Global Entry vs TSA Precheck

When you are about to start a vacation, standing in a long line at the airport is no way to begin. And, if you are a frequent traveler, the long lines get old quickly. You might have heard of several programs like Global Entry, TSA Precheck, or Clear. All of these enable you to get through airport security screening much faster.

So before you get in that long line, remove any liquids from your carry-on bags, take out your laptop, and take off your shoes and belt; understand the differences between Global Entry vs TSA Precheck, two of the most popular programs.

Here is a comprehensive guide on Global Entry vs TSA Precheck. This guide will explain the costs and benefits both programs provide.

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What Is The Difference between Global Entry & TSA Precheck?

TSA Precheck is an expedited security system that speeds up security screenings for flights departing from the USA. The five-year membership costs $85 and is operated by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. However, the catch is that some smaller airports don’t offer separate TSA Precheck lines. On average, around 200 airports participate in the program.

Global Entry features TSA Precheck’s benefits and faster screening at U.S. customs for international travelers arriving at U.S. airports. The five-year membership costs $100 and is operated by U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Global Entry is more comprehensive compared to TSA Precheck. When you return from an international trip to a designated U.S. airport, you can quickly check in at a Global Entry kiosk without filling out any paperwork. All you have to do is print a slip & pass it through customs. Much faster than the people waiting in the security lines.

How Does TSA Precheck Work?

If you pass a background check that verifies you as a low-risk traveler, you will be issued A ‘Known Traveler Number.’ If you add your Known Traveler Number to a frequent flyer account, TSA Precheck will automatically tag all your reservations for any airline you fly on. When using a Known Traveler Number, your boarding pass will automatically reflect the TSA Precheck. Having TSA Precheck gives you access to security lanes with almost negligible screening. For example, no requirement to take off your belt and shoes or take out the laptop, liquids, gels, etc.

How Does Global Entry Work?

Once you have been approved for Global Entry and have the card, upon arrival to the U.S., move towards the participating airports’ Global Entry Kiosks. The kiosk clicks a photo and then asks you about five questions. The questions are similar to those you would have gotten on the handwritten immigration forms. Answer these questions on the touchscreen, and you will get a receipt you need to show the immigration officer. After receiving the ticket, the immigration officer will check your passport. Somebody will direct you towards the luggage carousels if everything is in order.

Another benefit of the Global Entry ID card is it can be used for sea and land ports.

The Application Process for Global Entry vs TSA Precheck

Once you have evaluated TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry and decided which program is best for you, follow these steps:

TSA Precheck

Fill out the TSA Precheck program application form online – it takes about 5 minutes.
Schedule an appointment for an interview at any of the 380+ enrollment centers.
Attend the appointment. You will complete a background check at your meeting, be fingerprinted, and have a 10-minute in-person interview. And you will pay the $85 fee in person at your appointment.
Wait 2-3 weeks for an approval letter and Known Traveler Number – then you are all set.

Global Entry

The first step is to create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account.
Once you’ve created a TTP account, complete the application and pay a $100 non-refundable fee.
Once the application is submitted, U.S. Customs & Border Protection will review it.
You will be conditionally approved or have to wait for additional reviews.
Once you receive conditional approval, you can schedule an interview at an enrolment center.
Attend the interview in person.
Wait to receive your Global Entry Card in the mail.
Log into your Trusted Traveler Program (TPP) account to activate your card. After you log in, click on the “Activate Membership Card” button under the Program Membership(s) section.

Note: We applied in Jan of 2020 and we only received our conditional approvals last week. It took nine months to get the conditional approval. Many people have said this is COVID related. However, long waits like this were common before COVID.

Essential Considerations For Global Entry vs. TSA Precheck

Privacy is something that you need to let go of when you apply for a trusted traveler program. You will have to provide your fingerprints, a photo, and personal information. Both Global Entry vs. TSA Precheck has non-refundable application fees. So, if you get rejected, you are out of pocket.

TSA Precheck allows adults to accompany a child under twelve through the security lines, and the child does not need their own TSA Precheck
Global Entry does not allow children to go through customs without a Global Entry Card.

Which Is Better, TSA Precheck or Global Entry?

