Trusted Traveler Program Comparison

CBP operates five trusted traveler programs. Each covers different routes and use cases. Some programs include others (NEXUS includes TSA PreCheck; Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck). Pick the one that matches where you actually travel most.

Global Entry
US Citizens, LPRs + ~50 nationalities
$120 / 5 yrs
✓
TSA PreCheck included
✓
International arrivals kiosk
✓
Mobile Passport Control
✗
Canada border crossing
✗
Mexico SENTRI lane
✗
Commercial truck (FAST)
Best for: most international flyers. Includes TSA PreCheck. Interview required at a Global Entry enrollment center or via Enrollment on Arrival.
TSA PreCheck
US Citizens & LPRs
$85 / 5 yrs
✓
Expedited domestic security
✓
Shoes/belt/laptop stay on
✓
85+ participating airlines
✗
International arrivals
✗
Land border crossings
✗
Canada/Mexico access
Best for: domestic-only or occasional international travelers who already have a way back in quickly. No in-person interview required (enrollment at an enrollment provider).
NEXUS
US & Canadian Citizens/LPRs
$50 / 5 yrs
✓
TSA PreCheck (US)
✓
Global Entry equivalent
✓
NEXUS lanes US-Canada
✓
Air, land & marine entry
✗
Mexico border access
✗
SENTRI lanes
Best value: $50 for TSA PreCheck + Global Entry equivalent + US-Canada land crossing access. Requires a joint CBP/CBSA interview at a NEXUS enrollment center on the US-Canada border. Significant wait times (6–18 months).
SENTRI
US Citizens, LPRs, & Mexican nationals
$122.25 / 5 yrs
✓
TSA PreCheck included
✓
Global Entry equivalent
✓
SENTRI lanes US-Mexico
✓
Vehicle & pedestrian lanes
✗
Canada border access
✗
Commercial trucking
Best for: frequent US-Mexico land border crossers. SENTRI lanes can save 1–2 hours at busy crossings like San Ysidro. Vehicle enrollment required. Includes TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits.
FAST (Free and Secure Trade)
Commercial truck drivers: US/CA/MX citizens
$50 / 5 yrs
✓
FAST commercial lanes
✓
US-Canada border
✓
US-Mexico border
✗
TSA PreCheck
✗
Air travel benefits
✗
Personal vehicle lanes
Specific to commercial truck drivers and importers. Requires C-TPAT compliant importers. Dramatically reduces wait times at commercial truck crossings.