The short answer: you probably need only one, not both
TSA PreCheck speeds you through security at U.S. airports. Global Entry does the same thing at U.S. airports, plus it gets you through customs and immigration faster when you return to the U.S. from abroad. If you travel internationally more than once a year, Global Entry makes sense because it includes TSA PreCheck at no extra cost. If you only fly domestic, TSA PreCheck alone is enough.
The choice comes down to one question: do you leave the country? If yes, Global Entry. If no, TSA PreCheck. Neither is required — you can fly without either one — but both save time if you travel regularly.
Key Takeaways
- TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and works only at U.S. airports; Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck plus customs screening at U.S. borders.
- Global Entry membership automatically gives you TSA PreCheck, so you do not need both memberships.
- TSA PreCheck lets you keep shoes and light jackets on, leave laptops in bags, and use a shorter security line at most U.S. airports.
- Global Entry lets you use automated kiosks to clear U.S. customs and immigration when returning from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, plus all TSA PreCheck benefits.
- Both require an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to verify your identity; wait times for appointments vary by location and season.
What TSA PreCheck actually does at security
TSA PreCheck gives you access to a dedicated security lane at most major U.S. airports. In that lane, you do not have to remove shoes, socks, light jackets, or belts. You can leave your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on. You walk through a metal detector instead of a full-body scanner (though officers can direct you to a scanner if needed). The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes instead of twenty to thirty.
Not every airport has a TSA PreCheck lane — smaller regional airports may not offer it — but the program covers security at over 200 U.S. airports. You get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you enter when you book flights, and that number tells the airline and TSA you are enrolled.
TSA PreCheck does not cover international flights or the customs process when you land abroad. It only applies to U.S. airport security screening.
What Global Entry adds beyond TSA PreCheck
Global Entry is TSA PreCheck plus a customs and immigration shortcut. When you return to the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you use an automated kiosk instead of standing in a customs line. You scan your passport, answer a few questions on a screen, take a photo, and walk through. The kiosk prints a receipt that you hand to an officer, who usually waves you through without opening your bags.
This matters most if you travel to Mexico or the Caribbean regularly — say, a few times a year. A customs line at a major airport can take 45 minutes to an hour during peak times. The kiosk takes five to ten minutes. If you fly to Europe, Asia, or other regions outside the Global Entry zone, the kiosk does not help you; you still wait in the regular customs line.
Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck automatically, so you get both benefits with one membership. You do not buy them separately.
Cost and how long each membership lasts
TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on which enrollment center you use. Some centers charge the full $85; others charge $78. The fee is non-refundable even if you are denied, though denial is rare if you have a valid passport and no serious criminal history.
Global Entry costs $100 for five years. That includes TSA PreCheck, so you are paying $20 more than TSA PreCheck alone to add customs screening. If you travel internationally at all, that $20 difference usually pays for itself in time saved on your first or second trip home.
Both memberships expire after five years. You renew by paying the fee again and updating your information online, though some people choose to do an in-person renewal instead.
The enrollment process and what you need to bring
Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry require an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. You cannot do it online or by mail. The appointment takes about 15 minutes. An officer will check your identity, take your fingerprints, and photograph you.
Bring a valid passport or passport card, a driver's license or state ID, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card or visa. The officer will verify your information against government databases and run a background check.
Enrollment centers are run by TSA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or private contractors. You can find one near you on the TSA website or the Global Entry website. Wait times for appointments vary widely — some locations have openings within a week, others have a wait of several months. Book early if you have a trip planned.
When you might not need either one
If you fly once or twice a year, neither membership may be worth the cost. The five-year fee works out to about $16 per year for TSA PreCheck or $20 per year for Global Entry. If you take one flight every two years, you are paying $32 or $40 per membership for a single trip, which does not make financial sense.
If you always fly at off-peak times — early morning, late evening, or midweek — security lines are usually short anyway. TSA PreCheck saves the most time during busy hours at busy airports.
If you travel only to countries outside the Global Entry zone (Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia), Global Entry does not help you clear customs faster. You would still wait in the regular line. In that case, TSA PreCheck alone is the better choice if you want any membership at all.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: side-by-side comparison
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | Global Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for 5 years | $78–$85 | $100 |
| U.S. airport security screening | Yes | Yes (included) |
| Dedicated security lane | Yes | Yes (included) |
| Customs screening for Mexico, Canada, Caribbean | No | Yes |
| Automated customs kiosk | No | Yes |
| In-person appointment required | Yes | Yes |
| Fingerprinting and background check | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use TSA PreCheck on international flights?
TSA PreCheck applies to U.S. airport security screening only, regardless of where your flight is going. You use the TSA PreCheck lane before you board an international flight, but the program does not help you clear security in other countries or speed up customs when you land abroad.
Do I need Global Entry if I only visit Canada or Mexico?
Yes, Global Entry covers Canada and Mexico. If you cross the border to those countries more than once a year, the $100 five-year cost usually pays for itself in time saved at customs. If you cross once a year or less, the savings may not justify the membership fee.
What happens if my TSA PreCheck or Global Entry expires while I am traveling?
You lose access to the TSA PreCheck lane and Global Entry kiosks when ready. If your membership expires during a trip, you will go through regular security and customs lines on your return flight. Renew before you travel to avoid this.
Can I get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense. Minor traffic violations do not disqualify you. Felonies, drug convictions, and crimes involving fraud or dishonesty usually do. The background check is thorough, so be honest on your process. If you are denied, you can request a review.
Is Global Entry worth it if I only fly to Europe?
No. Global Entry only speeds up customs for Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. If you fly to Europe, Asia, or other regions, you will wait in the regular customs line regardless of your membership. In that case, TSA PreCheck alone is the better choice if you want to save time at U.S. airports.