There is no denying that Global Entry is the better choice because it includes TSA Precheck. However, while only $15 more in cost, it will not benefit you if you don’t travel internationally. This said, obtaining Global Entry is a lot more complicated than TSA Precheck:

A passport is a must to apply for Global Entry.
Although both programs ask you to visit an interview enrolment center, Global Entry interviews can take forever to schedule.
Global Entry has relatively fewer enrolment locations.

Other Travel Programs

CLEAR

CLEAR distinguishes itself by using eyes and fingertips scanning rather than the traditional I.D.s for your identity verification. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years of age with either a U.S. Driver’s license, a U.S. Military ID, or a U.S. Passport Card or U.S. Permanent Resident Card. CLEAR speeds up the travel document check process. It does not include TSA Precheck, which expedites the physical screening process.

NEXUS

NEXUS offers the equivalent of Global Entry privileges for entering Canada at almost half the price. An interview is required at the border crossing facility, which is less than ideal. And. It is only helpful for frequent travel to Canada.

SENTRI

SENTRI offers similar benefits as NEXUS and costs around $120. The main difference is it also includes Mexico.

Global Entry vs. TSA Precheck Comparison Chart

The following chart outlines the Trusted Traveler programs the Department of Homeland Security and CLEAR offer.

Program	TSA Pre✓®	Global Entry	NEXUS	SENTRI	CLEAR
Website	https://www.tsa.gov/precheck	www .globalentry.gov	NEXUS	SENTRI	CLEAR
Eligibility Required	U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.	U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain other countries.	U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, and lawful permanent residents of Canada.	Proof of citizenship and admissibility documentation.	U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.
Application Fee	$85.00 (5-year membership)	$100.00 (5-year membership)	$50.00 (5-year membership)	$122.25 (5-year membership)	$179 (for 12 months membership)
Passport Required	No	Yes, or lawful permanent resident card.	No	No	No
Application Process	Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center, provide fingerprints, and verify your I.D.	Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center for an interview, provide fingerprints, and verify your I.D.	Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center for an interview, provide fingerprints, and verify your I.D.	Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center for an interview, provide fingerprints, and verify your I.D.	Pre-enroll online and then attend in person or at the airport. A Clear Ambassador will validate the traveler’s I.D if enrolling at the airport. (U.S. driver’s license, U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, U.S. issued permanent resident card, state-issued I.D., or U.S. military I.D.) before taking biometrics (a fingerprint, an eye scan, and a photo of the traveler’s face) to create a profile.
Program Experience	TSA Pre✓™ expedited screening at participating airports.	Expedited processing through CBP at airports and land borders upon arrival in the U.S.Includes the TSA Pre✓™ experience.	Expedited processing at airports and land borders when entering the U.S. and Canada. Includes Global Entry benefits. Includes the TSA Pre✓™ benefits for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and Canadian citizens.	Expedited processing through CBP at land borders. Includes Global Entry and TSA Pre✓™ benefits for U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.	CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are sold separately, and it is unnecessary to have TSA PreCheck use CLEAR. CLEAR speeds up the travel document check process, while TSA PreCheck expedites the physical screening process.

Credit Cards That Reimburse Global Entry and TSA Precheck Application Fees

Many travel credit cards will reimburse you for the processing application fee. And some credit cards and travel loyalty programs will allow you to use your reward points to pay for the application fee:

Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa credit card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
Mastercard Black Card
Mastercard Gold Card
SunTrust Travel Rewards Credit Card
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express
U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold American Express Card

Frequently Asked Questions

Only travelers with a valid passport, necessary documentation, and a TSA Precheck clearance can use the facility.

Yes, if any action on your part violates the federal security arrangements, you will be denied the expedited screening.

If you have any concerns or questions related to Global Entry, you can write an email or visit the trusted traveler’s website.

You must immediately report to a CBP officer at the nearest control booth. He will determine the reason for the “X” and guide you further.

Closing Thoughts

I hate the lines are airports! We talked about getting Global Entry vs. TSA Precheck for some time. The process of Global Entry is what initially put us off. And, I’ll be transparent – even the online application is a pain to complete. We have our interviews this Wednesday, so I will tell you what it is like.

Once we have our Global Entry cards, we will get through the airports in record time, almost a year later!

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