# Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which Should You Get?

URL: https://emptvl.vercel.app/compare/global-entry-vs-tsa-precheck
Publisher: Empyrean Travel (https://emptvl.vercel.app/)
Last reviewed: 2026-10-19

Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck: costs as of 2026, what each speeds up, eligibility, kids, and how to apply, so you can choose the right trusted traveler program.

**Quick answer:** 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.

| | 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 |

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

**Q: Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?**
A: Yes. Global Entry members are eligible for TSA PreCheck at no extra cost. Add your Global Entry PASSID to your airline reservations as your Known Traveler Number, and the PreCheck indicator should appear on your boarding pass when you’re selected. That’s why Global Entry is usually the better value for anyone who travels internationally, even occasionally.

**Q: How much do Global Entry and TSA PreCheck cost?**
A: As of 2026, Global Entry costs $120 for a five-year membership, and TSA PreCheck costs roughly $80–85 for five years, depending on which enrollment provider you use, with lower-cost online renewals. Application fees are non-refundable, even if you’re not approved. Many premium credit cards reimburse one of these fees, so check your card benefits. Confirm current fees on cbp.gov and tsa.gov.

**Q: How do I add my Known Traveler Number to a flight?**
A: Enter your Known Traveler Number in your airline profile or reservation, usually under traveler or secure flight information. For Global Entry members, the number is the PASSID on your membership card or Trusted Traveler Programs account. Your name and date of birth must match your reservation exactly, or the PreCheck indicator may not appear on your boarding pass.

**Q: What is Enrollment on Arrival?**
A: Enrollment on Arrival lets conditionally approved Global Entry applicants complete their interview when they land from an international trip at participating U.S. airports, without booking a separate appointment. You follow the signs before passport control, and a CBP officer completes the interview. It’s often the fastest way to finish the process when enrollment-center appointments are booked out.

**Q: Can my kids use my TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?**
A: For security, children 12 and under can use the PreCheck lane with an enrolled parent or guardian, and teens 13–17 can too when they’re on the same reservation and their boarding pass shows the PreCheck indicator. Global Entry is different: every traveler, including infants, needs their own membership. As of 2026, CBP charges no fee for applicants under 18 when a parent or guardian is a member or applying.

## Sources

- [U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Global Entry](https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry)
- [TSA PreCheck](https://www.tsa.gov/precheck)
- [DHS Trusted Traveler Programs](https://ttp.dhs.gov/)