Quick Fact: As of 2026, TSA PreCheck® membership runs $85 for a 5-year term, while Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck®) costs $100 for the same stretch. You can apply through the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs portal.
Where do these programs actually work?
Both programs come from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and use biometric scans plus background checks to cut down on wait times. Global Entry is the better deal if you fly internationally often—it includes TSA PreCheck® automatically.
What’s the real cost difference?
Here’s the breakdown:
| Program | Cost (as of 2026) | Duration | Who qualifies | TSA PreCheck® included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck® | $85 | 5 years | U.S. citizens, nationals, and green-card holders | No |
| Global Entry | $100 | 5 years | U.S. citizens, nationals, green-card holders, and citizens of certain countries like Mexico, Germany, and India | Yes |
| SENTRI | $122.25 | 5 years | U.S., Mexican, and Canadian citizens | Yes |
| NEXUS | $50 | 5 years | U.S. and Canadian citizens | Yes |
How did these programs even start?
By 2026, more than 12 million people had active TSA PreCheck® accounts, per CBP numbers. Global Entry launched in 2008 and added customs shortcuts for international arrivals. Members breeze through automated kiosks at major airports, slashing wait times by up to 75%. The downside? Enrollment lines can stretch past 90 days, though you can pay extra for a faster background check.
What’s the fastest way to apply?
Start at the TTP sign-up page. You’ll need to:
- Enter personal details and travel history.
- Choose an enrollment center—there are locations in every state and a few overseas spots.
- Pay with a card (some travel cards will refund the fee, so check with your issuer).
Once approved, you’ll get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) or a Global Entry card. To use PreCheck® lanes, add that KTN to your airline reservation in the “Known Traveler Number” box—no KTN, no PreCheck®, even if you have the card in hand. Global Entry members can also skip customs lines at airports like New York-JFK, Los Angeles, and Miami when they land back in the States.
Got a Hazardous Materials Endorsement or certain work visas (think H1B)? You might snag TSA PreCheck® for free or at a discount. Always verify on the TSA site. Incomplete forms or a messy record can hold things up, so triple-check everything before you hit submit.
