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Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are programs that can get you expedited screening at the airport. Depending on your travel habits and budget, one may be a better fit for you than the other.

To help you make a decision, here's a comparison of Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck, including how the two programs work, their costs, and how to get access for free with your travel credit card.

Credit cards that offer Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee reimbursements

If you want to join Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, but you don't want to pay the nonrefundable fee out of pocket, you may consider applying for a credit card that will reimburse you for the charge. Here are some options to consider.

In addition to a credit of up to $120 for either program's application fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers an impressive welcome bonus, excellent rewards on your everyday spending, and flexible options for redeeming your miles.

Check out our review of the Capital One Venture Rewards card.

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The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card that offers excellent perks, including up to $120 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, complimentary airport lounge access, annual bonus rewards, and incredibly valuable and flexible rewards.

Read our review of the Venture X Rewards card.

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With the United℠ Explorer Card, you'll get up to $120 fee credit toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS, which offers expedited customs screening in the U.S. and Canada. The card also offers a great way to earn United MileagePlus miles, provides a free checked bag, limited complimentary airport lounge access, priority boarding, and more.

Read our full review of the United Explorer card.

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How Global Entry works

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler program offered through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). As a member, you can get expedited clearance at customs when reentering the United States from abroad.

Depending on where you're flying from, you may even be able to get through U.S. customs at the foreign airport's preclearance facility before you board your flight.

Once you reach the customs facility, you'll check in at a Global Entry kiosk and then proceed to the exit. You don't have to wait in the processing line or handle any paperwork. You'll even be automatically eligible for TSA PreCheck. Membership lasts for five years, at which point you can renew up to a year before it expires.

Who's eligible

To enroll in Global Entry, you need to be at least 18 years old — though minors may join with a parent or legal guardian's consent — and be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or a citizen of one of a handful of eligible countries.

That said, membership isn't guaranteed, particularly if you can't meet the CBP's standards for low-risk status. Some disqualifiers include:

• False or incomplete information on your application

• Conviction of any criminal offense or pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants

• Denial for the purchase of a firearm

• Violation of any customs, immigration, or agriculture regulations or laws in any country

How to apply

If you want to become a Global Entry member, here are the steps you'll take to apply for the program:

1. Create an account: Each person must create a separate Trust Traveler program account.

2. Submit an application: After logging in, you'll provide some basic information, such as your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. Note that you'll also need to pay a nonrefundable fee of $120.

3. Schedule an interview: If CBP accepts your application, it'll allow you to schedule an interview at a nearby enrollment center. If you don't live near one or can't get an interview before your next international trip, you can opt to complete your interview upon arrival back in the U.S.

4. Attend the interview: On the day of your interview, make sure you have a passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or state ID card. If you're a permanent resident, you'll also need to bring your machine-readable permanent resident card.

After you complete the application process, you'll receive a Global Entry card in the mail. Be sure to activate it before your next trip.

How TSA PreCheck works

TSA PreCheck is another Trusted Traveler program that offers expedited security screening at more than 200 airports in the U.S. with more than 90 participating airlines. You can even use it when departing from a domestic airport on an international flight. Note, however, that the program is not available in other countries.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, about 99% of TSA PreCheck members wait less than 10 minutes. In addition to an often shorter line, you don't need to remove your shoes, laptops, eligible liquids, belt, or light jacket. Membership lasts five years, but you can renew up to six months before expiration.

Who's eligible

You can apply for TSA PreCheck if you're a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.

Unlike Global Entry, TSA PreCheck allows children ages 12 and under to accompany an enrolled parent or legal guardian in the TSA PreCheck line. For children ages 13 to 17, they'll need the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass — though that should be the case if the child is on the same reservation as their parent.

That said, you may be denied if you:

• Provide incomplete or false information on your application

• Have violated certain federal security regulations

• Have committed a disqualifying criminal offense

How to apply

If you want to apply for TSA PreCheck, here are some steps you can take:

1. Submit an application online: The TSA partners with three providers to manage the enrollment process. You can search for an enrollment center near you and then submit an application online through the provider that maintains that location.

2. Visit the enrollment center: After submitting your application, you'll visit an enrollment center at your scheduled time to provide fingerprints and take your picture. You'll need to bring an eligible document to prove your citizenship, such as an unexpired passport. You'll need to pay a nonrefundable application fee at the center, which ranges from $76.75 to $85, depending on which provider you choose. The entire process typically takes 10 minutes.

After you're approved, you'll receive a known traveler number, which you can add to your airline reservations.

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is better?

Ultimately, the decision between the two programs comes down to a few factors. Here's what to consider.

• Travel habits: Because Global Entry is designed for international travelers, it's recommended that you apply for the program only if you travel internationally four or more times per year. However, you can decide how many trips abroad each year is enough to make it worthwhile for you.

• Budget: If you're paying for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck out of pocket, consider the application fees. Keep in mind that while Global Entry is more expensive, it includes both programs.

• Application process: It's generally easier to apply for TSA PreCheck than Global Entry, primarily because there are far more enrollment centers available to you. Some travelers report having to wait months to schedule a Global Entry interview. However, if you're not planning to travel abroad anytime soon or plan to enroll on arrival from your next international trip, that might not matter.

Both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck can save you some time at the airport, but depending on how often you travel internationally and your budget, one may be a clear winner for you.

Even if you don't have plans to travel abroad anytime soon, it can make sense to apply for Global Entry for future needs, especially if you have a credit card that can reimburse you for the application fee.

If you're paying out of pocket, though, TSA PreCheck may be a better option, especially if you expect to do most of your travel within the U.S.

This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken

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