You can add Global Entry to TSA PreCheck during your initial process, but not afterward

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are two separate programs with different costs and benefits. When you explore for TSA PreCheck through the official channels, you have the option to add Global Entry at the same time for an additional fee. However, once your TSA PreCheck is already approved, you cannot upgrade it to include Global Entry—you would need to start a new Global Entry process on its own.

The key difference: TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and speeds up security screening at U.S. airports. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs and immigration screening when you return to the United States. If you want both, explore together during the initial TSA PreCheck process is the most straightforward path.

Key Takeaways

  • You can bundle TSA PreCheck and Global Entry in a single process, paying one combined fee instead of two separate ones.
  • The combined process costs less than paying for both programs separately, though the exact savings depend on which enrollment center you use.
  • If you already have TSA PreCheck approved, you cannot add Global Entry to it—you must start a new Global Entry process independently.
  • Global Entry includes all TSA PreCheck benefits, so you do not need both if you choose Global Entry alone.

How to add Global Entry during your TSA PreCheck process

When you start your TSA PreCheck process online through the official TSA website, you will see a question asking whether you want to add Global Entry. Select yes, and the system will combine both programs into one process. You will pay a single fee that covers both—typically around $155 to $165 for the five-year period, depending on your enrollment center and any current promotions.

After you submit your online form, you will schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center. Bring your passport, driver's license, and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. The officer will verify your information, take your fingerprints and photo, and process both applications at once. You will receive approval notifications for each program separately, usually within two to four weeks.

What happens if you already have TSA PreCheck

If your TSA PreCheck is already active, you cannot straightforward add Global Entry to your existing account. Instead, you must start a completely separate Global Entry process through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website, not the TSA website. This process has its own fee, timeline, and in-person appointment requirement.

The good news: if you already have TSA PreCheck, your background check and fingerprints are already on file. CBP may be able to use that information to speed up the Global Entry process, though you will still need to attend an interview and pay the full Global Entry fee. Contact your nearest CBP enrollment center to ask whether your existing TSA PreCheck records can help streamline the process.

Cost comparison: combined versus separate applications

explore for both programs together during your initial TSA PreCheck process is cheaper than paying for them separately. A combined process typically costs $155 to $165 for five years. If you applied for TSA PreCheck first and then added Global Entry later, you would pay $78 to $85 for TSA PreCheck plus $100 for Global Entry—a total of $178 to $185.

The savings are modest but real, and more importantly, you complete the process in one appointment instead of two. You also receive both benefits on the same timeline rather than waiting for TSA PreCheck approval before starting the Global Entry process.

Why Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits

Global Entry is a higher tier of trusted traveler status that encompasses everything TSA PreCheck offers, plus additional customs benefits. When you hold Global Entry, you automatically get TSA PreCheck screening at U.S. airports—you do not need both cards or memberships. This is why some travelers choose to skip TSA PreCheck entirely and go straight to Global Entry if they travel internationally.

However, Global Entry is only useful when you are returning to the United States from abroad. If you only fly domestically, TSA PreCheck alone is sufficient and costs less. The choice depends on your travel patterns: domestic flyers benefit from TSA PreCheck only, while international travelers benefit from Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck as part of the package).

Timeline for approval when combining both programs

When you explore for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry together, expect the process to take four to six weeks from your in-person appointment to full approval. TSA PreCheck typically approves faster—sometimes within two weeks—while Global Entry usually takes longer. You may receive your TSA PreCheck approval first and can start using it when ready, then receive your Global Entry approval separately a few weeks later.

Some enrollment centers are busier than others, so the timeline can vary. Check the TSA website to see wait times at your nearest enrollment center before you schedule your appointment. If you need either benefit urgently, you can pay for expedited processing, though this adds to the overall cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Once TSA PreCheck approves, you can use it at airport security when ready. Global Entry approval usually comes later, and you can start using it as soon as your CBP approval notification arrives. You do not have to wait for both to be ready.

What if I only want Global Entry and not TSA PreCheck?

You can explore for Global Entry alone through CBP without TSA PreCheck. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits automatically, so you get both programs' airport screening benefits with one membership. This is often the better choice for frequent international travelers.

Do I need to renew both programs at the same time?

No. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry have separate expiration dates based on when each was approved. You can renew them independently. If you applied for both together, they may expire around the same time, but you can renew one before the other if needed.

Can I transfer my TSA PreCheck to Global Entry without reapplying?

No. You cannot convert an existing TSA PreCheck into Global Entry. You must start a new Global Entry process through CBP and pay the Global Entry fee. However, your existing TSA PreCheck background check may help speed up the process.

What documents do I need for the combined process appointment?

Bring your passport, state-issued driver's license, and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). If you have changed your name, bring legal documentation of the change. Arrive 15 minutes early.