TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry: Pick the Right One in 2026
TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry: cost, time, and who each program is for. Plus when getting both makes sense — and how Global Entry includes PreCheck free.
TL;DR
If you fly internationally even once a year, get Global Entry — it includes TSA PreCheck automatically, so you get both programs for $120. If you only fly domestically, PreCheck alone at $78 is all you need.
At a glance
| TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $78 / 5 years | $120 / 5 years |
| Valid | 5 years | 5 years |
| Who can apply | U.S. citizens, nationals, LPRs | U.S. citizens, LPRs (most citizens of select countries too) |
| What it does | Expedited security lane (no shoes off, no laptop out) | Expedited customs on return from abroad + includes PreCheck |
| Includes the other | No | Yes — PreCheck KTN issued automatically |
| Interview required | No (fingerprints at enrollment center) | Yes — in-person CBP interview |
| Processing time | 3–5 business days typical | 2–6 months typical |
Why this matters
The programs overlap but solve different problems. TSA PreCheck speeds up the outbound security line — the one you hit every flight, domestic or international. Global Entry speeds up the inbound customs line — the one you hit only when returning from another country.
The key wrinkle: Global Entry includes PreCheck at no extra cost. That changes the math for almost everyone who travels internationally.
What each program actually does
TSA PreCheck: the outbound line
PreCheck gives you a dedicated security lane at 200+ airports across the U.S. In that lane, you keep on your shoes, belt, and light jacket. Your laptop stays in your bag. Your liquids stay in your bag. The line is shorter and moves faster.
Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is the credential that makes it work. You add your KTN to every airline frequent-flyer profile and to any booking you make. When PreCheck is printed on your boarding pass, you’re cleared for the dedicated lane.
PreCheck does not help you at customs or passport control. It has no effect on the return half of an international trip.
Global Entry: the inbound line
Global Entry lets you skip the main immigration and customs hall when you land in the U.S. from abroad. Instead of waiting in a line that can run 45 minutes to 2 hours at busy airports, you walk to a CBP kiosk, scan your passport and fingerprints, answer a few customs questions on screen, and walk out with a receipt. The whole process typically takes under five minutes.
Global Entry is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). When CBP approves your application and you complete the interview, they issue you a PASSID — and along with it, a KTN that activates TSA PreCheck automatically.
You do not pay separately for PreCheck. Your $120 covers both.
When to get both — and when not to
The short answer: you rarely need both as separate memberships.
- Get Global Entry if you travel internationally at all — it covers the domestic lanes too.
- Get PreCheck only if you fly exclusively within the U.S. and never plan to go abroad.
- Already have PreCheck and fly internationally? Adding Global Entry is worth it. You’ll pay $120 for a new 5-year GE membership; your existing PreCheck membership overlaps until it expires, at which point you won’t need to renew it separately.
Some travelers ask about applying for PreCheck first to get the faster approval, then adding Global Entry later. That’s a valid path if you have an international trip in weeks and can’t wait for GE processing. But if you have time, go straight to Global Entry — it’s cleaner.
Comparison: both programs at a glance
| Factor | PreCheck | Global Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $78 | $120 |
| Valid period | 5 years | 5 years |
| Includes the other program | No | Yes (PreCheck KTN included) |
| Best for | Domestic-only flyers | International travelers |
| Customs lane expedited | No | Yes |
| Security lane expedited | Yes | Yes |
| Interview required | No | Yes (CBP enrollment center) |
| Application complexity | Simple (fingerprints, background check) | Full CBP background check + in-person interview |
Common pitfalls
- Applying for PreCheck when you fly internationally. If you travel abroad even once every couple of years, Global Entry at $120 is the better value — you get PreCheck included plus the customs benefit.
- Forgetting to add your KTN to airline profiles. Your PreCheck or PASSID only shows up on your boarding pass if you’ve entered the KTN in each airline’s loyalty profile. Check your United, Delta, American, Southwest, and Alaska profiles.
- Letting a membership expire before your trip. Both programs give you a reminder before expiration, but renewal processing can take time. Renew at least 6 months before your membership lapses.
- Thinking Global Entry speeds up outbound customs. It only applies to U.S. Customs on return. Your outbound experience at foreign airports is governed by those countries’ processes — Global Entry has no effect there.
- Assuming every airport has PreCheck lanes. Over 200 U.S. airports participate, covering all major hubs, but smaller regional airports may not. Verify at tsa.gov before assuming you’ll have a lane.
What to do next
For most travelers the answer is straightforward: apply for Global Entry and get PreCheck as part of the deal. If you’re certain you’ll never fly internationally, TSA PreCheck at $78 does everything you need for domestic travel.
The application process for both involves a background check and enrollment. If you’d rather skip the paperwork and have someone walk you through eligibility, gather your documents, and track your status, start your application here.
Frequently asked questions
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Every approved Global Entry member automatically receives TSA PreCheck benefits. You get a KTN that you add to your airline profile, and the TSA PreCheck indicator prints on your boarding pass. No need to apply or pay for PreCheck separately.
How much does TSA PreCheck cost in 2026?
TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a 5-year membership. Many credit cards reimburse the fee as a travel benefit — check your card’s benefits guide before paying out of pocket.
How much does Global Entry cost in 2026?
Global Entry costs $120 for a 5-year membership. Since it includes TSA PreCheck, the effective cost of standalone PreCheck goes to zero once you have Global Entry.
Can I get both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
You can, but there’s rarely a reason to. Global Entry already includes PreCheck. The only scenario where you’d hold both is if you applied for PreCheck first and later added Global Entry before the PreCheck membership expired.
How long does Global Entry approval take?
Processing typically takes 2–6 months from application to conditional approval, plus an in-person interview. PreCheck approvals come back faster — usually 3–5 business days once the background check clears.
Who is not eligible for Global Entry?
Global Entry requires U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Certain criminal convictions, customs violations, or immigration violations can result in denial. TSA PreCheck has broader eligibility and a lighter background check.
Sources: TSA PreCheck program page, CBP Global Entry program page.
Want us to handle your TSA PreCheck?
We complete the application and book your enrollment appointment for you.
Related reading
REAL ID enforcement is in full effect at every U.S. airport. If your driver's license isn't compliant, here's exactly what flies and what doesn't in 2026.
CLEAR speeds up the ID line; TSA PreCheck speeds up the security line. Learn how each works, when to stack both, and how to get CLEAR free via Amex or Delta.
A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is the 9-digit code that unlocks TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass. Here's where to find yours and how to add it to a reservation.