Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck®: Which is better?

Global Entry combines expedited U.S. customs processing with TSA PreCheck® benefits, making it a strong option for frequent international travelers. TSA PreCheck may be a more practical choice for travelers who primarily fly within the U.S. and want a simpler airport security experience.

Learn about the differences between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Plus, find out how you can use your eligible Capital One card to get reimbursed for the application fee of either program.

What you’ll learn:

• TSA PreCheck is for travelers on flights departing from U.S. airports. 

• Global Entry is for travelers arriving at U.S. airports after traveling abroad.

• Global Entry members receive TSA PreCheck benefits as part of their membership.

• Venture, Venture X, Venture X Business and Venture Business cardholders can get reimbursed for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees up to $120 every four years.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both Trusted Traveler Programs (TTPs) run by government agencies, but they differ in important ways: 

• TSA PreCheck grants expedited security screening for passengers departing from U.S. airports.

• Global Entry includes the benefits of TSA PreCheck and offers expedited customs screening when you reenter the U.S. after traveling internationally.

Yes, Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck membership. That means if you have Global Entry, you can use TSA PreCheck for your domestic flights. 

However, you may have to add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in the KTN field of your airline reservation. Then make sure the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass. Showing your Global Entry, SENTRI card or TSA PreCheck approval notification won’t let you access TSA PreCheck, according to the TSA.

Yes, you may be able to get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck for free by using an eligible travel rewards credit card to pay the application fee. Some credit cards, including the following Capital One cards, offer reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: 

• Venture

• Venture X

• Venture Business

• Venture X Business

Eligible cardholders can get up to a $120 statement credit when they use their eligible travel card to pay for their TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee. Capital One will reimburse you for the application fee within two billing cycles. Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are valid for five years, and you’re eligible for one statement credit per account every four years.

Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry require you to submit an online application and complete an in-person enrollment appointment as part of the approval process. Here are details about how to apply for each program:

You can apply for Global Entry in a few steps:

1. Complete the online application: Create a TTP account and complete the application through the TTP portal.

2. Pay the application fee: Pay the nonrefundable fee through the portal.

3. Wait for conditional approval: Once your application is conditionally approved, schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. Or you can use the Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) program, which lets you conduct your interview at an eligible airport when you reenter the U.S. after international travel.

4. Interview and wait for final approval: During your Global Entry interview, you’ll need to provide a valid passport and supporting identification. A CBP officer will verify application details, collect biometric information and determine final eligibility. Once approved, you can begin using your Global Entry benefits immediately.

To apply for TSA PreCheck, there are three simple steps:

1. Start your application online: Complete the preenrollment application on the TSA website or through an approved enrollment provider. Authorized providers such as CLEAR and Telos also offer TSA PreCheck enrollment services.

2. Find an enrollment center: Schedule an appointment at an enrollment center. An agent will review identification documents, collect biometric information and verify eligibility as part of the application process.

3. Pay your fee and get your KTN: After your identity verification and enrollment are complete, you’ll pay the required application fee and await a decision on your application. Approved travelers receive a KTN, which serves as the key to accessing TSA PreCheck benefits when flying.

If you’re trying to decide whether Global Entry or TSA PreCheck is best for you, it may help to break down the pros and cons of each.

If you’re an international traveler taking multiple trips a year, Global Entry offers benefits, like: 

• TSA PreCheck (included)
• Expedited customs clearance when reentering the U.S.
• Reimbursement of cost through some credit cards

Some potential drawbacks of Global Entry include: 

• More involved enrollment process than TSA PreCheck, including background checks

• Fewer enrollment locations than TSA PreCheck

• Longer time to get approved than TSA PreCheck

• Higher cost than TSA PreCheck

For travelers who typically fly to domestic sites and want a faster airport security experience, TSA PreCheck offers benefits that include:

• Expedited security screening for domestic flights

• An easier and faster enrollment process than Global Entry

• More enrollment locations than Global Entry

• Lower cost than Global Entry

• Reimbursement of cost through some credit cards

Potential drawbacks of TSA PreCheck include:

• It doesn’t provide expedited customs or immigration processing when entering the United States.

• Benefits are limited to participating airport security checkpoints.

• International travelers may receive greater overall value from Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are two common TTPs. Here are a few others:

• NEXUS: Similar to Global Entry, NEXUS provides travelers with expedited entry into Canada and the U.S. NEXUS costs $120 for a five-year membership and may include TSA PreCheck.

• SENTRI: SENTRI is a TTP for travelers moving between Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. Members get expedited vehicle and pedestrian access to Mexico and Canada. Membership may include TSA PreCheck at U.S. and Canadian airports. SENTRI costs $120 for a five-year membership.

• CLEAR+: Unlike TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which are federal programs, CLEAR+ is administered by CLEAR, a private company. CLEAR+ membership allows travelers to have their identities verified using biometrics, which can speed up the airport security process. CLEAR+ costs $209 yearly. CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck can be used together. You can also combine CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck enrollment at any participating CLEAR enrollment airport location.

TSA PreCheck gives travelers expedited security screening for domestic flights. Global Entry helps speed up the customs process for those reentering the U.S. after traveling abroad. And Global Entry members automatically get TSA PreCheck membership. 

Eligible Venture, Venture X, Venture X Business and Venture Business cardholders can get up to a $120 statement credit every four years when they use an eligible travel card to pay for their TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee. Find out more about how a Capital One travel rewards credit card can help make your travel experience more enjoyable with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards:

• Explore travel rewards cards with unlimited miles you can actually use. 

• Elevate your next adventure with the Venture X card, which offers premium travel benefits and more.

• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, and earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Venture card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, with no annual fee with the VentureOne card. View important rates and disclosures.