TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are separate programs, but they overlap in useful ways

TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening at U.S. airports. Global Entry speeds up customs and immigration when you return to the U.S. from abroad. If you have both, you use them at different points in your journey — PreCheck at the departure security line, Global Entry at the arrival customs line. You pay for each program separately, and each has its own membership card and renewal cycle.

The key overlap: if you pay for Global Entry, you automatically receive TSA PreCheck as a benefit. You do not pay twice. If you only want faster domestic security screening, you buy PreCheck alone. If you travel internationally and want both benefits, buying Global Entry gives you both.

Key Takeaways

  • Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck at no extra cost, so international travelers get both benefits from one membership fee.
  • TSA PreCheck alone covers only U.S. airport security; Global Entry covers customs and immigration when returning to the U.S. from any country.
  • You use PreCheck at the security checkpoint before your flight and Global Entry at the customs line after you land back in the U.S.
  • Each program requires its own background check and has its own membership card, expiration date, and renewal fee.
  • If you have Global Entry, your TSA PreCheck benefits work automatically — you do not need to set up anything separately.

What TSA PreCheck gives you at the security checkpoint

When you have TSA PreCheck, you go through a dedicated security lane at most major U.S. airports. You keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. You leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag instead of removing them. You go through standard metal detection rather than advanced imaging. The whole process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes instead of 20 to 30.

PreCheck works on any flight from a U.S. airport, regardless of where the plane is going. You use it for domestic flights and for international flights departing the U.S. Your PreCheck membership card is not required — the TSA checks your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in the airline's system when you book. You can add your KTN to your frequent flyer profile so it carries over automatically to every ticket you buy.

What Global Entry gives you at the customs line

When you return to the U.S. from any country, you pass through customs and immigration. With Global Entry, you use a self-service kiosk instead of waiting in line with a customs officer. You scan your passport, answer a few questions on screen, take a photo, and print a receipt. The whole process takes 2 to 5 minutes. A customs officer glances at your receipt as you exit, and you are done.

Global Entry works at 50+ U.S. airports and at some preclearance locations abroad (airports where you clear U.S. customs before boarding). You use it whether you are returning from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere else. Like PreCheck, Global Entry does not require you to carry a physical card — the system recognizes you by your passport number.

How to add your TSA PreCheck benefits to your airline tickets

Your TSA PreCheck membership comes with a Known Traveler Number (KTN). This is a 10-digit code that tells the TSA and your airline that you are enrolled. When you book a flight, you enter your KTN in the passenger information section of the airline's website or app — the same place where you enter your frequent flyer number.

The easiest way is to add your KTN to your frequent flyer profile with each airline you fly. Once it is there, the airline automatically includes it on every ticket you buy under that account. You can also add it manually to individual bookings if you prefer. If you forget to add it when you book, you can usually add it up to 24 hours before departure through the airline's website or at the airport ticket counter.

When your KTN is on your ticket, your boarding pass will show "TSA PreCheck" or a TSA PreCheck logo. That tells you that you are cleared to use the PreCheck security lane. If your boarding pass does not show it, ask at the security checkpoint — the TSA can look you up by name and membership number.

How to use Global Entry when you land back in the U.S.

After you clear the aircraft and walk into the terminal, follow signs for "U.S. Customs and Border Protection" or "Customs." You will see a separate area for Global Entry members with self-service kiosks. Walk up to an available kiosk, insert your passport, and follow the on-screen prompts. Answer questions about where you traveled, what you are bringing back, and whether you have anything to declare.

The kiosk takes a photo and prints a receipt with a barcode. Take the receipt and walk to the exit lane, where a customs officer scans it and waves you through. You do not need to show your Global Entry card — your passport is your proof of membership. If you are traveling with family members who do not have Global Entry, they go through the standard customs line while you use the kiosk.

When PreCheck and Global Entry do not work

TSA PreCheck is not available at every U.S. airport. Smaller regional airports may not have a dedicated PreCheck lane. If your airport does not have one, you go through standard security even though you are enrolled. You are not charged extra or penalized — you straightforward do not get the speed benefit that day.

Global Entry kiosks are not available at every U.S. airport either, though they are at most major ones. If you land at an airport without a kiosk, you go through the standard customs line. Some airports have kiosks only at certain terminals or only for certain airlines, so check your airport's website before you travel if you want to confirm.

Neither program works if your passport is expired, if you have a name mismatch between your membership and your travel documents, or if your membership has lapsed. Renew your membership before it expires — you can usually renew online 6 months before the expiration date.

Membership costs and renewal

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on whether you renew online or in person. Global Entry costs $100 for five years. If you buy Global Entry, you pay $100 and receive both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck — you do not pay $78 extra for PreCheck.

Both memberships expire on a specific date. You can renew online starting 6 months before expiration. Renewal takes 1 to 2 weeks for PreCheck and 2 to 4 weeks for Global Entry. If you let your membership lapse, you have to explore as a new member and go through the background check again, so renew before the expiration date.

Some credit cards offer statement credits that cover the cost of PreCheck or Global Entry renewal. Check your card's benefits guide to see if yours does. A few employers also reimburse the cost as a travel benefit — ask your company's travel or HR department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, or just one?

If you only fly domestically within the U.S., PreCheck alone is enough. If you travel internationally and return to the U.S., Global Entry is worth the extra cost because it includes PreCheck and saves time at customs. If you rarely travel, PreCheck alone may be the better value.

Can I use Global Entry if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You must be a lawful permanent resident or citizen of the U.S., Canada, or a few other countries. You need a valid passport and must pass a background check. Check the CBP website to confirm your country is may be able to access before you explore.

What happens if I lose my TSA PreCheck or Global Entry card?

You do not need the physical card to use either program — the TSA and CBP look you up by your membership number or passport. If you lose the card, you can request a replacement through the TSA or CBP website, but you can still use your benefits without it.

Can I use TSA PreCheck on international flights leaving the U.S.?

Yes. PreCheck works at the security checkpoint for any flight departing a U.S. airport, whether the flight is going to another country or staying domestic. You use it at departure security, not at customs in the destination country.

How long does it take to get approved for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

PreCheck approval usually takes 2 to 3 weeks after you submit your process online. Global Entry takes longer — typically 4 to 6 weeks, though it can take up to 2 months during busy periods. You can use your benefits as soon as you receive your approval notification, even before your physical card arrives.