Travel
Travel Scams to Avoid, Plus TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry Costs
Protect your money before the trip, and decide whether a faster security line is worth it.
Email me updatesBy the ForLowerBills team · Last updated: October 14, 2026 · Sources checked: October 14, 2026
No paid links on this page. Every program we mention is free to apply for. ForLowerBills.com is an independent website, not a government agency. How we make money.
Scammers love travelers: we're excited, in a hurry and often booking with strangers. Here are the warning signs the FTC points to, and an honest look at what TSA PreCheck and Global Entry cost.
1. Travel scam warning signs
- "You've won a free vacation" that requires you to pay fees or taxes first. The FTC says never pay for a prize.
- A rental that's unusually cheap, or a host who wants to move off the booking platform. Look up the address and listing yourself.
- Pressure to pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency or a payment app. Those are hard to get back.
- Pressure to decide right now. Take time to read the contract and cancellation terms.
- Search the company name with words like "scam," "review" or "complaint" before you pay. Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
2. TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: what they cost
- TSA PreCheck: expedited security screening in dedicated lanes at U.S. airports. TSA says it costs $85 or less for five years; the price depends on which of the three authorized enrollment providers you use (CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos), and renewals can cost less.
- Global Entry (CBP): faster re-entry when arriving in the U.S. from abroad, and it includes TSA PreCheck. The application fee is $120 for five years, and all applicants go through a background check.
- Our take: if you only fly domestically, PreCheck costs less. If you travel internationally even occasionally, Global Entry covers both for a bit more. Children 17 and under can go through the PreCheck lane with an enrolled adult, per TSA.
- Use only the official sites (tsa.gov and cbp.gov / ttp.dhs.gov) to apply. Look-alike sites may charge extra.
Get updates to this guide
Related guides
FAQ
How much is TSA PreCheck?
TSA says $85 or less for five years, depending on the enrollment provider. Check tsa.gov for current prices.
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
Yes. CBP lists TSA PreCheck access as a Global Entry benefit. The application fee is $120 for five years.
Is a free vacation offer ever real?
The FTC warns that if you have to pay to claim a prize, it's a scam.
Disclaimers
General information only, not legal, medical, tax or financial advice.
- ForLowerBills.com is an independent website. We are not a government agency, a law firm or a travel company, and there are no paid links on this page.
- Rules, fees and amounts change. Always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.
Read our full affiliate disclosure (How we make money).
We hope this helps. — the ForLowerBills team