Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck: which one is right for you?

Global Entry® and TSA PreCheck® are helpful ways for travelers to simplify the airport security process.

Including automatic approval for low-risk travelers at security, these trusted traveler programs can help you avoid lines, paperwork, and speed up your arrival back into the US.

There are pros and cons to both programs — and each system works slightly differently.

Read everything you need to know about Global Entry and TSA PreCheck — including why a Wise card is your travel essential when spending money abroad.

TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry: main differences

There are a few key differences between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

TSA PreCheck is aimed at those looking to travel within the US, letting customers access dedicated airport security lanes and avoid time-consuming checks.

On the other hand, Global Entry is better suited for seasoned international travelers, with a simplified and automated US customs process.

	TSA	Global Entry
Advantages	Good for domestic travelers 500+ enrollment centers nationwide Children included in your membership	Good for international travelers 100+ enrollment centers nationwide Access to expedited US customs lanes
Disadvantages	No access to expedited US customs lanes	Children need their own membership
Application fee	78 USD	100 USD
Length of membership	5 years	5 years¹
Do credit cards cover the application fee?	Yes — many credit cards reimburse the application fee	Yes — many credit cards reimburse the application fee

Is TSA PreCheck included in Global Entry?

Yes, Global Entry includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck. It also includes extra perks, such as expedited US customs lanes for travelers returning to the US.

What is Global Entry and how does it work?

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll know how annoying it can be to get stuck in long lines and fill out lots of paperwork before you can head home. Global Entry aims to simplify the US customs process.

Run by US Customs and Border Protection, there are almost 60 airports that allow access to Global Entry.²

When you arrive at customs, you just need to go to a Global Entry kiosk, present your machine-readable passport, scan your fingerprints, and complete a customs declaration.

The kiosk gives you a receipt, which you then give to a customs officer when you leave the baggage claim area. This is a simple and speedy solution to the frustrating customs and security process.

There are a few pros and cons of this system.

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Expedited US customs process Less waiting time Fast application process Includes TSA PreCheck	All family members need their own membership, including children Global Entry members may still go through further security checks²

What is TSA PreCheck and how does it work?

TSA PreCheck is a program run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It offers shorter waiting times and a quicker security process when you return to the US.

You can also use TSA PreCheck when leaving from a participating US airport to a foreign country in some cases.

Simply go through airport security without removing items such as shoes or belts.

You can also leave on your shoes, belt, or jacket when going through the regular security lane if a TSA PreCheck screening line isn’t available.

There are a couple of pros and cons to consider before you enroll with TSA PreCheck.

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Access to expedited airport security Available outbound at 200+ airports Include children in your membership	You can only access it if your airline participates with TSA PreCheck The benefits of Global Entry aren’t included

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Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck: comparison

If you want to make your journey a little easier, a trusted traveler program could be the way to go.

We’ve put together a helpful comparison of TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry, including benefits, fees, membership length, and how to apply.

Benefits

Global Entry

As part of US Customs and Border Protection, Global Entry lets you avoid processing lines and reduce paperwork at the airport. It can also speed up your re-entry to the US with expedited security.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, and it’s available at many major airports across the US, such as JFK International Airport in New York.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck reduces waiting time at airport security, letting members go through any checks without removing items of clothing.

It’s also available at many airports across the US, and you can include children in your membership free of charge.

How much is Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck?

Global Entry

Global Entry costs 100 USD for a 5-year membership. This works out to 20 USD per year. If you re-enter the US once a month, it works out at roughly 2 USD per trip.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is 78 USD for a 5-year membership. This works out at around 15 USD per year.

Eligibility and application

Global Entry

You can send a Global Entry application online. Once US Customs and Border Protection approves your application, you can schedule an interview at a Global Entry enrollment center, or you can choose to interview upon arrival after your next trip.

This is called Enrollment on Arrival, and it also involves a background check and fingerprinting.

US citizens of any age can enroll in this program — and children need to interview for the program, too. You may not be eligible for Global Entry if you have been convicted of a criminal offense or if you’ve got any pending criminal charges.²

TSA PreCheck

It’s easy to send a TSA PreCheck application. You need to create a Trusted Traveler account online, and then simply follow the application process.

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be invited for an interview at one of the TSA enrollment centers. This includes a background check and fingerprinting.

Any US citizen can apply for TSA PreCheck, but those with a criminal record may not be approved, as trusted traveler programs are aimed at low-risk travelers.²

How long is it good for?

Global Entry

A Global Entry membership lasts for 5 years. Unlike TSA PreCheck, Global Entry costs the same amount for every renewal.

TSA PreCheck

Once you’ve applied for TSA PreCheck and paid the membership fee of 78 USD, the program will last for 5 years. After this, you can pay 70 USD for any future memberships.

TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs Clear

Clear® is another trusted traveler program available for low-risk US citizens traveling in the US or abroad.

Unlike TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, Clear is a secure identity program run by a private company.

After signing up for Clear, you can use specific Clear security screening machines to verify your identity at the airport, rather than waiting in line to get your passport or license checked by a TSA agent. You can then go to the front of the line for traditional airport security checks.

Over 50 airports currently allow access to Clear verification machines and 14 million people use Clear across the US.²

There are a few pros and cons to all of these trusted traveler programs.

