Tag Archives: rfid

Looking for an anti-theft crossbody handbag for travel? If you’re planning on traveling finding an anti-theft crossbody handbag is a must. Today’s bags are so well designed that they are a popular choice for nontravelers for use as an everyday bag too. Anti-theft crossbody bags or purses look like regular bags or purses however, their discreet built-in security features will let you enjoy even the most crowded tourist attractions with peace of mind knowing that your valuables are secure. Anti-theft crossbody travel bags are practical, comfortable, and can keep your belongings safe from pickpockets with built-in anti-theft features.

The crossbody feature keeps your hands free and the bag secure on your body. The best way to carry your anti-theft crossbody travel purse is so it hangs a little bit in front of you and not bouncing on your back. This provides even more security from street thieves and pickpockets.

Good Anti-Theft Crossbody Handbags for Travel Have:

A zipper closure that locks down. The number one feature to keep the hands of a pickpocket out of your bag is a zipper with a zipper pull that locks down with a clip to prevent it from being pulled open. Both Pacsafe and Travelon Bags offer this as a standard issue on their travel bags.

A hidden flexible wire in the strap. A flexible wire embedded in the bag strap prevents slice-and-run theft. Slice-and-run thefts typically happen more in crowds and busy tourist locations. Have peace of mind knowing your strap is slice-resistant.

A panel of wire mesh. Fused in the lower portion of the bag should be a wire mesh that stops bag slashers from cutting through your bag. The most vulnerable part of any bag for this type of crime is the lower and lower sides of the bag. Thieves who cut bags are looking for the bag contents to fall out into the awaiting hands before running off with them.

A pocket with RFID protection. Passports and credit cards contain your personal information embedded inside them. This information can be read by hand-held RFID readers up to 10 feet away and even through your bag. Store your credit cards and passport inside an RFID-blocking pocket of your bag to shield your personal data from theft.

What size handbag are you looking for long & skinny, small, medium, or large? Be like Goldilocks and find the right size for your next trip. Each size can hold a different number of items but they’re all anti-theft to safeguard your valuables.

Long & Skinny Anti-Theft Crossbody Handbags for Travel

1. Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Crossbody

This stylish anti-theft crossbody bag converts in size when you need it. The Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Crossbody expanded bag fits a tablet, as seen below. Folded down it’s perfect for an evening out. This bag definitely does double duty. As with all Pacsafe bags, this bag has built-in security features to deter thieves, including digital or e-thieves.

2. Anti-Theft Classic Slim Double Zip Crossbody Bag

This Anti-Theft Classic Slim Double Zip Crossbody hugs your body comfortably. The roomy zip compartment is well thought out with RFID blocking card and passport slots, an open-top wall pocket, a zip wall pocket, and a tethered key clip with LED light. Two locking zip pockets on the front are perfect for keys, lipstick, tickets and other quick-grab items. The rear snap-close pocket holds a map, book, or sunglasses. Travel securely and confidently with Travelon’s anti-theft features including slash-resistant construction, locking compartments, slash-resistant and locking straps to keep you and your belongings protected

Anti-theft Classic Slim crossbody bag for travel

Classic Slim Crossbody Bag for Travel, many colors to choose from

Small Anti-Theft Crossbody Handbags for Travel

3. Anti-theft Signature Quilted E/W Slim Bag

The Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Quilted E/W Slim Bag is perfect for carrying more than just the essentials. Two styles in one bag. It’s a clutch and cross-body bag, depending on the strap you choose. Whether you’re off to work or a day of running errands, you’ll love keeping everything you need in an organized manner. The roomy main compartment features a zippered wall pocket, a tethered key clip with LED light, two drop pockets that are perfect for frequently needed items plus opens wide providing full access. The front locking zipper compartment has a zippered wall pocket, RFID protected Passport pocket and 5 RFID card slots plus room to hold additional items. The front slash pocket keeps your phone accessible and easy to locate. The rear zipper compartment is perfect for travel documents and can hold an iPad Mini. With Anti-Theft features like locking zippers, slash resistant, adjustable straps and body panels and RFID protection that keeps your identity secure from high-tech electronic readers, you can travel safely and securely. This Crossbody bag effortlessly integrates a signature style and is an excellent addition to your accessory collection.

Anti-theft cross body or clutch style bag for travel and daily use,

Anti-theft cross-body or clutch-style bag depending on which strap you choose. Easy care and doesn’t look like a travel bag.

4. Travelon Anti-Theft Boho Slim Crossbody Bag

VIDEO: Perfectly sized, the Anti-Theft Boho Slim Crossbody Bag will go with you long after your travels are over. The locking main compartment has RFID-blocking technology to stop e-thieves from reading your personal information embedded in credit cards and passports. Well thought out compartments will keep your essentials organized and handy and the adjustable slash-resistant strap secures to a stationary object to prevent grab and go theft.

5 Pacsafe Stylesafe Anti-Theft Crossbody

This Pacsafe bag has an RFID-blocking pocket that protects the personal info embedded in your passport and credit cards plus all the other security features you’ve come to expect from Pacsafe. You’ll keep using this bag long after your trip is over. CAN BE LOCKED TO FIXTURES – With an adjustable, wire-reinforced anchor strap, the crossbody bag can be secured around a table or chair to keep your belongings secure, to protect your wallet, passport, laptop/tablet and phone where items need to be left unattended.

