Yes, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck as part of the membership

When you enroll in Global Entry, you automatically receive TSA PreCheck benefits at U.S. airports. You do not need to pay for or enroll in TSA PreCheck separately. Global Entry is the higher tier — it covers expedited screening when you return to the United States from international travel, plus all the domestic TSA PreCheck perks.

The key difference is scope. TSA PreCheck works only on domestic flights within the United States. Global Entry adds the ability to use expedited re-entry lanes (called SENTRI or eGate kiosks, depending on the airport) when you come back from abroad. 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 includes TSA PreCheck at no additional cost, so you do not need to buy both.
  • TSA PreCheck alone covers only domestic U.S. flights; Global Entry adds expedited re-entry screening for international arrivals.
  • Global Entry costs $100 for five years; TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, so Global Entry is worth it if you cross a border even once during that period.
  • You receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) when approved, which you enter when booking any flight to set up PreCheck screening.
  • Approval typically takes two to three weeks after your in-person appointment, though some applicants wait longer during peak seasons.

How the membership overlap works

Global Entry is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), while TSA PreCheck is run by the Transportation Security Administration. When CBP approves you for Global Entry, they automatically enroll you in TSA PreCheck as well. You receive one membership card and one Known Traveler Number (KTN) that covers both programs.

When you book a domestic flight, you enter your KTN in the passenger details section. The airline shares that number with TSA before your flight. At the security checkpoint, TSA officers see your PreCheck status and direct you to a dedicated lane where you can leave shoes, belts, and light jackets on, keep laptops and liquids in your bag, and move through screening faster.

When you return from an international trip, you use the same Global Entry membership at the airport's re-entry kiosks or expedited lanes. The process is separate from TSA PreCheck — it happens at Customs and Border Protection screening, not at the TSA checkpoint — but it is part of the same five-year membership.

Cost comparison: Global Entry versus TSA PreCheck alone

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership, depending on which enrollment center processes your process. Global Entry costs $100 for five years. The $15 to $22 difference is small enough that Global Entry becomes the better choice if you travel internationally at all during that five-year window.

Some credit cards reimburse the Global Entry fee as a cardholder benefit. The American Express Platinum Card, for example, covers the full $100 cost. If your card offers this benefit, Global Entry costs you nothing while TSA PreCheck would still cost $78 to $85. Check your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm whether Global Entry reimbursement is included.

If you are certain you will never leave the United States during the next five years, TSA PreCheck alone is the cheaper option. But most people who travel enough to consider PreCheck at all will cross a border at some point, making Global Entry the smarter long-term choice.

What happens after Global Entry approval

Once CBP approves your Global Entry process, you receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. The card displays your membership number and expiration date. You also receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) — a nine-character code that you use when booking flights.

Enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number" field when you purchase airline tickets. If you forget to add it at booking, you can usually update it in your airline account before you check in. The KTN is what tells TSA you are PreCheck-may be able to access; the physical card is optional to carry but helpful as backup proof if there is a question at the checkpoint.

Your TSA PreCheck benefits begin as soon as your process is approved, even if your membership card has not arrived yet. You can use your KTN when ready. If you have a flight scheduled before the card arrives, bring a copy of your approval email or a screenshot of your KTN from the CBP website.

The enrollment process and timeline

To enroll in Global Entry, you start online at the CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs website. You create an account, fill out the process form, and pay the $100 fee. The process takes about 15 minutes.

After you submit the online process, CBP reviews it and sends you an email with an appointment time at an enrollment center near you. Enrollment centers are located at airports, some passport acceptance facilities, and a few other government offices. The in-person appointment is brief — usually 10 to 15 minutes — and involves fingerprinting, a photo, and verification of your documents.

Approval typically comes two to three weeks after your appointment, though during busy travel seasons it can take longer. You can check your process status on the CBP website using your account login. Once approved, your membership is active when ready, and your card arrives within one to two weeks after that.

What documents you need for the appointment

Bring a valid passport or passport card to your enrollment appointment. If you do not have a passport, a Real ID-compliant driver's license works. You also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you have ever been arrested, convicted of a crime, or had immigration issues, disclose them on the process. CBP conducts a background check, and lying on the form can result in denial and a permanent record of the false statement. Being honest about past issues does not automatically disqualify you, but hiding them will.

Bring the confirmation email from CBP with your appointment details. Some enrollment centers also ask for a second form of ID, so check the specific center's requirements on the CBP website before you go.

TSA PreCheck benefits you get with Global Entry

At the TSA security checkpoint on any domestic flight, you enter a dedicated PreCheck lane. You do not have to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets. Laptops and liquids stay in your carry-on bag — you do not have to pull them out. You can keep your light outerwear on as well. The screening process is faster because fewer items need to be removed and scanned separately.

PreCheck screening is available at most major U.S. airports and many smaller ones. The TSA website has a full list of participating airports. Not every flight gets a PreCheck lane open at every moment, so occasionally you may be directed to a standard lane even with a valid KTN, but this is rare.

PreCheck does not may provide you will not be selected for additional screening. Random checks still happen, but they are less frequent. If you are selected, the additional screening is usually done in a private area.

Global Entry benefits for international travel

When you return to the United States from an international flight, you go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection screening. With Global Entry, you can use expedited re-entry lanes or automated kiosks (called eGates) at most major airports. You scan your passport, answer a few questions on a touchscreen, take a photo, and proceed — usually in under five minutes.

Not all airports have eGate kiosks, and not all kiosks are open at all times. If the kiosks are full or offline, you go through a standard CBP line. But at busy airports during peak travel times, the eGate option can save 30 minutes or more compared to waiting in a regular customs line.

Global Entry also covers trusted traveler benefits in other countries. If you enroll in a partner program like Canada's NEXUS or Mexico's Sentri Plus, you can use expedited lanes in those countries as well. These are separate enrollments with separate fees, but Global Entry membership makes you may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get TSA PreCheck without Global Entry?

Yes. You can enroll in TSA PreCheck alone for $78 to $85 for five years. It covers only domestic U.S. flights. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck plus international re-entry benefits, so most travelers find Global Entry the better value.

Do I need to renew Global Entry and TSA PreCheck separately?

No. Global Entry is one membership that covers both. When your five-year membership expires, you renew Global Entry once, and your TSA PreCheck benefits renew automatically with it.

What if my Global Entry process is denied?

CBP sends you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include criminal history, immigration violations, or inconsistencies in your process. You can request reconsideration or reapply after addressing the issue. You do not lose the $100 fee if you are denied, but you also do not receive a refund.

Can I use my KTN on flights booked by someone else?

No. Your KTN is tied to your name and passport. Only you can use it. If you book a flight for a family member, they need their own Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership to get PreCheck screening.

Does Global Entry work on international flights departing the U.S.?

Yes, for TSA PreCheck screening at the departure checkpoint. You use your KTN when booking, and TSA directs you to a PreCheck lane. Global Entry's expedited re-entry benefit applies only when you return to the United States, not when you leave.