TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry in 2026: Which One Is Actually Worth It?
A side-by-side breakdown of cost, benefits, application steps, and the latest program status — so you can stop guessing and just pick the right one.
Hi there! 👋
If you’ve ever stood in a long, slow-moving airport security line — shoes off, laptop out, jacket in a bin — while someone else glided effortlessly through a shorter lane right next to you, you’ve probably wondered: what did they sign up for, and why haven’t I done it yet?
The answer is most likely TSA PreCheck or Global Entry — two of the most popular Trusted Traveler Programs offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Both are designed to save you time at the airport, but they work in different ways and serve different types of travelers.
In 2026, choosing between them has become even more important — partly because one of the programs is currently dealing with a partial suspension following a government funding issue. Don’t worry, we’ll break all of that down clearly so you know exactly what’s going on and what to do.
By the end of this article, you’ll know which program fits your travel habits, how much it costs, how to apply, and what’s changed in 2026. Let’s dive in!
📋 Table of Contents
What Are TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
AI Generated Image
Both programs are part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) network — a system that lets pre-approved, low-risk travelers move through certain airport processes faster and more smoothly than the general public.
But here’s the key distinction: they each solve a different problem at the airport.
TSA PreCheck is designed for the outbound security checkpoint. When you’re heading to your gate, TSA PreCheck gets you through the standard security screening faster. You keep your shoes on, your belt stays on, and your laptop stays in your bag. You walk through a metal detector instead of a full-body scanner. According to the TSA, about 99% of PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes in the dedicated lane — compared to potentially 30–90 minutes in the general line during busy travel periods.
Global Entry is designed for the inbound side of your trip — specifically, when you’re arriving back into the United States after international travel. Instead of waiting in the standard customs line, Global Entry members can use automated kiosks to verify their identity and complete customs declaration electronically. It’s a massive time-saver if you travel internationally with any regularity.
Here’s the part that makes Global Entry especially attractive: Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck. That means if you enroll in Global Entry, you get both programs — faster security on departure and faster customs on return — bundled together.
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | Global Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | Expedited U.S. airport security (departures) | Expedited U.S. customs (international arrivals) |
| Includes TSA PreCheck? | ✅ Yes (it IS PreCheck) | ✅ Yes — automatically included |
| Available Airports | 200+ U.S. airports | 61 U.S. airports (international arrivals) |
| Passport Required? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Interview Required? | No formal interview (fingerprints only) | ✅ Yes — in-person interview required |
| Membership Duration | 5 years | 5 years |
| Best For | Domestic travelers | International travelers |
Cost Comparison — Which Program Gives You More Value?
AI Generated Image
Let’s talk money. Price is often the first thing travelers consider, and it’s worth getting a clear picture of what you’re actually paying for.
TSA PreCheck costs between $76.95 and $85 for a five-year membership, depending on which authorized enrollment provider you use. The TSA works with three providers — IDEMIA, Telos, and CLEAR — and pricing can vary slightly between them. You can also renew online, which sometimes offers a lower rate than in-person renewal.
Global Entry costs a flat $120 for a five-year membership. That’s a non-refundable fee paid directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Since it includes TSA PreCheck automatically, you’re essentially getting both programs for just $35–$43 more than PreCheck alone.
| Program | Application Fee | Membership Length | Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | $76.95 – $85 | 5 years | ~$15–$17 / year |
| Global Entry | $120 | 5 years | ~$24 / year |
| CLEAR+ | $209/year | Annual | $209 / year |
Here’s a pro tip that can make both programs essentially free: many premium travel credit cards reimburse the application fee for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, American Express Platinum, and others offer statement credits of up to $100–$120 every four years specifically for this purpose.
If your card reimburses up to $120, that covers the entire Global Entry fee — meaning you get both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck at no out-of-pocket cost. That’s an incredibly strong value proposition that’s hard to ignore.
Application Process — Step by Step for Both Programs
AI Generated Image
One of the most common questions travelers have is: how hard is it to actually sign up? The good news is that both programs are pretty straightforward, though they differ in complexity.
How to Apply for TSA PreCheck:
- Visit tsa.gov/precheck and select your preferred enrollment provider (IDEMIA, Telos, or CLEAR).
- Complete the online pre-enrollment form — this takes about 5 minutes and includes basic personal and identity information.
- Schedule or walk in to an enrollment center — with over 1,300 locations nationwide, there’s almost certainly one near you.
- At your appointment (about 10 minutes), staff will collect your fingerprints, take a photo, verify your ID documents, and collect your payment.
- Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — most applicants get their KTN within 3–5 business days, though some may take up to 60 days.
- Add your KTN to all airline reservations and your frequent flyer profiles. Your boarding pass will then display the TSA PreCheck indicator.
How to Apply for Global Entry:
- Create an account on the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website at ttp.dhs.gov. This is the official CBP portal.
- Complete and submit the online application and pay the $120 non-refundable fee.
- Wait for conditional approval — CBP will conduct a background check. Most take about 2–4 weeks, though some can take longer depending on your history.
- Schedule your in-person interview — this is a key difference from PreCheck. You must attend an interview at a Global Entry enrollment center, most of which are located at major international airports.
- Complete the interview — you’ll need to bring your valid passport and any other required documents. The interview itself is typically brief and conversational.
