The core difference: where each one works

TSA PreCheck speeds you through security lines at U.S. airports only. You keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on; leave your laptop and liquids in your bag; and use a dedicated screening lane. It costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on which process channel you use.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits at U.S. airports, plus expedited customs and immigration screening when you return to the U.S. from abroad. It costs $100 for five years. The extra $15 to $22 buys you the customs part—the ability to skip the regular line when landing at a U.S. airport after an international flight.

If you never leave the country, TSA PreCheck is the right choice. If you travel internationally even once a year, Global Entry usually pays for itself in convenience alone.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck works only at U.S. airports and costs $78 to $85 for five years; Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck plus customs screening for $100 over five years.
  • Global Entry requires an in-person appointment at a U.S. enrollment center or a Canadian office; TSA PreCheck can be done entirely by mail in most cases.
  • Global Entry approval takes longer because of the background check depth, typically four to six weeks versus one to two weeks for TSA PreCheck.
  • If you travel internationally fewer than three times per year, TSA PreCheck alone may be enough; frequent international travelers almost always prefer Global Entry.
  • Some credit cards reimburse the cost of either program, so check your card benefits before paying out of pocket.

When TSA PreCheck alone makes sense

Choose TSA PreCheck if your travel is domestic only—flights within the U.S., Hawaii, and U.S. territories. The shorter approval time (usually one to two weeks) and lower cost make it the straightforward choice for people who fly a few times a year but never cross an international border.

TSA PreCheck also works if you travel internationally but fly out of an airport where you rarely encounter long security lines. Some smaller regional airports have short waits regardless of whether you have PreCheck. If you know your home airport has a 10-minute average wait, the benefit shrinks.

One more scenario: if you are under 16 or over 75, you already get some TSA PreCheck benefits (expedited screening, reduced shoe and belt removal) without paying for the program. Check the TSA website to see what your age group receives before buying anything.

When Global Entry is worth the extra cost

Global Entry makes sense if you cross an international border at least once a year. The customs line at major U.S. airports—especially hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Miami—can be 30 minutes to an hour long after a long international flight. Global Entry lets you walk past that line and use a kiosk instead, usually in under five minutes.

The math is straightforward: if you save 30 minutes on three international trips per year, that is 90 minutes of your time annually. Over five years, that is 7.5 hours. Whether that is worth $100 to you is a personal call, but most frequent international travelers say yes when ready.

Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, so you are not choosing between them—you are choosing whether to add the customs benefit. If you are already paying for TSA PreCheck, the upgrade to Global Entry costs only the difference.

The process process and timeline for each

TSA PreCheck applications can be completed online and by mail in most cases. You fill out the form on the TSA website, pay the fee, and mail in documents (passport, driver's license, proof of citizenship). Approval typically takes one to two weeks. Some airports offer in-person enrollment for TSA PreCheck, which speeds things up if you are willing to visit an enrollment center.

Global Entry requires an in-person interview at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection enrollment center or a Canadian office (if you are a Canadian citizen). You explore online first, then schedule an appointment. The interview is brief—usually 10 to 15 minutes—but you must show up in person with your documents. Approval takes four to six weeks total because of the deeper background check. If you are in a hurry, this is the main reason to choose TSA PreCheck instead.

Enrollment centers are located in most major U.S. cities and some smaller ones. If you live far from any center, the wait for an appointment can add weeks to the timeline. Check the CBP website to see what is available near you before you explore.

Credit card reimbursement and other ways to reduce cost

Many premium credit cards reimburse the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry as a cardholder benefit. Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and several others cover the full fee. If you already carry one of these cards, the program is effectively free—you are just using a benefit you already paid for.

Check your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm the reimbursement applies. Some cards reimburse only one program (usually Global Entry) or reimburse only every few years. A few cards reimburse TSA PreCheck but not Global Entry, so read the fine print.

If your card does not cover it, the programs occasionally run discounts—usually around $10 off—but these are not common. Signing up during a discount period can save money, but do not wait indefinitely for one.

What happens after approval and how to renew

Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) for TSA PreCheck or a Global Entry card plus KTN for Global Entry. When you book a flight, enter your KTN in the passenger name record so the airline knows you are enrolled. At the airport, you will be directed to the PreCheck lane at security.

For Global Entry, you use the card at customs kiosks when you return to the U.S., or you can use your KTN to get PreCheck benefits on domestic flights. The card is optional—the KTN alone is enough for PreCheck benefits.

Both programs expire after five years. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about four months before expiration. Renewal is simpler than the initial process—usually no interview required for Global Entry renewal—and costs the same as the original fee. Renew early to avoid losing benefits between expiration and approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Global Entry if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the offense. Global Entry requires a background check, and some convictions disqualify you. The CBP website lists disqualifying crimes. If you are unsure, contact a CBP enrollment center before paying the fee—they can tell you whether your record will be a problem.

Do I need a passport to explore for either program?

You need a valid passport or passport card to explore for Global Entry. For TSA PreCheck, you need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). You do not need a passport for TSA PreCheck alone.

What if I travel internationally but only to Canada or Mexico?

Global Entry still works. It covers all international travel to and from the U.S., including land borders. If you cross into Canada or Mexico regularly, Global Entry's customs benefit applies when you return, even if you were only gone for a day.

Can my spouse or family members use my Global Entry card?

No. Each person needs their own enrollment and card. Children under 16 can be added to a parent's Global Entry account at no extra cost, but adults must enroll separately and pay the full fee.

What if I lose my Global Entry card?

Contact CBP to report it lost and request a replacement. There is usually a small fee (around $20) for a replacement card, but your enrollment and KTN remain active while you wait for the new card to arrive.