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Home / Travel & ID / TSA PreCheck & Global Entry

Best TSA PreCheck & Global Entry Options of 2026

Skip the long security line for five years for about $80 to $120. We ranked every enrollment option on value, approval time and convenience.

By the Paperwork Hero editorial team
· Updated Nov 2026
· Fact checked
Advertiser disclosure
✓
Fees verified with tsa.gov and cbp.gov
★
Scored on 4 weighted criteria
$
Credit card reimbursement tips
✈
Domestic and international options

Our top picks at a glance

Rank
Option
Hero Score
Price
Why it stands out
★ EDITOR’S CHOICE · OUR #1 PICK
1
GE
Global Entry
Best value overall
4.9
★★★★★
Excellent
$120
for 5 years
✓ Includes TSA PreCheck
✓ Faster U.S. customs
✓ Often reimbursed by travel cards
Apply now →
Only ~$7/yr more than PreCheck
2
I
PreCheck by IDEMIA
Domestic only
★ 4.3
Very good
~$79.75
for 5 years
No customs benefit for international trips
3
C
PreCheck by CLEAR
Airport enrollment
★ 4.1
Very good
~$84.95
for 5 years
Costs more for the same membership
4
T
PreCheck by Telos
Fewer centers
★ 4.0
Good
~$85
for 5 years
Highest PreCheck price

The best ways to skip the line, ranked

★ OUR #1 PICK
#1
Global Entry
Best value overall
4.9
/5
★★★★★
Hero Score · Excellent
Apply at ttp.dhs.gov
Official government site
Why we chose it

For about $35 more than PreCheck alone, Global Entry includes PreCheck and speeds you through U.S. customs coming home. If you travel abroad even once a year, it’s the best value.

Fee
$120 / 5 years
Includes
TSA PreCheck
Approval
Often months
Pros
✓ PreCheck plus faster customs
✓ Many travel cards reimburse the fee
Cons
✕ Interview required
✕ Approval can take months, so apply early
#2
PreCheck by IDEMIA
Cheapest PreCheck
4.3
/5
★★★★★
Hero Score · Very good
Enroll at tsa.gov
Official government site
Why we chose it

The lowest PreCheck price and the largest network of enrollment centers. Best if you only fly domestically.

Fee
~$79.75 / 5 yrs
Approval
Usually 3–5 days
Best for
Domestic flyers
#3
PreCheck by CLEAR
Enroll at the airport
4.1
/5
★★★★★
Hero Score · Very good
Visit CLEAR
On clearme.com
Why we chose it

Enroll at CLEAR airport locations. Pairs well with CLEAR Plus (about $209/yr) if you also want to skip the ID check line.

Fee
~$84.95 / 5 yrs
Approval
Usually 3–5 days
Best for
Frequent flyers
#4
PreCheck by Telos
Alternative centers
4.0
/5
★★★★★
Hero Score · Very good
Enroll at tsa.gov
Official government site
Why we chose it

Same PreCheck membership, useful if a Telos center is closer to you.

Fee
~$85 / 5 yrs
Approval
Usually 3–5 days
Best for
Convenient location
Tip: check your credit card first
Many travel cards reimburse the Global Entry or PreCheck fee. Not sure which you need? Read PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR.

How we rank

30%
Speed
Approval time and time saved at the airport.
25%
Total cost
Five-year cost per traveler.
20%
Coverage
Security, customs, enrollment locations.
25%
Trust & support
Official programs and clear terms.

TSA PreCheck FAQs

Does Global Entry include PreCheck?

Yes. Global Entry members get TSA PreCheck at no extra cost.

How long does TSA PreCheck take?

TSA says most applicants get their Known Traveler Number in 3–5 days, though some take up to 60.

Does it matter which PreCheck provider I use?

No. The membership is identical; pick the cheapest or most convenient enrollment center.

Travel abroad at all? Get Global Entry
★ 4.9 Hero Score · $120 for 5 years, PreCheck included
Apply at ttp.dhs.gov
Official government site