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TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry: What’s the Difference?
July 1, 2025
Standing in airport security lines can turn even the most exciting trip into a test of patience. Between removing shoes, unpacking electronics, and navigating crowds, the pre-flight experience often feels like a necessary evil. But what if you could breeze through security in minutes instead of hours?
Trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry transform airport hassles into smooth, predictable experiences. These government-backed programs offer expedited screening for pre-approved travelers, but choosing between them requires understanding what each delivers and whether the investment makes sense for your travel patterns.
TSA PreCheck speeds up domestic security screening for $78 over five years, while Global Entry handles international customs clearance and includes TSA PreCheck benefits for $100. Many premium credit cards reimburse these fees entirely, making either program essentially free for savvy cardholders.
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry at a Glance
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is the Transportation Security Administration's expedited security screening program designed specifically for domestic travel within the United States. For $78 (valid for five years), members access dedicated security checkpoints at over 200 US airports across 90+ participating airlines.
The program's appeal lies in its simplicity: keep your shoes, belts, and light jackets on. Leave laptops and liquids in your carry-on bags. Pass through standard metal detectors instead of full-body scanners. TSA reports that 99% of PreCheck members wait less than 10 minutes in security lines, even during peak travel times.
Who benefits most? Domestic travelers flying multiple times per year, business commuters shuttling between cities, and families tired of juggling kids and carry-ons through standard checkpoints. The application process involves completing an online form, scheduling an appointment at an enrollment center, and undergoing a brief background check. Processing times vary based on volume and location.
Children under 12 can accompany enrolled parents through PreCheck lanes without their own membership, making this particularly valuable for families. The known traveler number (KTN) you receive works across all participating airlines when entered during booking.
Global Entry
Global Entry takes travel efficiency to the international level. This US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program costs $100 for five years and focuses on expediting your return to the United States from international trips. The real value: Global Entry automatically includes all TSA PreCheck benefits, making it a two-for-one program.
Upon landing at participating international airports, Global Entry members bypass traditional passport control lines and use automated kiosks instead. Scan your passport, verify your fingerprints through biometrics, answer customs questions on-screen, and proceed to baggage claim. The entire process typically takes minutes compared to standard immigration lines that can stretch over an hour during busy periods.
The application mirrors TSA PreCheck but adds an in-person interview requirement at a Global Entry enrollment center. Processing involves two stages: conditional approval based on your online application, followed by scheduling and completing your interview. Interview availability varies significantly by location, with major airports often booking weeks or months in advance.
Global Entry works for US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select countries, including Mexico, Canada, and several others, through reciprocal agreements. Each family member needs individual enrollment, regardless of age.
Which Program Is Right for You?
If You Primarily Fly Within the US
TSA PreCheck delivers immediate value for anyone taking more than four domestic flights annually. Business travelers hopping between meetings, families visiting relatives across states, and weekend warriors exploring America all benefit from dedicated security lines and simplified screening procedures.
Coverage includes major hubs and regional airports, with airlines ranging from legacy carriers to budget options participating in the program. Your KTN follows you regardless of which participating airline you choose.
If You Travel Internationally (Even Occasionally)
Global Entry changes the calculation entirely. For just $22 more than TSA PreCheck alone, you receive comprehensive coverage for both domestic and international travel. International trips often involve tighter connections, and expedited customs clearance can mean the difference between making your connection and rebooking.
Consider this scenario: You're returning from Europe with a two-hour layover before your domestic connection. Standard passport control during peak times can exceed an hour. Global Entry kiosks typically process travelers in under 10 minutes. That buffer transforms a stressful sprint into a comfortable connection.
Global Entry costs $4.40 more per year than TSA PreCheck ($20/year vs. $15.60/year). One saved connection or avoided hotel night due to faster customs processing pays for decades of membership.
Kudos Tip: Calculate your break-even point: if you value your time at $30/hour and Global Entry saves you 45 minutes per international trip, you break even after just one round-trip journey.
