TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry: Is It Worth It in 2026?

Short answer: yes, both are worth it, and if you travel internationally even once a year, Global Entry is the obvious choice since it includes TSA PreCheck automatically. Here's the full breakdown.

What Each Program Actually Does

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck gets you into the dedicated PreCheck security lane at over 200 US airports. In that lane, you keep your shoes on, your laptop stays in the bag, your belt stays on, and your liquids bag doesn't come out. The lanes are usually much shorter than standard security. TSA reports average wait times under 10 minutes for PreCheck lanes vs 20–30 minutes for standard lanes, though at busy hubs the difference can be even larger.

Cost: $78 for 5 years ($15.60 per year). Renewal is $70.

Global Entry

Global Entry does something different: it speeds up US Customs when you return from an international trip. Instead of waiting in the regular passport control line (which can be 45–90 minutes at major international airports), you walk to a Global Entry kiosk, scan your passport and fingerprints, and you're done in under 2 minutes. No customs form, no officer interview on arrival.

Critically, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck. You get both programs for the price of one.

Cost: $120 for 5 years ($24 per year).

Who Needs Which Program

The $42 difference between PreCheck and Global Entry is almost nothing when you consider that Global Entry will save you an hour or more on every single international return. If you ever plan to travel internationally — even once — get Global Entry.

Credit Cards That Reimburse the Fee

This is the part that makes both programs essentially free for most travelers. Many premium travel credit cards include a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit every 4–5 years.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve — $100 Global Entry / $85 PreCheck credit every 4 years
• American Express Platinum — $100 Global Entry / $85 PreCheck credit every 4.5 years
• Capital One Venture X — $100 Global Entry / $85 PreCheck credit every 4 years
• Citi Prestige — $100 Global Entry / $85 PreCheck reimbursement
• Bank of America Premium Rewards — $100 airline incidentals credit covers it

Tip: You don't need to pay with the credit card to get reimbursed — you just need to charge the application fee to the card. The reimbursement usually appears on your statement within 1–3 billing cycles as an automatic credit.

What About CLEAR?

CLEAR is a completely separate, private service. It uses biometrics (fingerprint or iris scan) to verify your identity at the security checkpoint, moving you to the front of the ID verification line. It doesn't get you into the PreCheck lane — it just speeds up the identity check part of security.

CLEAR costs $199/year and is most useful at airports where the standard security ID line is a bottleneck. It's complementary to PreCheck, not a replacement. Most casual travelers don't need CLEAR. Frequent business travelers who fly out of busy hubs like LAX, JFK, or O'Hare often find the combination of CLEAR + PreCheck nearly eliminates security wait times.

The Interview Process

Both programs require an in-person interview at an enrollment center (for PreCheck) or a Customs and Border Protection office (for Global Entry). The interview is straightforward — 10–15 minutes, basic questions about travel history and background. You'll need a valid passport, a second form of ID, and your application confirmation number.

Global Entry approval typically takes 2–6 weeks after your interview. Apply at least a month before any international travel. Conditional approval (which lets you schedule the interview) often comes within 24–72 hours of submitting your application online.