Does Global Entry take the place of TSA PreCheck?

If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck®. With Global Entry you'll receive expedited customs processing when entering the United States, and you'll receive TSA PreCheck® when flying from U.S. airports. Learn more about Global Entry.



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Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. At airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration.

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The only potential downsides of Global Entry is that it requires fingerprinting and background check and costs $100 every 5 years. Scheduling and completing your Global Entry interview can also be a hassle, which is why taking advantage of Enrollment on Arrival can be wise.

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Global Entry is everything that TSA PreCheck is and more. If you have Global Entry, you'll automatically also get TSA PreCheck and all of its benefits. On top of that, you'll get to avoid the general customs line when returning to the U.S. from abroad.

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Once approved, your membership lasts for five years. As a member, you'll receive expedited security screening through the TSA PreCheck lanes at participating domestic airports, as well as accelerated entry at eligible U.S. Customs locations.

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Applying for Global Entry is more of a hassle than TSA PreCheck. Here's why: Passport: You must already have a valid passport to apply for Global Entry. Getting a passport comes with its own costs and paperwork.

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Global Entry is a federal program allowing members faster screening when returning to the U.S. A five-year membership is $100 and includes TSA Precheck. The Trusted Traveler Programs website estimates application processing times of four to six months for Global Entry.

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How Do I Get TSA Precheck for Free?
  1. Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  2. The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  3. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  4. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card.
  5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.


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If you're approved, at the end of the interview, you'll immediately be enrolled into the program and be given your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Your Global Entry membership card will arrive in the mail anywhere between seven to 10 business days after approval and you have 30 days to activate your card.

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If you rarely travel abroad and don't want to pay for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck is $78 for a five-year membership and gives you expedited security checks at more than 200 select airports in the U.S. If you don't have a U.S. passport, this is the best option.

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Global Entry Benefits
  • No processing lines.
  • No paperwork.
  • Access to expedited entry.
  • Available at major U.S. airports.
  • Reduced wait times.


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Initially, the program was only offered at John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) but has since been expanded to over 58 U.S. airports and 17 preclearance international airports.

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Enroll in TSA PreCheck at select AAA branches
There is also Global Entry, which is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that speeds up re-entry to the U.S. for pre-screened passengers.

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Of course, you'll also need to be arriving from a flight abroad, but at least you can complete the interview without an appointment. It is possible to handle the Global Entry walk-in interview on arrival if you plan.

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