	✅ Pros	❌ Cons
TSA PreCheck	Discounted membership renewal Children included	No expedited US customs process TSA PreCheck members may still experience long lines
Global Entry	Expedited US customs process Includes TSA PreCheck	Children need their own membership Fewer enrollment centers in the US, compared to TSA PreCheck
Clear	Go to the front of the line at security Available at 50 airports	Membership only lasts 1 year Costs 189 USD

Things to consider when applying for a program

There are some things to consider before applying for a trusted traveler program.

Security features and privacy

It’s important to look into the security features offered when choosing the right trusted traveler program for you. For example, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck can help you get through airport security as quickly as possible.

Clear is a private company that uses your biometric data to verify your identity, which can raise issues about privacy for some travelers.

Children and companions

Prepare for your trip by applying for a trusted traveler program for everyone in your family. Travelers of all ages can apply for a Global Entry card — and it’s important to remember that children are not automatically included in your membership.

If you’re heading abroad with a big group, make sure everyone has the right membership well in advance to enjoy a smooth journey through security.

Nonrefundable fees

All trusted traveler programs include a membership cost. However, many credit card companies will reimburse your application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

It’s also possible to get a discount or reimbursement for Clear from some credit cards.

It’s important to weigh up the different costs for each program before paying your membership fee.

A Clear membership only lasts a year, compared to 5 years for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

Remember — Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, but TSA PreCheck doesn’t include Global Entry, so it’s important to think about your decision before paying for a 5-year membership.

Type of travel

Each trusted traveler program has different benefits for different travelers.

If you travel internationally, Global Entry could be a better choice. This program includes an expedited US Customs process for regular international travelers — meaning you can easily move through security after your work trip or vacation.

Which credit cards reimburse the application fee?

Many US credit card providers reimburse the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

Here are 5 examples of credit cards that reimburse the fee.

Card	Annual Fees	Renewal Periods	Additional rewards
Provident® World+ Travel	No fee	4 years	Access to airport VIP lounges⁴
HSBC® Premier World Mastercard	No fee	5 years	Unlimited WiFi in many hotspots⁵
US Bank® FlexPerks Gold American Express	85 USD	5 years	No foreign transaction fees⁶
Chase® United Explorer Card	95 USD (waived the first year)	4 years	No foreign transaction fees⁷
Bank of America® Premium Rewards	95 USD	4 years³	Earn 2 points per dollar on travel purchases⁸

Many other credit card companies also reimburse TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees, so make sure to check with your banking provider before enrolling for a program.

You need to make sure to use your participating credit card when paying the application fee, or you may not receive a reimbursement.

Which other trusted traveler programs can US citizens get?

There are a few other trusted traveler programs for US citizens. We’ve put together information about alternative programs to check out before your next trip.

	Nexus®	Clear	Sentri®	Fast
Features	Entry into the US from Canada Travel by air, land, or sea	Verifies identity so you can skip document screening Entry into the US	Entry into the US from Canada and Mexico Travel by air and land	Available for truck drivers Doesn’t include TSA PreCheck
Fees	50 USD	189 USD	122.25 USD	50 USD
Membership length	5 years	1 year	5 years	5 years
Benefits	Includes TSA PreCheck	Simple application process	Includes TSA Precheck	Short processing time
Eligibility	US, Mexican, and Canadian citizens	US citizens over 18 years old	US citizens	US and Canadian citizens, and Mexican nationals
Application processing time	12-14 months⁹	Not specified	10-12 months⁹	1-2 weeks⁹

Common questions

If you’re trying TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for the first time, you may have a few questions.

Do you need TSA PreCheck if you have Global Entry?

If you have Global Entry, you don’t need TSA PreCheck.

Global Entry includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, letting you use PreCheck security lanes at the airport.

Is Global Entry harder to get than TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is typically easier to get than Global Entry, as TSA PreCheck enrollment centers are available at airports across the US. However, Global Entry enrollment centers are often only found at international airports and land border crossings.

You can use Enrollment on Arrival to complete your Global Entry interview when you arrive back in the US after your next trip. This is a simple and convenient option for regular travelers.

How long does it take to get Global Entry?

Typically, you’ll receive your Global Entry membership card within 7-10 business days of approval by Customs and Border Protection.¹⁰ However, this can depend on the number of applications received.

Can you use TSA PreCheck in Europe?

You can use TSA PreCheck when departing from a US airport to a foreign country, as well as when you come back into the US.

Can you get Global Entry for free?

Many credit cards reimburse the Global Entry application fee, meaning you can get your 5-year membership card for free.

Make sure to check with your credit card company before completing your application to see if you’re eligible to receive the application fee back from your bank.

Can you get TSA PreCheck for free?

Your banking provider may offer to pay your TSA PreCheck fee as part of your credit card terms. This means that you will receive a reimbursement for your application fee.

Should you get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: Summary

There are many benefits of both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for regular travelers. Global Entry includes more advantages for international travelers, including an expedited customs line to avoid standing in line.

However, the application fee is a little more expensive than TSA PreCheck — and it doesn’t include children if you’re traveling with your family.

Clear, Nexus, and Sentri are also popular options for those who regularly fly. Every traveler will need something different — and it’s important to choose the right program for you.

Find out about your global spending options with Wise.

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Sources:

1. Nerd Wallet
2. The Points Guy
3. TSA.gov
4. Provident CU
5. HSBC
6. US Bank
7. Chase
8. Bank of America
9. Trusted Traveler Programs
10. Customs and Border Protection

Sources checked on 04.27.2023