Yes, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck automatically

When you enroll in Global Entry, you receive TSA PreCheck as part of the same membership. You do not pay extra or explore separately. The TSA PreCheck benefit is bundled into your Global Entry membership at no additional cost.

Global Entry costs $100 for five years and covers expedited customs and immigration screening when you return to the United States by air, sea, or land. TSA PreCheck, which normally costs $78 to $85 for five years on its own, comes included. This makes Global Entry the better value if you travel internationally and want both programs.

You will receive one Known Traveler Number (KTN) that works for both programs. Use this number when you book domestic flights to access TSA PreCheck lanes, and the same membership covers your Global Entry benefits when you re-enter the country.

Key Takeaways

  • Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck at no extra charge, so you get both programs for one $100 five-year fee.
  • You receive a single Known Traveler Number that activates both TSA PreCheck for domestic flights and Global Entry for international re-entry.
  • If you only travel domestically, TSA PreCheck alone is cheaper; if you travel internationally at all, Global Entry saves you money.
  • Both programs require an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, and approval typically takes two to three weeks after your appointment.

When Global Entry is worth the extra cost

Global Entry makes financial sense if you cross a U.S. border by air, sea, or land more than once every five years. The $100 fee breaks down to $20 per year. If you take even one international flight round-trip annually, you are paying roughly $10 per border crossing for the Global Entry benefit alone, plus you get TSA PreCheck for free on top of that.

Frequent international travelers see the biggest payoff. If you cross borders four or more times per year, Global Entry typically saves you money compared to buying TSA PreCheck and paying for other expedited programs separately. The time savings at customs lines also compounds on repeat trips.

Business travelers who fly domestically most of the time but take occasional international trips often find Global Entry worth it just for those few trips per year, since TSA PreCheck is included and they are not paying extra for it.

What you need to do to get both programs

Enroll in Global Entry through the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website at globalentry.cbp.dhs.gov. You will create an account, pay the $100 fee with a credit or debit card, and answer background questions. This step takes about 15 minutes online.

After you submit your online process, CBP will review it and send you an email with your appointment options at an enrollment center near you. Schedule an in-person appointment at a location that works for your schedule. Enrollment centers are located at major airports, some border crossings, and select cities across the country.

At your appointment, bring a valid passport or passport card, a government-issued ID, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last year works). A CBP officer will take your fingerprints, verify your information, and issue your membership card on the spot or mail it within two weeks. Your TSA PreCheck benefit activates as soon as your Global Entry membership is approved.

How to use your TSA PreCheck benefit

When you book a domestic flight, enter your Known Traveler Number in the passenger information section. Most airlines ask for this during online check-in or at the ticket counter. Your airline will print a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass.

At the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck lane in the security checkpoint. You can leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. Laptops and liquids stay in your carry-on bag. The process is faster than standard security screening, though wait times vary by airport and time of day.

Your TSA PreCheck benefit works at all U.S. airports and with all airlines. It does not expire until your Global Entry membership expires, which is five years from the date your membership was approved.

TSA PreCheck alone versus Global Entry

If you never travel internationally, TSA PreCheck by itself is the cheaper option. You can enroll directly through the TSA at tsa.gov/precheck for $78 to $85 depending on your state, and it covers only domestic flights. The membership lasts five years.

TSA PreCheck gives you the same expedited security screening as Global Entry does, but it does not include customs and immigration benefits. You pay less upfront but get fewer benefits. The choice depends on whether you cross international borders.

Some travelers enroll in TSA PreCheck first, then upgrade to Global Entry later. CBP will credit your TSA PreCheck fee toward the Global Entry cost if you upgrade within a certain timeframe, though you should confirm the current credit policy on the CBP website before upgrading.

Other programs that come with Global Entry

Global Entry membership also includes NEXUS and SENTRI benefits at no extra cost. NEXUS covers expedited processing when you cross the Canada-U.S. border by air, sea, or land. SENTRI covers the Mexico-U.S. land border. You do not enroll in these separately; they set up automatically with your Global Entry membership.

If you frequently cross into Canada or Mexico by land, these additions make Global Entry even more valuable. You use the same membership card and Known Traveler Number for all three programs.

Timeline from enrollment to using TSA PreCheck

The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish. Your online process review takes about one week. Scheduling and completing your in-person appointment adds another one to two weeks depending on enrollment center availability in your area. After your appointment, CBP approves your membership within one to two weeks and mails your card or notifies you that it is ready for pickup.

You can use your TSA PreCheck benefit as soon as CBP approves your membership, even if your physical card has not arrived yet. CBP will email you your Known Traveler Number, and you can enter it in airline booking systems when ready. Your card arrives by mail within two weeks of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TSA PreCheck while my Global Entry card is in the mail?

Yes. CBP emails your Known Traveler Number as soon as your membership is approved, which usually happens before your card arrives. You can enter this number in airline systems right away and use TSA PreCheck at security checkpoints. You do not need the physical card to use the benefit.

Does my TSA PreCheck from Global Entry work internationally?

TSA PreCheck only works at U.S. airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. The Global Entry part of your membership covers expedited customs and immigration screening when you return to the United States. They are two separate benefits that work in different places.

What happens if I renew Global Entry before it expires?

You can renew your Global Entry membership up to six months before it expires. Your new five-year membership begins on your current expiration date, so there is no gap in coverage. Your TSA PreCheck benefit continues without interruption.

If I only have TSA PreCheck, can I upgrade to Global Entry later?

Yes. You can enroll in Global Entry at any time. CBP may credit your previous TSA PreCheck fee toward the Global Entry cost depending on how much time remains on your TSA PreCheck membership. Check the CBP website for the current upgrade policy before you enroll.

Do family members need separate Global Entry memberships?

Yes. Each person needs their own membership and Known Traveler Number. Children under 16 can be included on a parent's or guardian's Global Entry membership at no extra cost and receive their own KTN, but adults must enroll separately and pay the full $100 fee.