Global Entry covers TSA PreCheck, but not the other way around

Yes, you can use Global Entry for TSA PreCheck screening at U.S. airports. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck as part of its benefits, so when you enroll in Global Entry, you automatically get TSA PreCheck access. However, the reverse is not true — TSA PreCheck does not include Global Entry. If you hold only TSA PreCheck, you cannot use Global Entry lanes at U.S. airports or the expedited customs screening that Global Entry provides when you return to the country.

The key difference is scope. TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening when you depart the United States. Global Entry does everything TSA PreCheck does, plus it expedites customs and immigration screening when you return to the U.S. from international travel. If you travel internationally even occasionally, Global Entry is the better value because you get both benefits in one membership.

Key Takeaways

  • Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck benefits at all U.S. airports.
  • TSA PreCheck does not include Global Entry, so you cannot use Global Entry lanes or customs benefits with PreCheck alone.
  • Global Entry costs more than TSA PreCheck but covers both domestic security screening and international customs processing.
  • You enroll in one program or the other — you do not need both memberships.
  • Global Entry membership lasts five years and requires an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center.

What Global Entry includes beyond TSA PreCheck

When you enroll in Global Entry, you receive a membership card and a Known Traveler Number (KTN). At U.S. airports, you use your KTN exactly as you would with TSA PreCheck — you enter it when you book your flight, and you access the expedited security lane. You keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and you leave your laptop and liquids in your bag.

The additional benefit kicks in when you return to the United States from abroad. Instead of waiting in the standard customs line with all other passengers, you walk to a Global Entry kiosk, scan your passport, answer a few questions on a touchscreen, and proceed directly to baggage claim. For frequent international travelers, this alone can save 30 minutes to an hour per return trip. You also get access to Mobile Passport Control, an app that lets you clear customs using your phone at certain airports.

Global Entry also covers expedited processing through the Trusted Traveler programs in Canada and Mexico if you travel to those countries regularly. The membership is valid for five years from the date you complete your enrollment interview.

Cost and enrollment differences

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on the provider and whether you use a discount code. Global Entry costs $100 for five years. The $15 to $25 difference is small enough that most people who travel internationally choose Global Entry instead.

Enrollment is also different. For TSA PreCheck, you can complete the entire process online and at a local enrollment center — no in-person interview is required at most locations. For Global Entry, you must schedule an in-person appointment at a Global Entry enrollment center, answer questions from an officer, and provide original documents like your passport. The interview typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, but you need to find a center near you and wait for an available appointment slot, which can take weeks depending on your location.

Some credit cards offer to reimburse the Global Entry fee as a cardholder benefit, which effectively makes it free if you hold the right card. Check your card's benefits guide to see if this applies to you.

When to choose TSA PreCheck instead of Global Entry

TSA PreCheck makes sense if you fly domestically only and never travel outside the United States. It is also the faster path to enrollment — you can complete it online without scheduling an interview. If you want expedited security screening right away and do not need customs benefits, PreCheck gets you there sooner.

TSA PreCheck is also useful if you live far from a Global Entry enrollment center and the travel time to attend an interview is not worth the extra benefit. In that case, PreCheck gives you the same domestic security advantage without the appointment hassle.

How to use your Global Entry card for TSA PreCheck

When you enroll in Global Entry, you receive a physical membership card in the mail. You also receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) — a nine-digit code that you enter in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you book any domestic or international flight.

At the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane — it is usually marked with a blue sign near the standard security checkpoint. Show your Global Entry card or your boarding pass (which displays your KTN) to the TSA officer, and proceed through the expedited lane. You do not need to show your passport or any additional documents for domestic flights.

For international flights departing the U.S., the process is the same. You use the TSA PreCheck lane at departure. When you return to the U.S., you use the Global Entry kiosk at customs instead of standing in line.

What happens if your Global Entry expires

Global Entry membership lasts exactly five years from your enrollment date. About 90 days before your membership expires, you will receive a notice in the mail or email reminding you to renew. You can renew online through the Global Entry website — the renewal process is faster than initial enrollment and does not require an in-person interview in most cases.

If your membership expires and you do not renew, your KTN becomes inactive. You will no longer have access to TSA PreCheck lanes or Global Entry kiosks. If you try to use your KTN on a flight after expiration, TSA will treat you as a standard passenger and direct you to the regular security line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck at customs when I return from international travel?

No. TSA PreCheck covers only the security checkpoint when you depart the U.S. It does not include customs or immigration processing on your return. Only Global Entry includes the expedited customs kiosk benefit. If you have PreCheck and want customs benefits, you would need to enroll in Global Entry separately.

Do I need both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?

No. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, so you only need one membership. If you travel internationally at all, Global Entry is the better choice because you get both benefits for a small additional cost. If you fly domestically only, TSA PreCheck alone is sufficient.

Can I use Global Entry if I have a criminal record or visa issues?

Global Entry enrollment includes a background check, and certain criminal convictions or immigration issues can disqualify you. The Global Entry program does not publish a complete list of disqualifying factors, so you would need to contact a Global Entry enrollment center or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office to learn whether your specific situation affects your may be able to access.

What if I lose my Global Entry card?

You can request a replacement card through the Global Entry website. There is usually a small fee for a replacement card, and it takes one to two weeks to arrive. In the meantime, you can still use your KTN at the airport — you do not need the physical card, only the number on your boarding pass.

Does Global Entry work at all U.S. airports?

TSA PreCheck lanes are available at most major U.S. airports, but not all. Smaller regional airports may not have a dedicated PreCheck lane. Global Entry kiosks are available at most international airports and some domestic ones. Check the TSA or Global Entry website to see which airports near you offer these services before you enroll.