Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck®: Which is better?
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® are federal programs that can help make travel to and from U.S. airports a little easier. But the programs aren’t exactly the same, and you may find one better suited for you depending on how and where you typically travel.
Learn about the differences between TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry. Plus, find out how you can use your eligible Capital One Venture, Venture X, Spark Miles or Venture X Business card to get reimbursed for the application fee of either program.*
What you’ll learn:
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TSA PreCheck® is for travelers on flights departing from U.S. airports.
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Global Entry is for travelers arriving at U.S. airports after traveling abroad.
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Global Entry members receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.
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Many travel credit cards, like Capital One’s Venture, Venture X, Spark Miles and Venture X Business, reimburse cardholders for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry application fees up to $120 every four years.
What’s the difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®?
TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry are both Trusted Traveler Programs (TTPs) run by government agencies. The programs are similar, but they also differ in important ways.
The main differences between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® are their purpose and benefits. TSA PreCheck® grants expedited security screening when you depart from a U.S. airport or take a domestic connecting flight after returning from abroad. Global Entry includes the benefits of TSA PreCheck® and also offers expedited customs screening when you reenter the U.S. after traveling internationally.
Of course, these programs differ in other ways as well. This table provides a more comprehensive comparison of Global Entry versus TSA PreCheck®:
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Global Entry |
TSA PreCheck® |
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Administered by |
U.S. Customs and Border Protection |
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) |
|
Benefits |
Includes the benefits of TSA PreCheck® plus expedited customs screening when entering the U.S. |
Expedited security screening for domestic air travel; bypasses the need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, light jackets and certain liquids in security lines |
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Application process |
Online and in person |
Online and in person |
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Application cost (five-year membership) |
$120 |
|
|
Renewal cost (five-year renewal) |
$120 |
|
|
Eligibility |
Open to U.S. citizens, legal permanent U.S. residents, Mexican nationals and citizens of certain other countries |
Open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and legal permanent residents |
|
Availability |
Available at dozens of airports in the U.S. and abroad |
Available at about 200 airports |
|
Processing time |
Typically within 2 weeks but may take up to 12 months or longer |
Typically 3-5 days but may take up to 60 days |
Which is better to get: TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry?
Whether you choose TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry may depend on your travel plans. The TSA recommends Global Entry for people who travel abroad about four or more times a year. But TSA PreCheck® might be a better choice if you travel mostly within the U.S.
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck®?
Yes, Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck® membership. That means if you have Global Entry, you can take advantage of using TSA PreCheck® for your domestic flights.
This may influence your decision when choosing between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®. Since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck® benefits, it isn’t necessary to have both. And if there’s a chance you’ll be traveling internationally within the next five years, you might consider Global Entry over TSA PreCheck®. Just remember that the processing time for getting Global Entry approval could, in some cases, take up to a year.
The pros and cons of Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck®
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:
The pros of Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck®
The main advantage of Global Entry is the added benefits for international travel. However, if you don’t travel internationally often, then the faster approval process and lower cost of TSA PreCheck® may appeal to you.
The cons of Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck®
If you do plan to travel internationally, then the obvious disadvantage of TSA PreCheck® is that you won’t have expedited customs clearance when reentering the U.S. However, there are some potential downsides to Global Entry.
The application process for Global Entry can be more involved than for TSA PreCheck®. For instance, the in-person portion of the process involves an interview that must be pre-scheduled. There are also fewer locations available for in-person Global Entry appointments, which could make it more difficult to apply if you don’t live near an enrollment center. Plus, the time it takes to get approved for Global Entry is longer than for TSA PreCheck®, and the cost is slightly higher.
How to get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® for free using a Capital One travel credit card
If you’re an eligible Capital One cardholder, you can receive up to a $120 statement credit on your application fee for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. Simply use your eligible travel card to pay the application fee when you apply for either program.
Within two billing cycles, Capital One will reimburse you for the application fee. Both TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry are valid for five years, and you’re eligible for one statement credit per account every four years.
Other travel programs: NEXUS, SENTRI and CLEAR® Plus
TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry are two common travel programs. Here are a few others:
- NEXUS: Similar to Global Entry, NEXUS gives travelers 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® in U.S. and Canadian airports. SENTRI costs $120 for a five-year membership.
- CLEAR® Plus: Unlike TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry, which are federal programs, CLEAR Plus is administered by CLEAR, a private company. CLEAR Plus membership allows travelers to have their identity verified with the use of biometrics, which ideally speeds up the airport security process. CLEAR Plus costs $199 yearly. CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck® can be used together. For added convenience, you can combine enrolling in CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck® at any participating CLEAR enrollment airport location.
Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck® FAQ
To help you better understand your options, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®:
How do I apply for Global Entry?
To apply for Global Entry, first create a TTP account and complete the application through the TTP portal. Once your application is conditionally approved, you’ll need to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center.
Another option is to use the Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) program. With the EoA program, you can conduct your interview at an eligible airport when you reenter the U.S. after international travel.
How do I apply for TSA PreCheck®?
To apply for TSA PreCheck®, first complete the application online or at an enrollment center. You’ll need to visit an enrollment center for a 10-minute appointment for fingerprinting, checking documentation and payment. There are three different partner companies you can choose from to enroll. You can visit the TSA website for more information about those options.
How do I get TSA PreCheck® for free?
Global Entry members receive TSA PreCheck® membership at no additional cost. But if you’re only applying for TSA PreCheck®, you’ll need to pay the program’s application fee. That fee will vary depending on which TSA partner you enroll through.
Capital One Venture, Venture X, Spark Miles and Venture X Business cardholders are eligible for up to a $120 statement credit to cover the application fee.
How can I get Global Entry for free?
When you apply for Global Entry, you’ll need to pay a $120 application fee. While this fee can’t be waived, some credit card issuers offer statement credits for Global Entry application fees. Capital One Venture, Venture X, Spark Miles and Venture X Business cardholders are eligible for up to a $120 statement credit to cover the application fee.
Key takeaways: Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck®
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. Global Entry members automatically get the added benefit of TSA PreCheck® membership.
Remember, you can get reimbursed for the application fee for TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry when you use Capital One cards like Venture X.
Other ways to maximize your travel benefits
Who wouldn’t want to get the most out of their credit card? Here are some things to know about Capital One travel rewards credit cards:
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Get a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Capital One Venture X card and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary. Terms apply.
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Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and get 75,000 bonus miles upon signup with the Capital One Venture card. Terms apply.
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles with no annual fee with the Venture One card from Capital One. View important rates and disclosures.
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Explore travel rewards card options by comparing Capital One Venture cards.
- Learn how Venture X cardholders can get access to a worldwide network of airport lounges thanks to a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
