Updated October 31, 2026

Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck: which one should you get?

TSA PreCheck speeds up airport security when you fly out of US airports. Global Entry speeds up customs when you fly into the US, and CBP says it includes TSA PreCheck. Global Entry costs $120 for five years, and TSA PreCheck costs $79.75 to $85 for five years depending on the provider, as of October 31, 2026. TSA suggests Global Entry if you travel internationally four or more times a year.

There's one more difference that matters if you're not a US citizen: TSA PreCheck is only open to US citizens, US nationals and permanent residents, while Global Entry also accepts citizens of CBP's partner countries.

Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck at a glance

Which one should you get?

TSA's FAQ gives the simplest rule: if you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck. CBP says the same thing the other way around, suggesting TSA PreCheck and the free Mobile Passport Control app if you take fewer international flights.

• You only fly within the US: TSA PreCheck is enough, and it's the cheaper fee.
• You fly abroad a few times a year or more: Global Entry covers both lines for $35 to $40.25 more than PreCheck over five years.
• You're not a US citizen or permanent resident: TSA PreCheck isn't open to you. Global Entry may be, if your country is a CBP partner and your visa isn't on CBP's excluded list (below).
• You need it fast: TSA says most PreCheck applicants get their KTN in 3 to 5 days, and some take up to 60. CBP says 80% of Global Entry applications are approved within 2 weeks, and some take 12 months or longer, before the interview.

How much do Global Entry and TSA PreCheck cost?

Prices below are from tsa.gov and cbp.gov on October 31, 2026. TSA PreCheck prices are set by each enrollment provider and change, so check tsa.gov on the day you apply.

Per year, that's about $16 to $17 for PreCheck and $24 for Global Entry. Applicants under 18 pay $0 for Global Entry when a parent or legal guardian is a member or has an application pending, per CBP.

Free PreCheck for some veterans. Under the VETS Safe Travel Act, TSA says veterans enrolled in VA healthcare with a service-connected disability of permanent blindness, or who need a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb, get TSA PreCheck enrollment and renewal free through CLEAR or IDEMIA. The VA issues the fee waiver letter. Family members don't qualify through it.

A worked example (our math). Two parents with children aged 10 and 15 who fly abroad twice a year. TSA PreCheck through IDEMIA costs 2 × $79.75 = $159.50, and both kids can use the lane: the 10-year-old with a member adult, and the 15-year-old when on the same reservation as a member adult whose boarding pass shows PreCheck. Global Entry costs 2 × $120 = $240, and the kids join free, but each child applies and interviews with a parent or guardian there. At two trips a year, PreCheck is the better value. At four or more, Global Entry's customs line starts to pay off.

Can visa holders get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

TSA PreCheck: no. TSA says its application program is only open to US citizens, US nationals and lawful permanent residents, and points foreign citizens to Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI.

Global Entry: sometimes. CBP's eligibility page, updated October 27, 2026, lists 23 partner countries and nationalities, including India, the UK, Germany, Brazil, Japan, South Korea and Mexico. Canada isn't on the list, but CBP's FAQ says all current NEXUS members can use Global Entry once CBP has their fingerprints and document information. CBP says some countries add their own requirements, and Indian citizens' vetting by the Government of India may take 6 months to 2 years.

Even with a partner passport, CBP's FAQ says you can't join if you enter the US in one of these visa categories:

F-1, J-1, H-1B, L-1, O-1 and B1/B2 aren't on that list, so a partner country citizen in one of them can apply. Global Entry members who aren't US citizens or permanent residents must keep their visa information current with CBP. Our Global Entry overview covers who qualifies in more detail.

Can you upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry?

No. TSA says you can't switch or upgrade between programs. You apply to Global Entry as a new applicant and pay the $120 fee. Two rules from that same TSA answer help:

• Enter your PreCheck KTN. Current TSA PreCheck members may get expedited Global Entry processing if they give CBP their KTN, which is 9 or 10 characters and starts with TT, TE or AC. A KTN from another source doesn't qualify.
• Don't let PreCheck lapse first. Finish the Global Entry application before your PreCheck expires, or you won't get PreCheck screening until Global Entry is approved.

Global Entry ends with a short interview with a CBP officer about your application, travel and record. Our Global Entry interview guide covers the questions and documents, and Global Entry interview practice lets you rehearse them out loud.

How do you use each one at the airport?

• PreCheck lanes need the boarding pass indicator. TSA says showing a Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI card or an approval notice doesn't get you into the lane. Add your KTN to the reservation. For Global Entry members, the KTN is your CBP PASSID.
• No indicator? TSA says to check your KTN hasn't expired with its lookup tool, then confirm your KTN, name and date of birth with the airline.
• Global Entry on arrival uses your passport or permanent resident card, not the Global Entry card. CBP says the card is only needed in SENTRI and NEXUS lanes at land and sea crossings.
• No guarantee of a fast line. CBP says Global Entry members can still be selected for further examination.

If you also cross into Canada by car, our NEXUS interview guide covers the program that includes Global Entry benefits for Canada trips. For the questions any traveler can get at arrival, see our guide to US border questions.

Visaful is an AI mock interview app for US visa interviews: an AI officer asks your visa's questions out loud and shows what to fix.

This is interview practice, not legal advice. For questions about your own case, talk to an immigration attorney. Visaful is not affiliated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Department of State or any government agency.