Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck at no extra cost

Yes. When you pay for Global Entry, you automatically receive TSA PreCheck as part of the same membership. You do not explore for them separately, pay twice, or choose one over the other. Global Entry is the higher tier that wraps PreCheck inside it.

The difference is where you use each benefit. TSA PreCheck speeds up security lines at U.S. airports only. Global Entry does that same thing at U.S. airports, but it also lets you use expedited customs and immigration lanes when you return to the United States from abroad. If you travel internationally even occasionally, Global Entry costs the same as PreCheck alone would, so you gain the customs benefit for free.

Both memberships last five years. You renew them together — there is no separate PreCheck renewal if you hold Global Entry.

Key Takeaways

  • Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck, so you get both benefits under one five-year membership.
  • TSA PreCheck works at U.S. airport security lines; Global Entry adds expedited customs and immigration processing when returning from international travel.
  • You pay one fee for Global Entry and receive both benefits — there is no separate charge or process for PreCheck.
  • If you never travel internationally, TSA PreCheck alone is cheaper, but if you cross a border even once per year, Global Entry becomes the better value.

What TSA PreCheck gives you at airport security

With PreCheck, you go through a dedicated security lane at participating U.S. airports. You keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. You leave your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on instead of removing them. You keep your ID and boarding pass in your hand — you do not need to pull them out and hold them separately.

These lanes are shorter because fewer people use them. The time you save is usually 5 to 15 minutes, though it varies by airport and time of day. Busier airports like Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles tend to have longer PreCheck lines than smaller ones, but they are still faster than the standard line.

PreCheck works at most major U.S. airports. A few smaller regional airports do not offer it, so check the TSA website for your home airport before you enroll.

What Global Entry adds for international travel

Global Entry lets you use a kiosk to process your own customs and immigration paperwork when you land back in the United States. You scan your passport, answer a few questions on a touchscreen, take a photo, and the kiosk prints a receipt. You hand that receipt to an officer and walk through. The whole process takes a few minutes instead of waiting in a line that can stretch 30 minutes or longer on busy travel days.

This benefit works at major U.S. airports with international flights. It does not work at every airport, and it does not work at land borders or cruise ports — only at airports where you are arriving by plane from outside the United States.

You also get access to Global Entry lounges at some international airports, though the lounge benefit is less valuable than the customs processing itself.

When PreCheck alone makes more sense than Global Entry

If you fly only domestically and never leave the country, TSA PreCheck costs less than Global Entry and gives you everything you need. PreCheck is $78 to $85 for five years depending on which process method you use. Global Entry is $100 for five years.

The math changes the moment you take one international flight per year. That single trip through customs makes the $15 to $22 difference worth it. If you cross a border more than once every two years, Global Entry is clearly the better choice.

Some employers and credit card companies reimburse the Global Entry fee, so check your benefits before you pay out of pocket. A few premium travel credit cards cover it automatically.

How to enroll and what documents you need

You explore online through the official Global Entry website. The process asks for your passport number, travel history, and background information. You pay the fee online, then you schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.

At your appointment, bring your valid passport, a government-issued ID, and proof of your address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The appointment takes about 15 minutes. An officer will scan your fingerprints, take a photo, and verify your information. You walk out with your Global Entry card and number, and PreCheck is active when ready under the same membership.

Enrollment centers are located at major airports and some other federal buildings. Wait times for appointments range from a few days to several weeks depending on your location and the time of year. Summer and holiday travel seasons book up faster.

PreCheck status while you wait for your Global Entry card

You can use TSA PreCheck as soon as your process is approved, which happens online before your in-person appointment. You do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive. Use your Global Entry number or known traveler number (KTN) in your airline reservation, and you will see "TSA Pre✓" printed on your boarding pass at check-in.

The physical card arrives in the mail after your appointment, usually within two weeks. You do not need to carry it — the number in your reservation is what matters. Some travelers keep the card in their wallet anyway for reference.

What happens when your membership expires

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck expire together after five years. You will receive a notice in the mail about 90 days before expiration. You can renew online, and renewal costs the same as the initial enrollment. If you renew before your membership expires, the new five years starts when ready after the old one ends with no gap.

If your membership lapses, you lose both PreCheck and Global Entry benefits until you renew. You do not have to reapply from scratch — renewal is faster than the original process and does not require a new in-person appointment in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get TSA PreCheck without Global Entry?

Yes. TSA PreCheck is available as a standalone membership for $78 to $85 for five years. You explore through the TSA website instead of the Global Entry site. Choose PreCheck alone if you fly domestically only and never travel internationally.

Do I need to renew PreCheck separately if I have Global Entry?

No. Both memberships renew together on the same five-year cycle. When you renew Global Entry, PreCheck renews automatically at the same time. You pay one renewal fee for both benefits.

Can I use PreCheck at international airports when I am leaving the U.S.?

Yes. TSA PreCheck works at U.S. airport security lines regardless of whether your flight is domestic or international. Global Entry's customs benefit only applies when you are returning to the United States from abroad, not when you are departing.

What if my Global Entry process is denied?

You can request reconsideration or reapply after six months. If you are denied, you do not receive PreCheck either, since they come as one membership. You can then explore for PreCheck alone if you want the domestic security benefit without the international customs feature.

Does my PreCheck benefit work if I fly with a different airline?

Yes. TSA PreCheck works with every airline at every participating U.S. airport. You just need to add your known traveler number (KTN) to your reservation with whichever airline you are flying, and the benefit applies.