TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Which Is Better? - NerdWallet (2024)

Federal trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry let you go through special security lanes at the airport — which usually means faster and less intrusive screening.

There are costs associated with applying for either option — not to mention the time and effort to complete the required interviews. But some credit cards or frequent flyer programs will cover the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Even if you fly only occasionally, applying could be worth it, especially if you can get reimbursed with your credit card. (Jump ahead to learn how that works, or just keep reading.)

Here’s our guide to both programs to help you choose the right expedited security program for you. Take a closer look at the pros and cons of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck differ in a few important ways:

Here's Global Entry versus TSA PreCheck at a glance.

Yes, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits so you don’t need to sign up for both programs. Because of this, people with Global Entry are allowed to use dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes.

Many credit cards that cover TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees will reimburse you for either program. Because the cost factor is eliminated, you might as well go for Global Entry because it includes TSA PreCheck benefits as well.

If you’re paying the application fees out of pocket, you might have to choose between the two programs. Global Entry is only $22 more at most, but the decision comes down to the convenience you want versus the hassle and cost to apply.

Consider Global Entry if you plan to travel abroad often and you live near or are traveling through a center for the required interview (more on that later).

If you don’t live near a Global Entry center, don’t have a passport and rarely travel abroad, TSA PreCheck is the better choice. Here's a closer look at the programs and some tips to help choose between them.

When you apply for TSA PreCheck, you'll have to pass a background check that verifies you as a low-risk traveler. Once you’re approved, the government will issue you a “Known Traveler Number,” or KTN, which you'll need to include when making airline reservations. If you add it to your airline frequent flyer account, your KTN will automatically be applied to all your reservations with that airline in the future.

When using a KTN, you’re very likely — but not guaranteed — to get PreCheck status for your flights. You’ll see a PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass, whether paper or electronic. Eligibility is also embedded in the bar code of the boarding pass.

PreCheck status gives you access to security lanes with lighter screening:

Most of the time, that means a quicker line. As of April 2024, 99% of PreCheck passengers waited less than 10 minutes in line, according to the TSA.

Global Entry: $100 (includes TSA PreCheck)

It costs $100 to apply, and the membership lasts for five years. Some credit cards and elite frequent flyer programs reimburse your application fee. This program refers to the Known Traveler Number as PASSID, but the number is used the same way.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and its benefits but also gives you expedited U.S. customs screening when traveling internationally. Upon returning to the U.S., you can use an airport kiosk that should be far faster than traditional customs inspection lines.

Global Entry also includes expedited processing at land borders with Mexico and Canada. The TSA offers an FAQ for both programs.

TSA PreCheck: $78 or $85

The cost of TSA PreCheck depends on which enrollment provider you use. It costs $78 to enroll in TSA PreCheck at an Idemia enrollment center or $85 at a Telos enrollment center. There are more than 600 Idemia locations and only 26 Telos locations.

Not matter which enrollment provider you use, the membership lasts for five years. Some credit cards and elite frequent flyer programs reimburse your application fee. After the initial application fee, PreCheck renewal only costs $70 if completed online.

Some travel credit cards will help offset this cost as well. This program has one benefit: access to TSA PreCheck lanes. Those lanes are available at 200-plus airports and through 90-plus airlines.

A number of popular travel credit cards reimburse you for the application fee for trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Among them:

For frequent travelers, Global Entry is probably preferable because it offers extra benefits when returning to the U.S. Even if you’re paying the application fee yourself, the added benefits of Global Entry cost just $22 extra at most, or $4.40 a year.

Also, you don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to get Global Entry. U.S. lawful permanent residents, Mexican nationals and citizens of Argentina, India, Colombia, United Kingdom, Germany, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan are eligible for membership.

The downside? Applying for Global Entry is more of a hassle than TSA PreCheck. Here’s why:

Privacy

For any trusted traveler program, a potential drawback is supplying information about yourself to the government, including fingerprints and a photo. Giving up that personal information is an individual decision.

