Quick answer
Reviewed · 3 min read
If you fly internationally even once a year, get Global Entry: it costs $120 for five years, speeds your return through U.S. customs, and includes TSA PreCheck. If you only fly domestically, TSA PreCheck alone, about $80–85 for five years depending on the enrollment provider, is enough. Fees are as of 2026; confirm on the official sites.
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Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck, side by side
- What it speeds up
- Global EntryU.S. customs and immigration on arrival from abroad, plus securityTSA PreCheckSecurity screening at U.S. airports
- Includes the other?
- Global EntryYes, TSA PreCheck is includedTSA PreCheckNo, it does not cover customs
- Application fee
- Global Entry$120 (as of 2026, confirm on cbp.gov)TSA PreCheckAbout $80–85 by provider (as of 2026, confirm on tsa.gov)
- Membership length
- Global Entry5 yearsTSA PreCheck5 years
- Who can apply
- Global EntryU.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select partner countriesTSA PreCheckU.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents
- How to apply
- Global EntryOnline application, background check, then an interviewTSA PreCheckOnline pre-enrollment, then a short in-person appointment for fingerprints
- Children
- Global EntryEvery traveler needs a membership; no fee for under-18s with a member parent (as of 2026)TSA PreCheckKids 12 and under can join an enrolled parent in the lane
- Passport needed to use it
- Global EntryYesTSA PreCheckNo; a REAL ID–compliant license works for domestic flights
- Best for
- Global EntryAnyone who travels abroad, even occasionallyTSA PreCheckDomestic-only travelers
| Compare | Global Entry | TSA PreCheck |
|---|---|---|
| What it speeds up | U.S. customs and immigration on arrival from abroad, plus security | Security screening at U.S. airports |
| Includes the other? | Yes, TSA PreCheck is included | No, it does not cover customs |
| Application fee | $120 (as of 2026, confirm on cbp.gov) | About $80–85 by provider (as of 2026, confirm on tsa.gov) |
| Membership length | 5 years | 5 years |
| Who can apply | U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select partner countries | U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents |
| How to apply | Online application, background check, then an interview | Online pre-enrollment, then a short in-person appointment for fingerprints |
| Children | Every traveler needs a membership; no fee for under-18s with a member parent (as of 2026) | Kids 12 and under can join an enrolled parent in the lane |
| Passport needed to use it | Yes | No; a REAL ID–compliant license works for domestic flights |
| Best for | Anyone who travels abroad, even occasionally | Domestic-only travelers |
The verdict: For most travelers who leave the country even once a year, Global Entry is the better value: for a modest extra cost, you get both programs. Choose TSA PreCheck alone if you never travel internationally or don’t want to wait for a Global Entry interview.
Choose Global Entry if…
…you travel internationally. Global Entry lets pre-approved travelers skip the regular passport line when returning to the U.S., and it includes TSA PreCheck for domestic and outbound flights. Your membership number (PASSID) doubles as your Known Traveler Number, so add it to every airline profile.
Applying takes longer than PreCheck: you apply online, wait for conditional approval, then complete an interview at an enrollment center or through Enrollment on Arrival when you land from an international trip. Our Global Entry guide walks through each step, and our glossary defines Global Entry in brief.
Choose TSA PreCheck if…
…you rarely or never leave the country. PreCheck gives you dedicated security lanes at participating U.S. airports, where you typically keep laptops and travel-size liquids in your bag and keep on belts and light jackets. Enrollment is a short online form plus an in-person appointment, and you don’t need a passport.
PreCheck also suits travelers who aren’t eligible for Global Entry. Our TSA PreCheck guide covers enrollment providers and renewals, and our REAL ID guide explains the ID you’ll need at the airport.
Do you need both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?
No. Global Entry already includes TSA PreCheck. If you have PreCheck and start traveling abroad, apply for Global Entry and use its PASSID as your Known Traveler Number from then on. If you’re not ready for either, Mobile Passport Control is a free app that can speed up re-entry at many U.S. airports.
Frequently asked questions
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
How much do Global Entry and TSA PreCheck cost?
How do I add my Known Traveler Number to a flight?
What is Enrollment on Arrival?
Can my kids use my TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
Official sources
Rules, fees and schedules change — confirm the latest details at the source before you travel.