How to Pay Your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Fee
What TSA PreCheck and Global Entry payments are
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are trusted traveler programs that let you move faster through airport security and customs. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years (depending on when you renew). Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S. Both programs require you to pay an upfront fee, then complete an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.
The payment itself is straightforward—you pay online through the official government portals before or after you schedule your appointment. The confusion usually comes from which program to choose, where the money actually goes, and what happens if your payment doesn't go through or you need to cancel.
Key Takeaways
- TSA PreCheck and Global Entry payments are made through official government websites (tsa.gov/precheck and globalentry.gov), not third-party services.
- You can pay by credit card, debit card, or digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) at the time you create your account or schedule your appointment.
- Payment does not reserve your appointment—you schedule the enrollment center visit separately after paying, and availability varies by location.
- If you cancel before your appointment, refund policies depend on how far in advance you cancel and which program you chose.
- The fee covers the five-year membership period; renewal requires a new payment and a shorter in-person appointment (usually 10 to 15 minutes).
Where to pay and what payment methods work
TSA PreCheck payments go through tsa.gov/precheck, and Global Entry payments go through globalentry.gov. Both sites are run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Do not use a third-party website or app that claims to process these payments—scams exist, and you will lose money.
On the official site, you create an account, provide your personal information, and pay at checkout. Accepted payment methods are credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay). The charge appears on your statement under the program name or "CBP" or "TSA." There is no monthly billing or subscription—it is a one-time charge for the five-year period.
Some enrollment centers accept payment in person, but this is rare and varies by location. The online payment method is standard and fastest. If you have trouble paying online, call the TSA PreCheck customer service line at 1-855-347-8371 or Global Entry customer service at 1-202-325-5900 before trying to pay in person.
When you pay versus when you schedule your appointment
The payment and the appointment are two separate steps. You can pay first and then schedule your appointment later, or you can schedule first and pay during the scheduling process—the order depends on which program and which enrollment center you use. After you pay, you receive a confirmation number and a receipt. Keep both.
Once you have paid, you log back into your account and search for available appointment times at enrollment centers near you. Availability changes constantly and varies widely by location. Some centers have openings within days; others may be booked weeks or months out. If no appointments are available when you are ready, you can check back later—your payment does not expire, and you can schedule whenever an opening appears.
Your appointment typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes for a new TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership. You bring a valid passport or driver's license, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). The officer collects biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) and verifies your information.
What happens if your payment fails or you need to cancel
If your payment is declined, you will see an error message on the website. Check that your card number, expiration date, and billing address are correct, then try again. If the problem persists, contact your bank to confirm the card is not blocked for online transactions, then try a different payment method or call customer service.
If you need to cancel after paying, refund policies differ between programs. TSA PreCheck typically refunds your fee if you cancel before your appointment; Global Entry has a similar policy but the exact terms depend on your enrollment center and the time of cancellation. Log into your account and look for a cancellation or refund option, or call customer service to confirm the policy for your specific situation before you cancel.
If you paid but never scheduled an appointment and your five-year membership expires, you do not receive an automatic refund. You would need to pay again to renew. Set a reminder for your renewal date (five years from your appointment date, not your payment date) so you do not miss the window.
Renewal payments and what changes after five years
When your membership is about to expire, you will receive an email notification from TSA or CBP. You log back into your account, pay the renewal fee (same amount as the initial fee), and schedule a much shorter in-person appointment—usually just 10 to 15 minutes to update your photo and verify your information. You do not need to provide all the documentation again unless something has changed (like your citizenship status or legal name).
You can renew up to six months before your membership expires. If you wait until after it expires, you will need to start over with a full new application and appointment, not just a renewal. Renewal is faster and cheaper than a new application, so renewing early is worth the small effort.
Protecting yourself from payment scams
Scammers create fake TSA PreCheck and Global Entry websites that look almost identical to the real ones. They collect your payment and personal information, then disappear. You never receive a confirmation number, and your membership never activates.
To stay safe: check the URL carefully (it must be tsa.gov/precheck or globalentry.gov, not something like "tsa-precheck.com" or "global-entry-official.com"). Bookmark the real sites on your computer or phone so you do not accidentally click a fake link. Never pay through email, text message, or a link sent to you unsolicited. If you are unsure whether a site is real, call the official customer service number before entering any payment information.
If you believe you paid a scam site, contact your credit card company or bank immediately to report the charge and request a reversal. Then contact the real TSA PreCheck or Global Entry customer service to confirm whether your payment was processed through the official system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry through my employer or travel agent?
Some employers offer TSA PreCheck or Global Entry reimbursement as a benefit, and some travel agencies can help you navigate the process, but the actual payment must go through the official government websites. Your employer or travel agent cannot pay on your behalf—you must create an account and pay yourself. After you pay and complete your appointment, you can submit your receipt to your employer for reimbursement if that benefit is available.
What if I move before my appointment and want to change my enrollment center?
Log into your account and cancel your current appointment, then search for a new enrollment center in your new location and book a new time. Your payment is still valid and does not need to be repeated. You will use the same confirmation number and account.
Do I get a refund if I do not use my TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership?
No. Once you have paid and completed your appointment, the fee is non-refundable even if you never use the membership. If you cancel before your appointment, you may be refunded depending on timing and program rules—contact customer service for your specific situation. After your appointment is complete, the membership is yours for five years whether you use it or not.
Can I pay for both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry at the same time?
You must pay for them separately through their respective websites. However, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so if you choose Global Entry, you do not need to pay for TSA PreCheck separately. If you only need TSA PreCheck, pay for that alone.
How long does it take for my payment to show up in my account after I pay?
Your account should update immediately after a successful payment. You will receive a confirmation number and email receipt right away. If your account does not show the payment within a few minutes, check your email for a confirmation, then log out and log back in. If the payment still does not appear after an hour, contact customer service with your confirmation number.