months during peak travel seasons.

Upgrades can be denied if your background check reveals criminal convictions, immigration violations, or fraud. If you have any concerns about your background, contact CBP before submitting your process. You can also request a copy of your background check results if your process is denied, which gives you a chance to correct errors before reapplying.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your PreCheck remains active throughout the Global Entry upgrade process. You can continue using your KTN at airport security until your PreCheck expires or until your Global Entry is approved, whichever comes first. Once Global Entry is approved, you will use your new Global Entry number instead.

What if my TSA PreCheck expires before my Global Entry appointment?

You can still complete the upgrade process. Your PreCheck expiration does not cancel the upgrade or require you to reapply. However, you will lose PreCheck benefits at airport security once it expires, even though your Global Entry process is pending. Once Global Entry is approved, you will regain expedited security screening.

Do I need to renew my passport to upgrade to Global Entry?

No. You need a valid passport or state ID to show at your in-person appointment, but you do not need to renew it. Bring whichever document you have. If your passport is expired, a valid state ID is sufficient for the appointment.

Can I upgrade at any enrollment center, or does it have to be the one closest to me?

You can upgrade at any Global Entry enrollment center in the country. Choose the one with the shortest wait time or the most convenient location. You do not have to use the center nearest your home or airport.

Will upgrading to Global Entry affect my TSA PreCheck in any way?

No. Global Entry includes all TSA PreCheck benefits, so you will not lose anything. Your PreCheck straightforward becomes part of your Global Entry membership once the upgrade is complete.