TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Which Trusted Traveler Program Fits Your Trips

What Each Program Actually Does

Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are part of the Department of Homeland Security's Trusted Traveler Programs — a suite of initiatives designed to speed up screening for pre-vetted, low-risk travelers. But they solve different problems.

TSA PreCheck focuses entirely on the outbound security checkpoint. Approved members get access to dedicated lanes at more than 200 US airports, where you can leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, keep your laptop in your bag, and move through faster screening. It's administered by the Transportation Security Administration and works on domestic and many international departing flights on participating airlines.

Global Entry is run by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and targets the return journey. When you land in the US from abroad, Global Entry members use automated kiosks to scan their passport and fingerprints, bypassing the standard customs line entirely. Because Global Entry and TSA share data, Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck benefits — making it a two-for-one deal.

Both programs require a background check, and neither approval is guaranteed. Understanding what each covers is your first step — pair this with our international travel pre-departure checklist to make sure your documents are ready before you apply.

Cost, Eligibility, and the Enrollment Process

TSA PreCheck currently costs $78 for a five-year membership (approximately $15.60 per year) and is open to US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents. The application is completed online, followed by an in-person appointment at an enrollment center for fingerprinting and identity verification — typically a quick 10-minute visit. Renewal is available online for many members.

Global Entry costs $100 for five years (about $20 per year). Eligibility extends to US citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents, plus citizens of several partner countries including Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Korea, and others — check the CBP website for the current full list. The process involves an online application, a background check, and a mandatory in-person interview at an approved enrollment center or participating international airport. Wait times for interviews can stretch from weeks to months depending on location, so applying well ahead of your first international trip is wise.

Some premium travel credit cards reimburse the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee as a cardholder benefit — worth checking your card's terms before paying out of pocket. That said, this article focuses on the programs themselves rather than any specific card or financial product.

Also worth knowing: TSA PreCheck does not grant Global Entry. The relationship only flows one direction — Global Entry includes PreCheck, not the reverse.

Real-World Perks and Limitations

On paper, both programs sound like a slam-dunk. In practice, a few nuances are worth knowing before you commit.

TSA PreCheck limitations: Not every airline participates (though most major US carriers do), and not every airport lane is open at all hours. TSA also uses randomized screening, meaning PreCheck members occasionally get pulled into standard lanes. Check whether your airline displays the PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass — if it doesn't appear, you'll use the regular line that trip. Our guide on airport security myths breaks down what travelers often misunderstand about checkpoint rules.

Global Entry limitations: The automated kiosks are available at more than 75 US airports and pre-clearance locations, but not every port of entry participates. If you land at a smaller regional airport, you may still need the standard customs line. Additionally, if CBP flags an issue at the kiosk, you'll be directed to a secondary inspection regardless of membership status.

Both programs are valid for five years and can be renewed. If you're already a Global Entry member whose PreCheck has lapsed, renewing Global Entry simultaneously restores both benefits. Planning an upcoming international trip? Cross-reference your trusted traveler status with our pre-travel verification checklist to make sure everything lines up before departure.