If you're a frequent flyer or just loath standing in security lines, signing up for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck is the way to travel these days. I signed up and received my Global Entry card earlier this year and Crystal signed up for the TSA PreCheck. So what's the difference between these two? 

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck allows flyers to receive expedited screening at security checkpoints. The expedited screening benefits may include leaving on your shoes, light outerwear, and belts, as well as leaving laptops and compliant liquids in 3-1-1 carry-on bags. And the TSA PreCheck lines are usually much shorter.

I was running a little late to my flight getting stuck in LA traffic and was saved by TSA PreCheck because the line only had five people compared to the normal line that had at least fifty people. 

TSA Pre-Check costs $85 and to get started you need to apply HERE.

Global Entry

Global Entry gives you the benefits of TSA Pre-Check and access to expedited screening at U.S. Customs. This is a HUGE time saver. Every time I go overseas and come back to the U.S., I dread the Customs line. On average I stand in line for forty-five minutes to an hour.

I recently went to Hong Kong and when I arrived back in the U.S., I used the Global Entry Kiosk and was out of customs in less than ten minutes! There were several Global Entry Kiosks and they were all empty. I was the only one using the kiosk.

I felt a little guilty passing the long lines that everyone else had to wait in. For additional information on Global Entry, UpgradedPoints offers in-depth details.

Global Entry costs $100 and to get started you need to apply HERE.

Which One is Better?

Now that we know what the difference is, which one should you get? We say go for the Global Entry. It includes TSA Pre-Check and you get to skip the ridiculously long lines at customs for just $15 more.

Even if you aren't planning on any international trips this year, you may in the next five years and that's how long the Global Entry card is good for. 

Apply for Free!

Several credit card companies currently reimburse Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees as a statement credit. The free Global Entry/TSA PreCheck benefit appears as a statement credit after that card is used to pay for the Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check application.

That's exactly what Crystal and I did, so we didn't have to pay a penny for our applications. And there is no need to call your credit card company to make sure you receive the credit. The credit will apply automatically. 

So What is The Step-By-Step Process?

First, check to see if you have a credit card that will give you a statement credit for the application. Then go online and fill out your application. Once you submit your application, you wait for an email that lets you know if you have been approved for an interview.

You will then be directed to schedule an in-person interview at your nearest airport. All of this information will be given to you when you receive the approval email. Go to your interview and arrive on time! I went to my interview and was out of there in less than thirty minutes.

After the interview, you will get an email that will let you know if you passed or failed. If you pass, you will receive your Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check card in the mail. I received my Global Entry card about a week after my interview. Once you receive your card, there will be instructions on how to activate your card online. 

Are There Free Alternatives? Yes, Mobile Passport!

If your credit card doesn’t have an offer to reimburse you for the application, there is a free alternative called Mobile Passport. You may have seen the signs at select international airports when landing in the US. I’ve seen the signs, and have actually downloaded the Mobile Passport app to see what it was all about.

Luckily, there was a cell signal so I was able to download the app, but probably better to do this before your trip. Once you download the app, you basically input your credentials (name, passport, etc.) and then answer the standard immigration questions.

Once you do that, you then proceed to the dedicated line which is typically much shorter than the standard lines. You can read more about Mobile Passport in this detailed article, “Why Mobile Passport Is the Best-Kept Secret Among International Travelers”.

Cheers to speedy lines and safe travels!

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