You probably don't need both, and you might not need either one

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are two separate programs that both speed up airport screening, but they serve different purposes. TSA PreCheck gets you through U.S. airport security faster. Global Entry does that plus lets you skip customs and immigration lines when you return to the U.S. from abroad. If you rarely travel internationally, TSA PreCheck alone makes sense. If you travel outside the U.S. regularly, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so you only pay for one program.

The choice comes down to how often you fly internationally and whether the cost matters to you. Neither program is required to fly—standard security lines work fine, they just take longer. Both programs have membership fees and require an in-person appointment to enroll.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and speeds up U.S. airport security screening only.
  • Global Entry costs $100 to $120 for five years, includes TSA PreCheck benefits, and also expedites customs and immigration when returning to the U.S.
  • If you travel internationally more than once or twice a year, Global Entry usually pays for itself in time saved.
  • Some credit cards cover the Global Entry fee as a cardholder benefit, which can make it free or nearly free.
  • You can use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry only at participating U.S. airports and airlines, so check whether your home airport and regular carriers support it.

What TSA PreCheck actually does at the airport

TSA PreCheck lets you go through a separate, faster security line at 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 go through a standard metal detector instead of a full-body scanner (though you may still be selected for additional screening). The whole process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes instead of 20 to 30.

TSA PreCheck works at more than 200 U.S. airports, but not all of them. Check the TSA website to confirm your home airport participates. Most major carriers support it, but some regional airlines do not. You need a valid boarding pass and a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport to use the PreCheck line.

The membership costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on your state. You renew it every five years. The fee is nonrefundable, even if you move or stop flying.

What Global Entry adds on top of TSA PreCheck

Global Entry includes everything TSA PreCheck does, plus an automated kiosk system for returning to the U.S. from abroad. When you land at a U.S. airport after an international flight, you skip the customs and immigration line and use a Global Entry kiosk instead. You scan your passport, answer a few questions on a screen, take a photo, and you're done—usually in 5 minutes. Standard customs lines can take 30 minutes to over an hour, especially at busy airports.

Global Entry works at 50 major U.S. airports and some preclearance locations abroad (airports where you clear U.S. customs before boarding). The membership costs $100 to $120 for five years. Like TSA PreCheck, it renews every five years and the fee is nonrefundable.

Global Entry also comes with TSA PreCheck as a benefit, so you get both programs for one fee. You do not need to pay for TSA PreCheck separately if you have Global Entry.

When Global Entry pays for itself

If you take one international round trip per year, Global Entry saves you roughly 30 to 60 minutes per trip—that is 1 to 2 hours per year. Over five years, that is 5 to 10 hours. Whether that time is worth $100 to $120 depends on how you value your time and how much you dislike waiting in lines.

If you take two or more international trips per year, the time savings add up faster. Many frequent international travelers find Global Entry worth the cost within the first year or two.

Some premium credit cards—including American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and others—cover the Global Entry fee as a cardholder benefit. If your card covers it, Global Entry costs you nothing out of pocket, and the decision becomes much easier.

How to check if your airport and airline support these programs

Not every airport or airline participates in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Before you enroll, confirm that your home airport and the airlines you fly most often support the program.

The TSA website lists all participating airports and airlines. Search for your airport by name or code. If your airport does not participate, you cannot use the PreCheck line there, even if you have the membership. Some airports have PreCheck lanes only at certain terminals or for certain airlines, so check the details for your specific airport.

If you travel to smaller airports or fly regional carriers, PreCheck may not be available to you. In that case, the membership fee would not benefit you.

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 complete either program entirely online. The appointment takes 10 to 15 minutes for TSA PreCheck and 15 to 20 minutes for Global Entry.

For TSA PreCheck, bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). You will be fingerprinted and your background will be checked.

For Global Entry, you need the same documents plus proof of your Social Security number. The background check is more thorough because Global Entry involves customs and immigration.

Enrollment centers are located at major airports, some post offices, and regional offices. You can book an appointment online through the TSA or Global Entry website. Wait times for appointments vary by location—some have openings within days, others may have a wait of several weeks or months.

Alternatives if you do not want to pay for membership

If the cost or the appointment requirement does not work for you, standard security screening is always available. It takes longer, but it is free and requires no membership.

Some travelers use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry only when they have a tight connection or are traveling during peak times. If you fly infrequently or at off-peak hours, the time savings may not justify the cost.

If a credit card you already use covers the Global Entry fee, that removes the cost barrier. Check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Both programs work at more than 200 U.S. airports, but not all of them. Check the TSA website to confirm your home airport and any airports you travel to regularly participate. Some airports have PreCheck lanes only at certain terminals or for certain airlines.

Do I need a Real ID to use TSA PreCheck?

Yes. You need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport to use the PreCheck line. A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted Real ID standards will not work. Check your state's DMV website to see if your license is Real ID-compliant.

What happens if I renew my passport or driver's license while I have Global Entry?

Your Global Entry membership stays active, but you should update your profile with your new passport or ID number. You can do this online through the Global Entry website. Use your new ID at the airport going forward.

Can I get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the offense. Both programs conduct background checks, and certain crimes or violations can disqualify you. If you have concerns, contact the TSA or Global Entry program directly before paying the fee.

Is Global Entry worth it if I only travel internationally once every few years?

That depends on how much you value your time and whether a credit card covers the fee. If a card benefit covers it, Global Entry is free and worth having. If you pay out of pocket, one international trip every few years may not save enough time to justify the cost, but only you can decide.