Do You Need TSA PreCheck If You Have Global Entry?

You don't need TSA PreCheck separately if you have Global Entry

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, so you do not need to pay for or maintain a separate TSA PreCheck membership. You'll use the same membership number and credentials for both programs.

The reason Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck is that both programs are managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Global Entry is the broader program that covers international travel, and TSA PreCheck is bundled into it as a domestic benefit. If you already have Global Entry, your TSA PreCheck access is active at the same time.

Key Takeaways

Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so you do not need to purchase TSA PreCheck separately.
You use the same membership number for both TSA PreCheck screening at domestic airports and Global Entry kiosks when returning to the U.S.
Global Entry costs $100 for five years, while TSA PreCheck alone costs $78 to $85 for five years, making Global Entry the better value if you travel internationally.
If you have Global Entry but it expires, your TSA PreCheck access expires at the same time, so you must renew Global Entry to keep both benefits.
Some trusted traveler programs like NEXUS and SENTRI also include TSA PreCheck, so check your current membership before paying for a separate program.

How TSA PreCheck works when you have Global Entry

When you go through a U.S. airport security checkpoint, you'll present your passport or driver's license along with your boarding pass. The TSA officer will scan your documents and see that you're enrolled in Global Entry, which automatically grants you TSA PreCheck privileges. You'll then move to a dedicated PreCheck lane where you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and move through screening faster than standard passengers.

Your Global Entry membership number is what triggers these benefits. You don't receive a separate TSA PreCheck card or number—the same membership covers both programs. Make sure your name, date of birth, and citizenship information match exactly on your Global Entry enrollment and your ID, because mismatches can prevent the system from recognizing your membership at the checkpoint.

When Global Entry expires and what happens to TSA PreCheck

Global Entry memberships last five years from the date you complete your enrollment interview. When your membership expires, your TSA PreCheck access ends at the same moment. You cannot renew just the TSA PreCheck portion—you must renew your entire Global Entry membership through CBP's website to restore both benefits.

You can renew Global Entry up to six months before your membership expires. The renewal process is faster than the initial enrollment and usually does not require an in-person interview, though CBP may request one in some cases. If your Global Entry expires and you need TSA PreCheck access before you can renew, you would have to purchase a standalone TSA PreCheck membership, but this is rarely necessary if you plan ahead.

Other trusted traveler programs that include TSA PreCheck

Besides Global Entry, two other CBP trusted traveler programs include TSA PreCheck: NEXUS and SENTRI. NEXUS covers travel between the U.S. and Canada and costs $120 for five years. SENTRI covers travel between the U.S. and Mexico and costs $122.50 for five years. Both programs include TSA PreCheck for domestic U.S. flights, just like Global Entry does.

If you already have NEXUS or SENTRI, you do not need to buy TSA PreCheck or Global Entry separately. However, if you travel to countries other than Canada or Mexico, Global Entry is the better choice because it covers all international destinations. You can hold multiple trusted traveler memberships at once, but most people choose one based on where they travel most frequently.

Why Global Entry is worth the cost if you travel internationally

Global Entry costs $100 for five years, which works out to $20 per year. TSA PreCheck alone costs between $78 and $85 for five years, or about $16 per year. The $15 to $20 difference over five years is small, but Global Entry gives you much more: expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S. from any country, access to Global Entry kiosks at major airports, and the same TSA PreCheck benefits for domestic flights.

If you take even one international flight per year, Global Entry pays for itself through faster airport processing and shorter lines. The customs screening benefit alone—where you skip the standard customs line and use an automated kiosk—saves 20 to 30 minutes on most international arrivals. For frequent domestic travelers who never leave the U.S., TSA PreCheck alone might be the better choice, but for anyone who travels internationally, Global Entry is the stronger value.

What to do if your Global Entry process is pending

After you submit your Global Entry process online, CBP will schedule you for an in-person interview at an enrollment center. This interview typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and involves verifying your identity and background information. You cannot use TSA PreCheck benefits until you complete this interview and CBP officially approves your membership.

If you need TSA PreCheck access before your Global Entry interview is scheduled, you can purchase a standalone TSA PreCheck membership while you wait. Once your Global Entry enrollment is complete, you can request a refund of your TSA PreCheck fee from the TSA. Keep your TSA PreCheck receipt and confirmation number so you have proof of the payment when you request the refund.

Common mistakes to avoid with Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

The most common mistake is letting your Global Entry membership expire without realizing it also ends your TSA PreCheck access. Set a calendar reminder six months before your expiration date so you have time to renew. Another mistake is providing inconsistent information during enrollment—your name, date of birth, and citizenship must match exactly across your Global Entry account, your ID, and your airline reservation, or the system may not recognize your membership at the checkpoint.

Some travelers also assume they need to carry a TSA PreCheck card or print a confirmation. You don't. The TSA officer will look up your membership using your ID and boarding pass. Finally, don't assume that TSA PreCheck works at every airport or every security lane. While most major U.S. airports have dedicated PreCheck lanes, some smaller airports do not, so you may go through standard screening even with an active membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Global Entry membership number as my TSA PreCheck number?

Your Global Entry membership number is your TSA PreCheck number—they are the same. You don't receive a separate number or card for TSA PreCheck. When you enroll in Global Entry, CBP automatically registers you in the TSA PreCheck system under that same membership number.

What if I have TSA PreCheck but want to add Global Entry later?

You can enroll in Global Entry at any time, even if you already have an active TSA PreCheck membership. Once Global Entry is approved, your TSA PreCheck membership becomes redundant. You can request a refund of your TSA PreCheck fee from the TSA if you have remaining time on that membership, though the refund process varies by how much time is left.

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

No. You renew Global Entry once, and that renewal covers both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck for another five years. You renew through CBP's website, not through the TSA. The renewal fee is the same as the initial enrollment fee.

Will TSA PreCheck work if my Global Entry is expired?

No. Once Global Entry expires, TSA PreCheck access ends when ready. You cannot use TSA PreCheck benefits with an expired Global Entry membership. You must renew Global Entry to restore both benefits, or purchase a standalone TSA PreCheck membership if you need when ready access.

Can I use Global Entry at every U.S. airport?

Global Entry kiosks are available at most major U.S. airports and many international airports, but not all. TSA PreCheck lanes are more widely available than Global Entry kiosks, so you'll be able to use TSA PreCheck at more airports. Check CBP's website for a list of airports with Global Entry kiosks before your trip.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.