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Global Entry and TSA PreCheck can save travelers hours in airports. Though each is valuable in its own way, don’t shell out money for both of them. Here’s how to decide which one’s a better fit.
What’s the difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are traveler programs that help you speed through airport security or US customs screenings. The main difference is international travelers who arrive at US airports can use Global Entry to pass through customs, and passengers departing from US airports can use TSA PreCheck for faster security screening.
Benefits of Global Entry
Expedited passage through US customs. When you arrive on an international flight, skip the customs line. Simply go straight to the Global Entry kiosk, complete the customs declaration form and get the receipt. Show the receipt to the CBP officer and you’re on your way.
Available in other countries. You can use Global Entry kiosks in select foreign airports, including Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), Dublin Airport (DUB), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and more.
Free access to TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck is included with the Global Entry enrollment.
You can use it for air, land and sea entry into the US. You can use Global Entry at select airports, seaports and on land borders. If you’re entering the US by land, use the NEXUS or SENTRI lanes.
Benefits of TSA PreCheck
Good for those who often travel domestically. Eligible US airports let you pass security faster via the TSA PreCheck lane.
Lighter airport security screening. You can pass security without removing your belt, shoes or light jacket. Also, you can pass without removing your laptop or liquids from your bag.
Available at many airports. You’ll find TSA PreCheck at more than 200 airports across the US, as opposed to less than 100 that have Global Entry kiosks.
Global Entry
TSA PreCheck
Length of membership
5 years
5 years
Application fee
$100
$85
What you get
Use Global Entry kiosks instead of going through the normal customs line.
Get access to TSA PreCheck.
Go through security screening in a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane.
You don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, light jacket, laptop or eligible liquids.
Available in international airports?
Select destinations
US airports only
Number of eligible airports
75
More than 200
Number of eligible airlines
N/A
56
Who should use Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Global Entry could be helpful for anyone traveling internationally, while TSA PreCheck for anyone who often flies domestically. Here’s why:
Preferred Program
Benefits
Average wait time
International
Global Entry
Speed through US customs on arrival
Available at some international airports abroad
Includes TSA PreCheck
Less than 5 minutes
Domestic
TSA PreCheck
Speed through airport security on domestic flights
Available at more domestic airports
No need to do an interview to enroll in the program
Cheaper application fee
It depends on the airport, but it often takes between 5 and 10 minutes to pass airport security
Traveling with children
Children of 12 and younger can pass airport security faster with either of the two programs.
However, to pass through US customs, your children will need their own Global Entry enrollment
It depends on which traveling program you are enrolled in
It depends on which traveling program you are enrolled in
How much does Global Entry and TSA PreCheck cost?
A Global Entry application costs $100. A TSA PreCheck application costs $85. These fees are nonrefundable even if you aren’t approved.
You can get out of these application fees with the right travel credit card. Use your card for your application fee, and your provider will reimburse you.
Compare credit cards with free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
If you want to apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, consider getting a travel card that offers a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four to five years.
Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is the better deal?
Global Entry costs $15 more than TSA PreCheck. This is the price difference you pay once in five years, meaning Global Entry costs only $3 more annually.
Considering you also get TSA PreCheck with Global Entry, getting Global Entry could be the better option even if you fly internationally once a year. But if you don’t plan on flying abroad in the next five years, you could save the $3 and buy yourself a cup of coffee instead.
Kevin Joey Chen is a credit cards, banking and investments writer whose work and analysis have appeared on CNN, U.S. News & World Report, Business.com, Lifehacker and CreditCards.com. He's passionate about helping you get your finances in order by expertly navigating cutting-edge financial tools — including credit cards, apps and budgeting software.
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