When it comes to speeding up your airport experience, two programs always stand out—TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Both offer major time-saving benefits, but they are very different and are designed for different types of travelers.
In this guide, we break down the key differences, help you decide which one is right for you, and highlight how many credit cards will reimburse the enrollment fee.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that allows you to move through airport security faster at over 200+ U.S. airports and with 90+ airlines.
Benefits of TSA PreCheck
- Expedited security lines
- Keep shoes, belt, and light jacket on
- Leave laptops and liquids in your bag
- Typically 5 minutes or less wait time
- Valid for 5 years
Who Should Choose TSA PreCheck?
Pick TSA PreCheck if:
- You mainly travel domestically
- You want faster airport security, not immigration
- You rarely or never travel internationally
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that offers expedited immigration when returning to the United States from abroad.
Benefits of Global Entry
- Skip long immigration lines
- Use automated kiosks or facial recognition
- Faster re-entry into the U.S.
- Includes TSA PreCheck for free
- Valid for 5 years
Who Should Choose Global Entry?
Pick Global Entry if:
- You travel internationally at least once a year
- You want the benefits of TSA PreCheck + expedited immigration
- You prefer the best overall value
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Key Differences
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | Global Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Skip security lines | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes (included) |
| Expedited immigration | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes |
| Fee | Fees very $60-$85 | $100 |
| Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Interview required | Sometimes | Yes |
| Best for | U.S. domestic travelers | International travelers |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose TSA PreCheck if:
- You don’t travel internationally
- You want the simplest and fastest approval
- You only need quicker airport security
Choose Global Entry if:
- You take at least one international trip per year
- You want both fast security + fast immigration
- You want the best value—Global Entry includes PreCheck
In most cases, Global Entry is the better deal because it includes everything that TSA PreCheck offers and more, for just a slightly higher fee.
Many Credit Cards Offer TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Free
A large number of major credit cards offer statement credits that reimburse the application fee every 4–5 years. This effectively makes TSA PreCheck or Global Entry free.
Most popular cards that offer free credits:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Capital One Venture / Venture X
- The Platinum Card from American Express
- U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- Bank of America Premium Rewards
- Citi AAdvantage Executive
- Many airline and hotel co-branded premium cards
If you already carry a premium or travel rewards card, there’s a good chance you can enroll at no cost.
Final Thoughts
Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry provide excellent value, especially for frequent travelers. If you mainly fly within the U.S., TSA PreCheck is all you need. But for anyone who travels internationally—even just once a year—Global Entry is the clear winner since it includes both immigration and security benefits.
Plus, with so many credit cards offering a full reimbursement, there’s no reason not to take advantage of these trusted traveler programs.