Credit Cards That Reimburse TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Fees
Premium travel credit cards recognize these programs' value by offering statement credits covering application fees every four to five years. This benefit alone can offset a significant portion of annual fees while providing peace of mind for frequent travelers.
Before applying for any trusted traveler program, check whether your current cards include this perk. Use the Kudos Explore tool to compare cards and calculate real ROI based on your spending patterns.
Popular Cards That Cover TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
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Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides a statement credit for the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee (up to $120) once every four years when charged to the card. Paired with its $300 annual travel credit and broad suite of travel protections, this card can significantly enhance the airport and travel experience while earning valuable Ultimate Rewards points. Given its high annual fee, these concrete travel benefits help justify the cost for frequent travelers.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (See Rates & Fees) offers a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel and a reimbursement of the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee (up to ~$120) every four years. It provides airport lounge access — including Priority Pass and Capital One lounges — though guest/authorized-user access rules have recently changed. The card’s flat 2X miles on all purchases (plus elevated miles on travel booked via Capital One Travel) makes rewards earning simple, especially for travelers who prefer not to track rotating bonus categories.
Both cards include travel protections that complement these programs perfectly: trip delay insurance when connections go wrong, primary rental car coverage abroad, and emergency medical coverage. You're not just speeding through airports; you're traveling with comprehensive protection.
Test your actual earning potential: Use Kudos Test Drive to see exactly how much these cards would earn based on your last three months of spending before applying.
How to Apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
The application process follows similar paths for both programs, with Global Entry adding interview requirements:
Step 1: Start your application online. Visit tsa.gov/precheck for TSA PreCheck or cbp.gov/global-entry for Global Entry. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs account and complete the detailed questionnaire covering employment history, addresses, and international travel patterns. Global Entry applications require more extensive travel history documentation.
Step 2: Pay the application fee.e Use a credit card offering reimbursement to maximize value. The charge posts immediately to your account. Most issuers process reimbursements automatically, though timing varies by issuer. Keep your receipt as backup documentation.
Step 3: Schedule your appointment. TSA PreCheck applicants can visit enrollment centers at airports or off-site locations,ons including select Staples stores. IDEMIA and Telos operate enrollment locations nationwide. Global Entry requires CBP interviews at international airports or enrollment centers near borders. Major airports often book months in advance, while smaller locations may have immediate availability.
Step 4: Complete your enrollment. Bring required documents: a valid passport for Global Entry, a driver's license or state ID for TSA PreCheck. The process includes fingerprint capture, photograph, and document verification. TSA PreCheck appointments typically last 10 minutes. Global Entry interviews run 15-20 minutes and include questions about your travel history and plans.
Step 5: Receive your Known Traveler Number. TSA PreCheck often approves applications within days, sometimes immediately. Global Entry involves conditional approval first (typically 1-2 weeks), then final approval after your interview. Some applicants receive instant approval during their interview, while others wait several days for final clearance.
Enrollment on Arrival option: Select international airports offer Global Entry interviews for conditionally approved applicants returning from abroad. Check CBP.gov for participating locations and current wait times.
Common Questions About TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry
Do I need both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
No. Global Entry membership automatically includes full TSA PreCheck benefits. Your Global Entry known traveler number functions identically to a standalone TSA PreCheck KTN when booking domestic flights. Applying for both would duplicate benefits and waste money.
Does Global Entry work for domestic flights?
Yes. Global Entry members enjoy all TSA PreCheck privileges at US airports when flying domestically. Enter your known traveler number when booking flights, and TSA PreCheck appears on your boarding pass. The same KTN works for both programs.
What if my card's fee credit doesn't post automatically?
Credit card issuers typically process Global Entry and TSA PreCheck reimbursements within one to two billing cycles after the charge posts. If your credit doesn't appear after two statements, contact customer service with your receipt. Some issuers require manual reimbursement requests, though automatic crediting has become standard practice among major travel cards.
Can kids use my membership?
TSA PreCheck allows children under 12 to accompany enrolled parents or guardians through expedited screening without their own membership. Teenagers 13-17 can sometimes join parents, though policies vary by airport and aren't guaranteed.
