Should You Get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?

Editor’s Note: This post is constantly updated.

When navigating US airports, there’s no better way (in my humble opinion) to get you through airport security faster than just being a Clear and TSA PreCheck user.

It wasn’t until last year that the third program, Global Entry, become interested in me as a tourist.

You may be wondering if TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are necessary, let alone all three. I’m here to tell you it’s necessary, but let’s take a closer look at both programs so you can decide which is better for you.

What is TSA PreCheck?

As a reminder, Pre-check TSA is an expedited security program run by the Transportation Security Administration that allows you to get through airport security without removing your shoes, laptop, liquids, belt, and light jacket. PreCheck users also often go through a traditional metal detector screener.

Although PreCheck screening is separate from non-PreCheck screening, sometimes there is no dedicated line of TSA PreCheck screening; in this case you will need to use the standard TSA lane. However, even when using a regular security lane, you won’t need to remove your shoes, belt, and light jacket.

Note that TSA PreCheck is available when you depart from over 250 US airportsbut you will only have Pre-Check access if your airline is one of the 80 airlines participating in TSA Pre-Check.

How to Apply for TSA PreCheck

To apply for TSA PreCheck, create Trusted Traveler account online if you haven’t already. Next, complete the online application and send membership fee $78 for a five-year membership (and renew online afterwards for $70). Then, schedule an in-person interview at one of the nearly 400 enrollment centers. The interview will last about 10 minutes, including a background check and fingerprinting.

After your interview, you’ll be approved to use PreCheck within a few days, although some applications can take up to 30 days to process. To access the PreCheck lane for the first time (and each move forward) you will need an additional known number of visitors every time you book an airline ticket during the booking process. If you forget, you can add it at any time before checking in for your flight.

Although unlikely, you may still not be able to access TSA PreCheck even with KTN.

“TSA employs unpredictable security measures, both visible and invisible, throughout the airport,” each TSA. “All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed to get expedited screening.”

U.S. citizens, U.S. citizens, and lawful permanent residents over the age of 12 are eligible to apply for TSA PreCheck. Travelers 12 years of age and younger can use the PreCheck lane when traveling with a parent or guardian who has the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a program of U.S. Customs and Border Protection that facilitates pre-approved, low-risk travelers through nearby automated kiosks. 60 airports.

The Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck membership and the aforementioned benefits.

When entering the United States at participating airports, Global Entry members do not need to fill out paperwork or queue for processing. Instead, they can go to a Global Entry kiosk, present their machine-readable passport or US permanent resident card, place their finger on the scanner to verify their fingerprint, and complete a customs declaration. mandarin. face recognition makes the process even easier at some airports.

The kiosk will print a receipt that you need to show the staff before leaving the baggage claim area. Although unlikely, some members may be selected for further inspection upon entry. So having Global Entry doesn’t mean you’ll always be able to skip the interview when you return to the US

How to apply for Global Entry

To apply for Global Entry, complete the online application and pay the $100 membership fee. Like the TSA PreCheck, the Global Entry membership is valid for five years.

If CBP conditionally approves your application, try interview schedule at a Global Entry admissions center. With an ongoing backlog of appsYour best bet is Interview when coming to the US after an international trip through a process known as Register on arrival. During your appointment, you will go through a background check, interview, and fingerprinting process. My recent interview for Global Entry it takes about five minutes.

US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, Flux registered Dutch citizens, Korean Smart Immigration Service members and citizens of Germany, Panama and Mexico can also apply for Global Entry. . In addition, Canadian citizens and residents are eligible to receive Global Entry benefits through membership in Nexus program.

You may not be eligible for Global Entry for a variety of reasons, including being convicted of any crime, pending criminal charges, unpaid warrants or not. can meet the CBP on your low-risk status.

Unlike TSA Pre-Test, Children cannot use Global Entry with an accompanying adult if they don’t have their own Global Entry membership. However, travelers of all ages are eligible to apply for Global Entry.

Should I apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

Global Entry is most useful for frequent international travelers. Since you can apply on arrival with conditional approval, it may be more convenient to go to the TSA PreCheck registration center. Alternatively, you can apply for Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck if you are eligible to apply for Global Entry but not TSA PreCheck.

While Global Entry is a bit more expensive, keep in mind that it only costs $22 more for all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, as well as expedited clearance when returning to the US If you have Global Entry refundable credit card or TSA PreCheck application fee every four to five years, you won’t even need to worry about higher costs.

Which credit card will refund my application fee?

Some credit cards reimburse users for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees every 4 to 5 years. If you have multiple cards with this benefit, you may also want to pay for one application fee of a friend or family member as the card issuer will reimburse the cost no matter who signs up.

Here are some of the best credit cards for Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck will refund application fees every four or five years (up to $100):

Platinum card from American Express even offers a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck registration fee credit for each person you add as a partner. Amex Platinum Card Authorized User. However, Amex will only refund you if you charge a fee for each card.