Children

Children ages 12 and younger can accompany an adult with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry through the quicker airport security lines without having their own PreCheck clearance. Children ages 13 to 17 can as well, but they must have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.

Global Entry, however, doesn't allow children to go through expedited customs screening without their own enrollment in the program.

Nonrefundable fees

The application fees for both programs are nonrefundable, even if your application is denied.

Traveling with others

A practical consideration with speedier security and customs lanes is your traveling companions. If they don't have the same status, you may find yourself waiting for a while on the other side of the security screening area for your family or friends.

If you decide PreCheck or Global Entry is right for you, here are the online forms to get started:

These application sites guide you through the process, help you find an enrollment center and list the documents to bring.

TSA PreCheck appointment process

After you submit your online application, you need to schedule an appointment to get your fingerprints and background check completed. According to TSA, the appointment should take about 10 minutes.

There are over 600 enrollment centers, and you can search for the center nearest you on the TSA website.

Global Entry appointment process

Once you’ve submitted your application for Global Entry, the CBP will process your application. For new applicants, the review process can be take four to six months. Once your application is conditionally approved, you will be notified that it's time to schedule an interview.

At this point, you can either schedule an interview at one of the enrollment centers or take advantage of the Enrollment on Arrival program. This program allows applicants who have been conditionally approved to walk-in to a Global Entry enrollment center once they arrive in the U.S. after an international flight and complete their interview before they leave the airport.

The majority of EoA centers are located within the U.S. However, there are also EoA centers at international airports (in Aruba, Bermuda, Canada, Ireland, the Bahamas and UAE), but these locations may have limited hours.

For $50, or half the price of Global Entry, you'll get the equivalent of Global Entry privileges, along with Canada. The bad news: An interview is needed, and it must take place at a border-crossing facility.

So it makes sense to apply only if you live near the Canadian border or will be traveling through and can coordinate the interview with your travel plans. A NEXUS membership lasts for five years, and memberships for children under 18 years of age are free.

This border-crossing program with Mexico offers similar benefits to NEXUS, but costs $122.25 for five years. Enrollment centers are only on the U.S. southern border.

Clear is a prescreening program administered by a private company. It uses biometrics, such as fingerprint and iris scans, to confirm your identity at a kiosk. You must still go through physical security screenings at participating airports, but you can bypass the identification check and get straight to the conveyor belt and security scanners.

As of 2023, Clear is available at about 60 airports, stadiums and other venues nationwide. However, if you want Clear's airport security benefits, you need to finish the registration process at an airport location.

Clear doesn't qualify you for the light TSA PreCheck screening. You can use Clear and PreCheck together, though. Clear also lets you cut the security line at several stadiums, such as Major League Baseball parks.

This choice is considerably more expensive at $189 per year. (Remember, the government programs’ fees cover five years.) Delta Air Lines and United Airlines free and discounted memberships to frequent flyers.

The American Express® Green Card offers up to $100 per year in statement credit when you use the card to pay for your Clear membership fee. Terms apply.

Clear membership also comes with Preferred Plus status in Avis's loyalty program. Avis Preferred Plus status includes perks like:

You would typically need to spend $4,000 on qualifying Avis purchases or complete 10 rentals in a calendar year to qualify for Avis Preferred Plus.

For military personnel

TSA PreCheck status is available for free to U.S. armed forces service members, including those serving in the Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard.

In most cases, Global Entry is a better choice, especially if you travel internationally. Not only does it include TSA PreCheck but it will also expedite your re-entry back into the U.S. when you arrive from abroad. If you’re paying out of pocket, Global Entry is only $22 more.

There are also many credit cards that reimburse the cost of either program, so you may already be able to apply for Global Entry for free essentially. However, Global Entry has fewer enrollment locations than TSA PreCheck does, so take into consideration the time and effort you might have to spend going to the interview.