Global Entry requires individual membership regardless of age. Each family member needs their own application, interview, and $100 fee. However, the investment often makes sense for families traveling internationally, as kids clear customs just as quickly as adults with their own Global Entry cards.
Which other trusted traveler programs exist?
NEXUS ($50 for five years) expedites travel between the US and Canada while including TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits. The catch: enrollment centers exist only near the Canadian border, limiting accessibility for most Americans.
SENTRI ($122.50 for five years) speeds border crossings from Mexico and includes Global Entry benefits. Like NEXUS, enrollment locations cluster near border areas.
Both programs offer specialized benefits for frequent cross-border travelers, but prove impractical for those living far from enrollment centers.
How do I add my known traveler number to existing reservations?
Update existing bookings through your airline's website or mobile app. Most carriers allow KTN additions until check-in. Add your KTN to frequent flyer profiles to ensure automatic inclusion on future bookings. For maximum reliability, verify your boarding pass displays "TSA PreCheck" before arriving at the airport.
What happens if TSA PreCheck isn't showing on my boarding pass?
First, confirm your KTN was entered correctly during booking. If missing, airline agents at check-in can often add it manually. Sometimes,s TSA PreCheck won't appear due to airline system issues, international codeshares, or security protocols. Having membership doesn't guarantee access on every flight, though it works consistently for most domestic travel.
Additional Considerations for Maximizing Value
Strategic Application Timing
Apply for Global Entry during slower travel seasons (late January through early March, or September) when interview slots open more frequently. Major hub airports like JFK, LAX, and ORD book months ahead, while smaller enrollment centers often have same-week availability.
If you need expedited processing, consider these strategies:
- Book appointments at less popular enrollment centers
- Check for last-minute cancellations early mornings
- Use enrollment on arrival if conditionally approved
- Apply when you have flexibility for interview scheduling
Credit Card Strategy for Families
Families face higher costs since each member needs individual Global Entry enrollment. Smart credit card management can eliminate these expenses. Many premium cards offer Global Entry credits as primary cardholder benefits, and authorized users sometimes receive their own credits.
Publisher Example: A family of four could potentially receive $400 in Global Entry credits by strategically using multiple premium cards over time. Space applications across different statement years to maximize reimbursement opportunities.
Renewal Best Practices
Both programs allow renewal starting one year before expiration. Global Entry members can often renew online without another interview if they maintain good standing. TSA PreCheck renewals process is entirely online.
Set calendar reminders 13 months before expiration to ensure continuous coverage. Renewal applications typically process faster than initial enrollments since your background check updates rather than starting fresh.
Making the Decision: A Financial Framework
Run this calculation for your situation:
- Count your annual flights (domestic and international separately)
- Estimate the average security wait time at your home airport
- Value your time (use your hourly wage or preferred rate)
- Factor in credit card reimbursements available to you
Domestic-only travelers: If you fly 6+ times annually and value your time at $25/hour, TSA PreCheck pays for itself through time savings alone.
International travelers: Even two international trips annually justify Global Entry's premium, especially when factoring in missed connection risks and the included TSA PreCheck benefits.
Credit card holders: If you have or plan to get a premium travel card, either program becomes free, making enrollment a pure value add.
Bottom Line
Choosing between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry comes down to simple math and travel patterns. Domestic-only travelers find excellent value in TSA PreCheck's streamlined security screening for $78. But for just $22 more, Global Entry delivers comprehensive coverage for both domestic and international travel.
The smartest move? Let your credit card cover whichever program matches your needs. Premium travel cards routinely include $100 credits for Global Entry applications, effectively making both programs free while adding valuable travel protections and rewards earning potential.
Smart travelers maximize every aspect of their journey, from earning points on purchases to breezing through security checkpoints. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck represent easy wins in the optimization game, especially when paired with the right credit card strategy.
Take action today: Run a Test Drive on Kudos with your last 3 months of spending to see whether a card with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits would pay for itself through rewards alone. Visit Kudos to discover which cards match your travel style and calculate your real earning potential before applying.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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