TSA PreCheck or Global Entry? Which one is better for you?
Updated: Feb 7, 2023
Before we begin, do you own any of these credit cards?
You can get FREE TSA PreCheck or Global Entry through these credit card benefits. After purchasing either program with an eligible card, they will reimburse the fee on your statement credit.
Popular Credit Cards with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry benefits
Credit Cards | Benefits |
|---|---|
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck | |
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck | |
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck | |
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck or NEXUS | |
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and $189 Clear Credit |
*Please double-check the credit card & loyalty program benefits before applying for these cards.
ANOTHER GOOD NEWS! Not only do credit cards have this benefit, but specific loyalty programs also have these benefits. Make sure to check the complete list of credit cards & loyalty programs!
What is TSA PreCheck?
Why waste precious time standing in line at the airport if there's a more efficient way? Get TSA PreCheck approved and fast-track your journey to boarding that flight. With expedited screening, you'll enjoy zippy security lines so you can spend less time waiting & get right on board!
Benefits of TSA PreCheck:
Keep your ELECTRONIC in your bags
Keep your SHOES on
Keep your LIGHT JACKETS on
Keep your BELTS on
Keep 3-1-1 LIQUIDS in your bags
Get through security faster
Fast enrollment
TSA PreCheck Application Fee: $78
Renewal fee: $70
Five-year membership
Apply for TSA PreCheck if you:
Always running late to the airport.
Hate taking off your shoes and walking on those nasty airport floors.
Hate taking your electronics out.
Want to zip through TSA screening.
Application Process:
Register Online (2 minutes)
Select a local enrollment location
Make an appointment or walk-in
Get there 10 minutes early
Register Fingerprints
Take a Picture
Pay the $78 registration fee
Wait 1-2 days for the email with the Known Traveler Number (KTN)
There are many enrollment center locations available for you to choose from. Typically these enrollment centers are in a shipping center partnered with IDEMIA to enroll TSA PreCheck. The process at the enrollment center took at most 15 minutes.
What to do after receiving your Known Traveler Number?
Already booked a flight? Go to the Airline's webpage->manage trip
->add/edit passenger info.
Didn't book a flight? Add the Known Traveler Number while you book your next flight.
Always check your boarding pass or digital pass for the TSA PreCheck mark! Sometimes even though you've added the KTN, it still won't show up.
You need to check with the Airline if you don't see the TSA PreCheck mark like the examples above. Don't worry!
Solutions:
-Call the Airline beforehand to add it
-On the day of travel, head to the airline counter for them to add it.
I tried adding my mom's TSA PreCheck on my American Airlines app, but it didn't show up, so we went to the airline counter, provided the KTN, and they gave her a physical plane ticket with the TSA PreCheck mark.
After getting TSA PreCheck, it only took me less than 2 minutes to go through security. I applied for Global Entry instead since I travel internationally and domestically a lot. Also, I was lucky enough to have one of the credit cards that come with the $100 Global Entry statement credit benefit!
Wait, so how about Global Entry? Should I get that instead?
Well, that depends.....
Get Global Entry instead if you:
travel outside of the country a lot
receiving free statement credit for Global Entry
What is the Global Entry Program?
Global Entry Program is a U.S. Customs & Border Protection program, also included in the Trusted Traveler Program. All members approved are low-risk and pre-approved travelers. Members are expedited upon entering the U.S. through the Global Entry Automatic Kiosks.
*Global Entry takes a little longer to enroll due to the high volume of applications & fewer appointments available. Other than that, the process is relatively simple too.
*Please reserve around four to six months for the approval to process before being conditionally approved. It might be faster than six months, depending on the volume of applications.
Applying online was easy. I waited a few days and received the email to book an appointment. Booking an appointment for the interview took about a month. There weren't many appointments in the same month. After the interview, it took less than two weeks for me to receive the card.
Global Entry is recommended for ALL FREQUENT INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS!
Global Entry Benefits:
Reduced wait times with self-service kiosks or E-Gates using facial comparison technologies
No paperwork is to be filled out by passengers upon Entry
Includes TSA PreCheck®
Available at major U.S. airports
Cost: $100
Membership: 5 years
There are now two options for you to go for a Global Entry interview.
Option #1 Process:
Register Online & Pay (10 minutes)
Wait for the conditionally approved email to make an appointment
Make an appointment for an in-person interview at your home airport
Bring passport and ID to the interview
Wait for the Global Entry card to arrive in the mail
Option #2 Process:
Register Online & Pay (10 minutes)
Wait for the conditionally approved email
Land from an international flight at an EoA enrollment center
Follow the "Conditionally Approved? Interview for Global Entry" sign
Bring passport and ID to the interview
Wait for the Global Entry card to arrive in the mail
A few months ago, they rolled out an Enrollment on Arrival Program (EoA). It is a program for Global Entry applicants to complete their interviews when they arrive from their International flight. You must be conditionally approved to use this program and arrive at major airports with the Global Entry option.
After receiving the card in the mail, log in to your Trusted Traveler Program website and activate your card. The Pass ID (9 digits) is on the back of the Global Entry card, which is also the Known Traveler Number (KTN).
Looking for a smooth journey? I've been there and done that! Have questions about TSA PreCheck or Global Entry programs?
Don't hesitate to reach out - drop your comment below, or give me an email. Let's make sure you get through the process without any bumps in the road!
Happy Traveling~
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