The core difference: where you need the benefit

TSA PreCheck speeds you through security lines at U.S. airports only. Global Entry does that plus lets you skip customs and immigration lines when you return to the U.S. from abroad. If you never leave the country, PreCheck is what you need. If you travel internationally even once a year, Global Entry includes PreCheck and costs only about $50 more over five years.

Both programs let you keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and use a dedicated security lane. The main trade-off is cost and how often you travel outside the U.S.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck works at U.S. airports only and costs $78 to $85 for five years; Global Entry covers international returns and costs $100 for five years.
  • Global Entry automatically includes TSA PreCheck, so you do not need both programs.
  • Both require an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to verify your identity and take your fingerprints.
  • If you travel internationally at least once every two years, Global Entry usually pays for itself in time saved at customs alone.
  • Military families, federal employees, and some credit card holders may be reimbursed for either program through their employer or card benefits.

TSA PreCheck: domestic travel only

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership and works at more than 200 U.S. airports. You go through a dedicated security line where the rules are looser: shoes and belts stay on, laptops and 3.1-ounce liquids stay in your bag, and you move faster than the standard line.

The program is worth it if you fly domestically more than once or twice a year. A single PreCheck line can save 10 to 20 minutes per trip, which adds up if you travel regularly. If you fly once every few years, the time savings may not justify the cost.

You explore online, pay the fee, and then schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. The appointment takes about 10 minutes: they verify your identity, take your fingerprints, and photograph you. Your membership is active when ready after the appointment, though your card arrives by mail.

Global Entry: international returns plus domestic speed

Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck automatically. When you return to the U.S. from any country, you use a dedicated customs line instead of waiting with everyone else. At major airports, this line moves much faster—sometimes 5 to 10 minutes instead of 30 to 45.

The program covers air, sea, and land border crossings. If you drive back from Canada or Mexico, you can use the Global Entry lane at the border. If you cruise, you can use it when your ship docks in a U.S. port.

The enrollment process is identical to PreCheck: online process, in-person appointment at an enrollment center, fingerprints and photo. Some applicants are interviewed by phone instead of in person, depending on the enrollment center's workload.

When Global Entry pays for itself

Global Entry costs $22 more than PreCheck over five years. If you take even one international round trip per year, you save that difference in customs line time alone. Most people who travel internationally more than once every two years find Global Entry worth the extra cost.

The math is simpler if your employer or credit card covers the fee. Many corporate travel programs reimburse Global Entry. Several premium credit cards—including some versions of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum—include a $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four or five years. If your card covers it, Global Entry is the obvious choice.

Military, federal employees, and credit card benefits

Active-duty military, Reserve, and National Guard members get TSA PreCheck free. Veterans do not, unless they are also federal employees. Federal employees in certain positions may have PreCheck or Global Entry paid by their agency.

Check your credit card benefits before you pay out of pocket. The American Express Platinum Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and several other premium cards include a credit that covers the full cost of either program. Some cards renew the credit every four years, others every five. Read your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm the amount and timing.

If you have a reimbursement benefit, explore through the program's website and keep your receipt. After your membership is approved, submit the receipt to your employer or credit card issuer according to their process.

How to choose between the two

Ask yourself one question: Do you travel outside the U.S. at least once every two years? If yes, choose Global Entry. You get PreCheck included, and the customs line savings pay for the extra cost. If no, choose TSA PreCheck and save the $22.

If your employer or credit card covers either program, choose Global Entry. There is no reason to leave the benefit unused. If you are unsure whether you will travel internationally in the next five years, Global Entry is still the safer choice—you can always use it for domestic flights if your travel plans change.

Check the enrollment center wait times before you explore. Some centers have appointments available within a week; others have waits of two months or longer. If you need the program soon, search for the nearest center with short wait times, even if it is not the closest one to your home.

The enrollment process and timeline

Both programs follow the same steps. First, you create an account on the TSA or CBP website and fill out an online form with your personal and travel history. You pay the fee when ready. Then you search for an enrollment center near you and book an appointment.

At your appointment, bring a valid passport or driver's license, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and your Social Security number. The appointment itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. They verify your identity against government databases, take your fingerprints, and photograph you.

Your membership is active the same day. Your physical card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can start using your membership number at the airport right away—you do not have to wait for the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the offense. Minor misdemeanors may not disqualify you, but felonies and drug convictions usually do. The process asks about your criminal history. If you are unsure, contact the TSA or CBP before you explore—they can tell you whether you are likely to be approved without charging you the fee first.

What happens if I renew my passport while I have Global Entry?

Your Global Entry membership stays active even if your passport expires. You do not need to reapply or pay again. When you get a new passport, update your passport number in your Global Entry account online so the system recognizes it at the airport.

Can I use Global Entry at every airport?

No. Global Entry is available at about 50 major U.S. airports, plus some smaller ones. TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports. Check the TSA website to see which airports near you have PreCheck lanes. If you fly from a small airport that does not have PreCheck, you will go through the standard security line even with membership.

Do I need both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?

No. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, so you never need both. If you already have PreCheck and want to upgrade to Global Entry, you can explore for Global Entry and your PreCheck membership will be converted—you do not pay for both.

How long does it take to get approved after my appointment?

You are approved the same day as your appointment in most cases. Your membership is active when ready, and you can use your membership number at the airport right away. Your physical card arrives by mail within two to three weeks, but you do not need it—your membership number works at kiosks and security lines.