Airport security and customs lines are among the most universally dreaded aspects of air travel. Long queues, the ritual disrobing at security checkpoints, and the sometimes hour-long waits at customs after an international flight can turn even the most experienced travelers into frustrated, exhausted versions of themselves. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are the government-backed solutions that eliminate most of this friction, and in 2026, they’re more accessible and valuable than ever.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that allows approved passengers to use dedicated security lanes at over 200 airports across the United States. Members keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, laptops and liquids stay in bags, and the whole process typically takes under five minutes even at busy airports. The program is run by the Transportation Security Administration and requires a background check and in-person appointment.
Membership costs $85 and lasts for five years, working out to just $17 per year. Given the time and stress savings on every domestic flight, this is one of the best value purchases any frequent flyer can make. PreCheck approval typically takes 3-5 days after your appointment.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a US Customs and Border Protection program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to bypass the standard customs inspection line when returning to the United States from international travel. Instead of queuing for potentially 45-90 minutes, Global Entry members use dedicated kiosks that process the return in under two minutes by scanning your passport and fingerprints and answering a few quick questions.
The key advantage of Global Entry is that it automatically includes TSA PreCheck benefits. At $100 for five years, Global Entry costs only $15 more than PreCheck alone but delivers significantly more value for any traveler who takes international trips. There is truly no reason to apply for PreCheck only if you travel internationally even once every five years.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Step 1: Create a TTP Account
Go to ttp.dhs.gov and create a Trusted Traveler Programs account. You’ll provide basic personal information and create a login. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Fill out the application form, which asks for personal information, travel history, employment history, and criminal background disclosures. Answer all questions truthfully and completely. The application fee is $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck, paid by credit card during the application process. Many premium travel credit cards reimburse this fee as a benefit, so check your cards before paying out of pocket.
Step 3: Conditional Approval and Interview
After submitting your application, you’ll typically receive conditional approval within a few days to a few weeks. You then need to schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. These are located at major airports and some federal buildings. The interview is brief, typically 5-10 minutes, and consists of basic questions about your application and a review of your identification documents.
Step 4: Enrollment on Arrival (Global Entry)
If you need Global Entry urgently and haven’t yet had your interview, you can complete your enrollment interview upon returning from an international trip at a Global Entry kiosk in the customs hall at participating airports. This is an excellent option if appointment availability in your area is limited.
Which Credit Cards Reimburse Global Entry?
Many premium travel credit cards include Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement as a cardholder benefit. Cards that currently offer this include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, Capital One Venture X, Citi Prestige, and United Explorer among many others. If you hold or plan to apply for any of these cards, the $100 Global Entry fee can be completely offset by this benefit.
CLEAR: An Additional Option
CLEAR is a private biometric identity verification system that uses fingerprint and iris scanning to verify your identity at airport checkpoints. CLEAR gets you to the front of the ID verification queue but doesn’t replace TSA PreCheck security screening. The two programs are complementary, and many frequent travelers use both. CLEAR costs $189 per year, though many credit cards and Delta SkyMiles members receive discounted or free membership.
Enrolling in Global Entry is one of the single best investments a traveler can make. The program pays dividends every time you travel, and the application process, while requiring some time investment, is genuinely straightforward. Don’t wait until your next international trip to start the process — the interview waitlists at popular enrollment centers can be several weeks long.
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