- Get approved and receive your PASSID — this serves the same function as a KTN. Add it to your airline reservations to activate your TSA PreCheck benefits.
The total processing time for Global Entry is typically four to eight weeks from application to approval — longer than PreCheck’s 3–5 day average. Plan ahead if you have an international trip coming up.
2026 Status Update — What’s Changed Right Now?
AI Generated Image
This is the part of the article most 2026 guides are missing — and it’s important. The current situation with these programs is not business as usual.
On February 22, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security announced a temporary suspension of both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, citing staffing pressures linked to an ongoing partial government shutdown and a congressional funding impasse. Within hours, however, the announcement was partially reversed:
TSA walked back the PreCheck suspension almost immediately. PreCheck lanes are running at all participating airports. Your Known Traveler Number works normally. There is no disruption to PreCheck members.
Global Entry kiosks are non-operational at select major airports, including San Francisco International. CBP officers who normally staff the kiosks have been reassigned to handle general passenger flow. Some locations are offering priority lanes for Global Entry members, but the automated, queue-eliminating kiosk experience is inconsistent and cannot be relied upon at all airports right now.
Here’s what that means in plain terms: if you currently have Global Entry and are arriving from an international flight, be prepared to use the standard customs line at some airports. The time savings you normally expect may not be available until the shutdown is fully resolved.
However — and this is important — if you’re considering applying for Global Entry now, you should still go ahead. Here’s why:
- Your five-year membership clock does not start until you are fully approved and activate the program — so delays don’t cost you membership time.
- When the shutdown ends, there will likely be a significant backlog of applications. Submitting yours now means you’ll be first in line when processing resumes.
- TSA PreCheck — which is included with Global Entry — is fully operational right now and immediately useful for domestic travel.
Which Program Is Right for You? (Our Recommendation)
AI Generated Image
Okay, let’s cut through the comparison and give you a clear, honest recommendation based on your travel habits. There’s no single “best” answer — it really does depend on how and where you travel.
✈️ Choose TSA PreCheck if…
You primarily fly domestically within the United States and take fewer than 2–3 international trips per year.
You don’t have a passport or are unlikely to get one soon (Global Entry requires one).
You want the fastest approval process (3–5 days vs. 4–8 weeks for Global Entry).
There is no Global Entry enrollment center conveniently located near you (most are at major airports).
🌍 Choose Global Entry if…
You travel internationally even once a year — the value of faster customs re-entry more than justifies the $35–$43 price difference.
You have a premium travel credit card that reimburses the $120 fee — making it essentially free with TSA PreCheck included.
You want broader coverage without managing two separate programs or fees.
You’re planning ahead and can wait the 4–8 weeks for the full approval process.
The overall consensus among travel experts in 2026 is clear: if you travel internationally at all, apply for Global Entry. At $120 for five years — frequently reimbursed by credit cards — you’re getting two programs for the price of one. The $35 premium over standalone PreCheck is minimal, and the time savings on international return trips can easily be worth hundreds of minutes per year for frequent flyers.
Even with the current partial Global Entry suspension, the program is expected to return to full operation once the funding situation is resolved. And since your membership clock starts at approval (not application), you lose nothing by applying now.
Bottom line: TSA PreCheck is great for domestic-only travelers who want a fast, simple enrollment. Global Entry is the smart long-term investment for anyone who crosses international borders even occasionally — and with credit card reimbursements widely available, there’s rarely a good reason not to go for it.
📖 Next Step Ready to Apply? How to Get TSA PreCheck Fast in 2026: A Complete Step-by-Step GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Global Entry automatically include TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Once you’re approved for Global Entry, you’ll receive a PASSID that functions as a Known Traveler Number. Add it to your airline reservations to activate TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass — no separate application needed.
Q: Can I apply for both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
Technically yes, but it’s unnecessary. Global Entry already includes PreCheck. Most credit cards will also only reimburse one program fee, so applying for Global Entry alone is the smarter move if you travel internationally.
Q: Is Global Entry worth it if I only travel internationally once a year?
Yes, most travel experts agree it’s worth it — especially if your credit card covers the fee. At $24 per year ($120 over five years), the combination of faster security on every domestic departure and faster customs on every international return adds up quickly.
Q: How long does TSA PreCheck approval take in 2026?
Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number within 3–5 business days after their in-person enrollment appointment. Some cases can take up to 60 days. Global Entry typically takes 4–8 weeks, with potential delays due to current government shutdown-related staffing constraints.
Q: Is Global Entry still working during the 2026 government shutdown?
Partially. As of March 2026, TSA PreCheck is fully operational at all participating airports. Global Entry kiosks are non-operational at select major airports due to CBP staffing reassignments. Existing members may need to use standard customs lanes at some locations. The situation is expected to be resolved when government funding is restored.
Q: Can children use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
Children 17 and under can use TSA PreCheck lanes for free when traveling with a parent who has PreCheck — no separate application needed. For Global Entry, minors may apply at no additional cost when a parent or guardian is already enrolled or applying.
Q: What documents do I need for a Global Entry interview?
You’ll need a valid U.S. passport, and if applicable, a permanent resident card or other identity documents. Bring any immigration documents if you’re not a U.S. citizen. The CBP officer will review your application during the interview and may ask about your travel history.