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Advertiser Disclosure

We are an independent publisher. Our reporters create honest, accurate, and objective content to help you make decisions. To support our work, we are paid for providing advertising services. Many, but not all, of the offers and clickable hyperlinks (such as a “Next” button) that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. The compensation we receive and other factors, such as your location, may impact what ads and links appear on our site, and how, where, and in what order ads and links appear. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, our site does not include information about every product or service that may be available to you. We strive to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, but some information may not be current. So, your actual offer terms from an advertiser may be different than the offer terms on this site. And the advertised offers may be subject to additional terms and conditions of the advertiser. All information is presented without any warranty or guarantee to you.

This page may include: credit card ads that we may be paid for (“advertiser listing”); and general information about credit card products (“editorial content”). Many, but not all, of the offers and clickable hyperlinks (such as a “Apply Now” button or “Learn More” button) that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. When you click on that hyperlink or button, you may be directed to the credit card issuer’s website where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer. Each advertiser is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its ad offer details, but we attempt to verify those offer details. We have partnerships with advertisers such as Brex, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo and Discover. We also include editorial content to educate consumers about financial products and services. Some of that content may also contain ads, including links to advertisers’ sites, and we may be paid on those ads or links.

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TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry Guide: Which is Best?

August 20, 2020 By Mary Blowers

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Nothing puts a damper on your airport experience quite like a long line at airport security or U.S. customs — except maybe the additional inconvenience of removing toiletries and electronics from your carry-on. If you’ve found yourself gazing at the nearly non-existent lines for TSA PreCheck or envying other travelers’ shiny Global Entry cards that allow them to use quick kiosks at U.S. Customs, keep reading.

Both programs offer shorter lines and convenience at the airport, and you may even want to get both if you are a frequent traveler. Here are the advantages of each, and how to get your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursed.

What’s the difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?

Both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are trusted traveler programs, meaning that you have demonstrated through an application process that you are a low-risk traveler. You can apply for these programs if you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with no history of violations or disqualifying offenses.

The main difference between these programs is their range of coverage. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration operates TSA PreCheck, and it offers streamlined services and screenings specifically for flights within the U.S. Global Entry is run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It provides the same benefits for U.S. flights, but it also includes benefits for travelers arriving at U.S. Customs from international flights.

Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?

Yes, when you purchase a five year $100 membership with Global Entry, you automatically get TSA PreCheck. Considering that TSA Precheck is also a five-year membership costing $85, it may be worth it for you just to get Global Entry. If you plan to travel abroad even just a couple of times in those five years, the additional $15 should be well worth it. In fact, with certain credit cards, you can even get those memberships for free.

How does Global Entry work?

Global Entry allows you to skip lines and have a more streamlined experience re-entering the U.S. after traveling abroad. This membership will enable you to use the Global Entry kiosks, where you only need to scan your passport and fingerprints and answer a few questions to receive a printed receipt, which you will present to an agent to pass through customs quickly.

The down-side to Global Entry is that the initial application process can be lengthy. You’ll need to fill out an application, complete an interview at a Global Entry enrollment center, and then wait several months for approval. Once you’ve been approved, you’ll be added to the system, and you will receive a Global Entry card that doubles as a form of government identification.

How does TSA PreCheck work?

TSA PreCheck saves you the hassle of waiting in long lines, removing articles of clothing, and unpacking liquid or electronic items from your carry-on. Additionally, children aged 12 and under can go through the line with a parent who has TSA PreCheck, making it much easier to travel with children. That being said, TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed every time you fly, due to certain limitations at some airports.

If you only want TSA PreCheck and not the whole package with Global Entry, the application process is a bit easier. You can apply online, but you’ll need to go to a TSA PreCheck enrollment center to answer some questions and be fingerprinted. If everything is in the clear, you can be approved in just two to three weeks.

Which one is better for you?

Your travel choices, rather than your budget, should determine whether you choose to go with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. The price difference between these programs is nominal, so that shouldn’t be a factor when making your decision. (If you are especially motivated to save money while traveling, take a look at what we’ve said about the best travel credit cards before you plan your next trip). You should choose your trusted traveler program based on your travel plans.

If you never travel outside the U.S., then just get TSA PreCheck. The application process is shorter, and this membership will help you avoid most airport-related headaches. However, if you think you might travel abroad even a few times within the five years of the membership, then you should apply for Global Entry, mainly since it automatically includes TSA PreCheck.

Bottom line

Anyone who only plans to travel domestically will do fine with TSA PreCheck and can avoid the hoops you have to jump through for Global Entry. But anyone who travels abroad, even just a couple of times a year, could end up saving boatloads of time at customs when re-entering the U.S., so getting Global Entry is likely worth it.

Either way, if you decide to apply for one of these trusted traveler programs, be sure to use a credit card that will reimburse you for the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee.

For the latest tips and tricks on traveling big without spending a fortune, please subscribe to the Million Mile Secrets daily email newsletter.

Featured image by Meinzahn/iStock.

Mary Blowers

Contributor

Mary Blowers is a contributor to Million Mile Secrets, she covers topics on points and miles, credit cards, airlines, hotels, and general travel.

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