Global Entry or TSA PreCheck? A decision you can make in two minutes

As of October 2026. Sources: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck and https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry What each one does - TSA PreCheck: a faster security line on departing US flights at participating airports. You usually keep your shoes, belt and light jacket on and leave laptops and permitted liquids in the bag. Membership lasts five years. - Global Entry: run by US Customs and Border Protection, it speeds re-entry into the US from abroad, using kiosks or facial recognition. It includes TSA PreCheck. Membership also lasts five years. How to choose - If you fly internationally even once every year or two, get Global Entry. It costs a little more than PreCheck and includes it. - If you never leave the country, PreCheck is enough and easier to get. - Global Entry requires an interview, which can be done at an enrolment centre or, through Enrollment on Arrival, when you return from an international trip at participating airports. PreCheck requires a short in-person appointment for fingerprints. Things to know - Fees are listed on the official sites. Several credit cards reimburse the fee; check your card's benefits rather than signing up for a new card for it. - Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) must be in each airline booking, or PreCheck will not appear on your boarding pass. - Children's rules differ between the two programmes; check each site. Apply only through the official government sites. Look-alike sites charge extra for the same form.