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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.
| Global Entry | TSA PreCheck | |
|---|---|---|
| Length of membership | 5 years | 5 years |
| Application fee | $100 | $85 |
| What you get |
|
|
| Available in international airports? | Select destinations | US airports only |
| Number of eligible airports | 75 | More than 200 |
| Number of eligible airlines | N/A | 56 |
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 |
|
Less than 5 minutes |
| Domestic | TSA PreCheck |
|
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 |
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.
Back to topIf 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 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.
Both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck can be highly useful. If you get a Global Entry membership, you’ll get benefits from the other program too.
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