The Core Difference: Domestic vs. International Travel

TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening at U.S. airports only. Global Entry does everything TSA PreCheck does, plus it expedites customs and immigration when you return to the United States from abroad. If you never leave the country, TSA PreCheck is what you need. If you travel internationally, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck as part of the package, so you get both benefits in one membership.

The practical difference shows up at the checkpoint. With TSA PreCheck, you keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and go through a dedicated lane. With Global Entry, you get that same experience domestically, but when you land back in the U.S., you skip the customs line entirely and use an automated kiosk instead — a savings of 20 minutes to an hour on a busy day.

Neither program is free. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years. Global Entry costs $100 for five years. Both require an in-person appointment to verify your identity and take your fingerprints.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck works at U.S. airports only and lets you keep shoes and jacket on through security; Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs screening when returning to the U.S.
  • Global Entry costs $22 more over five years than TSA PreCheck but covers both domestic and international travel benefits.
  • Both programs require an in-person appointment with fingerprinting; you cannot complete either entirely online.
  • Some credit cards and memberships reimburse the Global Entry fee, which can make it the better financial choice even if you travel domestically most of the time.

What TSA PreCheck Covers at the Airport

TSA PreCheck gives you access to a shorter security line at more than 200 U.S. airports. You keep your shoes, socks, belt, and light jacket on. Your laptop stays in your bag. Liquids, gels, and aerosols stay in your carry-on — you do not have to remove them or place them in a separate bin. You move through the metal detector instead of the full-body scanner in most cases.

The time savings is real but varies by airport and time of day. At a busy airport during peak hours, PreCheck can cut 15 to 30 minutes off your security wait. At a smaller airport or off-peak time, the difference might be five minutes. You still have to show your ID and boarding pass, and TSA officers can still ask you to remove items or undergo additional screening if something triggers their attention.

TSA PreCheck does not cover international flights outbound from the U.S. You get the faster domestic screening when you leave, but once you land abroad, you go through that country's immigration and security process normally. The benefit applies only to flights departing from and arriving at U.S. airports.

What Global Entry Covers at Home and Abroad

Global Entry includes all TSA PreCheck benefits domestically, plus it covers customs and immigration screening when you return to the United States by air, sea, or land. Instead of waiting in the customs line with everyone else, you use an automated passport control kiosk. You scan your passport, answer a few questions on a screen, take a photo, and walk through. The whole process takes three to five minutes in most cases.

Global Entry also includes NEXUS (for travel between the U.S. and Canada) and SENTRI (for travel between the U.S. and Mexico) if you want them, though these are separate programs with their own requirements. The base Global Entry membership covers air, sea, and land border crossings when returning to the U.S.

You still need a valid passport or passport card. Global Entry does not waive passport requirements or change visa rules — it only speeds up the screening process once you have already cleared those hurdles. The membership is valid for five years, and you renew it by mail or online without another in-person appointment.

Cost Comparison and Credit Card Reimbursement

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on whether you renew by mail or online. Global Entry costs $100 for five years. The difference is roughly $15 to $22 over the five-year period, or about $3 to $4 per year.

However, many premium credit cards reimburse the Global Entry fee as a cardholder benefit. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and several others cover the full $100 cost. If you hold one of these cards, Global Entry becomes free, and you get both the domestic and international benefits. Even if you travel domestically 90 percent of the time, the reimbursement makes Global Entry the better financial choice.

Some employers and professional organizations also cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck as a benefit. Check your employee handbook or membership materials before paying out of pocket. A few travel insurance plans include it as well, though this is less common.

The process and Appointment Process

Both programs require you to create an account online, fill out a form with your personal and travel history, and schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. The appointment takes 10 to 15 minutes. You bring a valid passport or driver's license, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and your Social Security number. TSA will take your fingerprints and photograph.

Appointment availability varies by location. In major cities, you might find an opening within a week or two. In smaller areas, you may wait several weeks. Some enrollment centers are at airports, some at federal buildings, and some at third-party locations like UPS stores. You can search for centers and book appointments on the TSA PreCheck website or the Global Entry website.

Processing time after your appointment is typically two to three weeks, though it can take longer if TSA needs to verify information or conduct a background check. You receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) once you are approved. You enter this number when you book flights, and it appears on your boarding pass to alert TSA that you are enrolled.

Who Should Choose Each Program

Choose TSA PreCheck only if you fly domestically several times a year but rarely or never travel internationally. The lower cost and simpler benefit make sense if the customs line is not part of your travel routine. You still get meaningful time savings at U.S. security checkpoints.

Choose Global Entry if you travel internationally at least once every two years, or if your credit card covers the fee. The customs benefit alone justifies the cost for frequent international travelers. Even occasional international travelers often find that one trip where Global Entry saves an hour makes the membership worth it. If you travel to Canada or Mexico regularly, the included NEXUS and SENTRI programs add extra value.

If you are unsure whether you will use the benefits, remember that both memberships last five years. Many people buy TSA PreCheck, use it for a year or two, then realize they are traveling internationally more than they expected and wish they had chosen Global Entry instead. If there is any chance you will travel abroad during the five-year period, Global Entry is the safer choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number for international flights?

Yes, your TSA PreCheck number works on international flights departing the U.S. — you get the faster domestic security screening. However, it does not help with customs or immigration when you land abroad or return to the U.S. For the customs benefit, you need Global Entry.

Do I have to renew in person?

No. Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can be renewed by mail or online without another appointment. You will receive a renewal notice about 90 days before your membership expires. The renewal process takes a few minutes and costs the same as the initial membership.

What if I have a criminal record or immigration issue?

TSA conducts a background check as part of the enrollment process. Certain convictions, immigration violations, or security concerns can result in denial. If you are unsure whether you will be approved, contact TSA directly before paying the fee. There is no refund if you are denied after paying.

Does Global Entry work at all U.S. airports?

The TSA PreCheck benefit of Global Entry works at over 200 U.S. airports. The automated passport control kiosks for the customs benefit are available at most major U.S. airports and some smaller ones, but not all. Check the CBP website to see which airports have kiosks before you travel.

Can my family members use my membership?

No. Each person needs their own membership and their own Known Traveler Number. Children under 18 can be added to a parent's account at some enrollment centers, but they still need their own KTN. Ask about this option when you schedule your appointment.