Yes, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck at no extra cost

When you pay for Global Entry, you automatically receive TSA PreCheck as part of the same membership. You do not buy them separately or pay extra. Global Entry costs $100 for five years, and that single fee covers both programs. TSA PreCheck alone costs $78 to $85 for five years, so Global Entry is the better deal if you travel internationally at all.

The key difference is what each program does. TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening at U.S. airports — you keep your shoes and belt on, leave your laptop in your bag, and go through a shorter line. Global Entry does the same thing at U.S. airports, but it also lets you skip the customs line when you return to the United States from abroad. You walk through a kiosk, scan your passport, answer a few questions on a screen, and go straight out. No agent interview, no waiting.

If you only fly domestically, TSA PreCheck alone makes sense. If you cross a border even once every five years, Global Entry pays for itself in time saved at customs alone.

Key Takeaways

  • Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck automatically; you do not pay separately or enroll twice.
  • Global Entry costs $100 for five years and covers both domestic airport security and international customs lines.
  • TSA PreCheck alone costs $78 to $85 for five years if you never travel internationally.
  • You must renew Global Entry every five years, and renewal costs the same as the initial membership.
  • Some credit cards reimburse the Global Entry fee, which can make the membership effectively free.

What TSA PreCheck gives you at domestic airports

TSA PreCheck is a screening program that lets you move through security faster at U.S. airports. You get a dedicated lane, usually much shorter than the standard line. You do not remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket. Your laptop and liquids stay in your carry-on bag. You walk through a standard metal detector instead of a full-body scanner in most cases.

The program covers more than 200 U.S. airports, including all major hubs. It works at every airport that has TSA screening — you do not need to enroll at each one. Once your membership is active, you use your known traveler number (KTN) when you book any flight. The airline puts it in your reservation, and TSA sees it before you arrive at the airport.

TSA PreCheck does not may provide you will never be selected for additional screening. Random checks still happen. But the baseline experience is faster and less intrusive than standard screening.

What Global Entry adds for international travel

Global Entry covers TSA PreCheck benefits at U.S. airports, but its main feature is the customs process when you return to the United States. Instead of waiting in a customs line with other passengers, you use an automated kiosk. You scan your passport, answer questions about what you are bringing back, and the kiosk prints a receipt. You hand the receipt to a CBP officer and walk out. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes.

Global Entry works at 50 U.S. airports and some preclearance locations abroad. You can use it when you fly back from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and most other countries. It does not work if you drive across a land border — that is a different program called SENTRI or NEXUS, depending on which border.

Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, so you get the faster domestic security line on every flight, whether you are traveling internationally or not.

How to enroll and what documents you need

You enroll in Global Entry online through the official Trusted Traveler Programs website. You create an account, fill out your background information, and pay the $100 fee with a credit card or debit card. The site will ask for your passport number, driver's license number, and basic biographical details.

After you pay, you schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. These are located at major airports, some CBP offices, and a few other federal facilities. The appointment takes about 15 minutes. You bring your valid passport and one form of identification — a driver's license works. A CBP officer will take your fingerprints, verify your information, and take a photo. You will receive your membership card in the mail within two weeks.

Until your card arrives, you can use your known traveler number (KTN) when ready. The TSA will have your information in their system, and you can add your KTN to airline reservations right away. You do not have to wait for the physical card to start using TSA PreCheck benefits.

Cost comparison: Global Entry versus TSA PreCheck alone

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on which enrollment center processes your process. Global Entry costs $100 for five years. The difference is $15 to $22 over five years — less than $5 per year.

If you travel internationally even once during your membership, Global Entry saves you time at customs. If you fly internationally regularly, the savings in waiting time alone make Global Entry the obvious choice. Even if you only cross a border once every five years, the time saved probably exceeds the extra cost.

Some premium credit cards reimburse the Global Entry fee as a cardholder benefit. If your card covers it, Global Entry costs you nothing, and you get both TSA PreCheck and customs benefits for free. Check your credit card benefits guide or call the card issuer to confirm.

Renewal and what happens when your membership expires

Global Entry membership lasts five years from the date you receive your card. You can renew it starting four months before expiration. Renewal costs the same as the initial membership — $100 for another five years. You renew online through the same Trusted Traveler Programs website, and you do not need another in-person appointment unless CBP requests one.

If your membership expires before you renew, you lose both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits when ready. You will not be able to use your KTN on new flight reservations. If you have an active reservation with an expired KTN, contact the airline to remove it before you travel, or you may be sent to the standard security line.

Set a calendar reminder for four months before your expiration date. Renewal takes a few minutes online, and you can renew while your current membership is still active. There is no gap if you renew on time.

Who should get Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck alone

Get Global Entry if you cross a U.S. border by air more than once every five years. This includes trips to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, or any other country. The customs line savings alone justify the extra $15 to $22 over five years.

Get TSA PreCheck alone if you fly only domestically and never travel internationally. You will save money and still get the faster security line at every U.S. airport.

If your credit card reimburses Global Entry, get Global Entry. There is no reason to pay for TSA PreCheck alone when you can get both programs free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Global Entry if I only have TSA PreCheck?

No. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are separate memberships. TSA PreCheck does not include Global Entry. If you have TSA PreCheck and want to use the customs kiosk, you must enroll in Global Entry separately and pay the $100 fee.

Do I need to enroll in TSA PreCheck separately if I have Global Entry?

No. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck automatically. You enroll once in Global Entry, and you get both benefits. You do not fill out a second process or pay extra.

What is my known traveler number and where do I find it?

Your known traveler number (KTN) is a 10-digit code assigned to you when you enroll in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. You will receive it by email after your enrollment appointment. You add it to your airline reservation under the "known traveler information" field. The TSA will see it before you arrive at the airport and route you to the PreCheck line.

Can I use Global Entry at land borders?

Global Entry does not work at land borders. It covers air travel and some sea ports. For faster processing at the U.S.-Mexico border, you need SENTRI. For the U.S.-Canada border, you need NEXUS. These are separate programs with their own fees and enrollment processes.

What happens to my Global Entry if I lose my card?

Your membership is still active. You can use your known traveler number on flight reservations and at customs kiosks without the physical card. If you want a replacement card, contact the Trusted Traveler Programs website and request a duplicate. There is usually a small fee, around $20.