Pacsafe Stylesafe Anti-theft Crossbody

Medium Anti-Theft Crossbody Handbags for Travel

6. Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody Bag with RFID Protection

The Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody RFID Blocking Bag is a great travel bag when you want style with security and hands-free convenience. Its slim profile and crossbody design is comfortable and looks fashionable no matter what the season, expressly designed to be worn the most secure way which is slung across your body.

Travelon Classic Cross-body Bag with RFID

7. Anti-theft Signature Quilted Expansion Cross Body Bag

A locking zippered roomy main compartment allows you to take more than just the basics with you. It features 5 RFID blocking card slots, a RFID Passport pocket, a large zippered wall pocket plus a slash pocket that is ideal for glasses, a smartphone or other frequently needed items. It can even fit an iPad. The long, cut-resistant, adjustable strap lets you carry the bag as a crossbody for hands-free convenience, or traditionally over your shoulder. The swivel clasp allows the strap to move freely and it can also be attached to a stationary object to prevent a grab-n-go. With 2 front-locking zippered pockets, a deep rear zippered pocket and a tethered key clip that allows you to easily locate your keys, you will be well organized. Made from durable water & stain resistant nylon and accented in gorgeous antique brass finished hardware.

Travelon Anti-theft Boho Square Crossbody, MORE COLORS

8. Anti-Theft Signature 3 Compartment Crossbody Bag

The Anti-Theft Signature 3 Compartment Crossbody Bag is a lightweight bag that features 3 locking compartments to provide discreet, yet highly effective protection against pickpockets. The signature pleats on the front & brushed brass zipper accents, add style & and a fashion-forward look, fooling anyone into thinking this is just an everyday bag! The coordinating RFID-blocking travel wallet like the purse can be used long after your trip is over.

9. Secura™ RFID-Blocking Anti-Theft Cross-Body

This medium-sized bag infuses style and security into what will be your favorite travel bag. Lightweight and with decorative hardware that does double duty as built-in security features. One opening to secure and to hold your essentials for peace of mind. This travel bag is equipped with RFID protected card slots and locking zippers. The adjustable shoulder strap and bag panels contain stainless steel cable and magnaloft fabric providing anti-slash, anti-theft security. Exterior locking pocket for your cell phone. Plenty of room in the interior zipper pockets to safely store your passport, wallet, keys, and more.

Lewis N Clark Secura RFID Blocking Anti-Theft Messenger Crossbody Handbag for Travel

Lewis N Clark Secura RFID Blocking Anti-Theft Messenger Bag , Crossbody for Travel

Large Anti-theft Crossbody Handbags for Travel

10. Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bucket Bag

This lightweight cross-body bucket bag is very comfortable to wear, it offers a slash-proof strap that can be attached to a post or table with ease. Great size for carrying everyday items as well as a small iPad or reader. The front and main locking compartments offer slash-proof construction for peace of mind along with the RFID reader blocking card slots. The outside mesh panels easily store a water bottle and umbrella. Locking main compartment plus an organization compartment with RFID blocking card and passport slots. Slash-resistant body and adjustable, slash-resistant shoulder strap attaches to chair or post. Front slash pocket, zip rear pocket and removable LED light.

Travelon Bucket Bag anti-theft crossbody handbag for Travel with

11. Women’s Citysafe CX Anti Theft Convertible Backpack-Fits 10″ Tablet

Two stylish anti-theft bags in one – the city safe CX convertible backpack can be worn as a backpack or fold down to sling over your shoulder as a handbag. There’s room for a wallet, cosmetics case, and more, with zipper security and a cut-resistant anchor strap to keep everything protected.

Pacsafe Citysafe Convertible Backpack and anti-theft crossbody handbag for Travel

Pacsafe Citysafe Convertible Backpack crossbody handbag for Travel. FOLDS DOWN INTO A HANDBAG -. Perfect for both day trips and night outs. Detachable strap is removable when not in use.

Final thought for finding a best-selling anti-theft crossbody handbag for travel

When reviewing the various best sellers of travel bags, be sure to focus on anti-theft crossbody handbags for travel. These are proven favorites by seasoned and infrequent travelers alike. Consider if you’ll need a bag that accommodates an umbrella or water bottle or a bag that just keeps your travel wallet, phone, or small camera safe. One tip when looking at bags online is to have a ruler and one of your current handbags for comparing sizes.

Additional Articles You May Like

You may think of a pickpocket as a person that bumps into you to steal your wallet, but now there’s a different kind of pickpocketing and it’s called electronic pickpocketing. How do electronic pickpockets work, and why can they be so devastating? Tech-savvy RFID pickpockets, which are also known as “digital thieves,” can silently download your personal credit card information and ID data with handheld “skimming” devices, including some newer cell phones, that are simply held close to your wallet or purse.

Yes, your personal information on the RFID chip embedded in your credit card and passport transmits through a wallet or purse. Why is this possible? It’s possible because many of the newly issued credit cards, driver’s licenses and all passports now have embedded RFID chips.

Do RFID Wallets Stop Electronic Pickpocketing

RFID chips send out electromagnetic signals with all the information stored on the card for electronic readers to capture. In the case of your passport, they can even broadcast your photo. RFID technology is a good thing, but in the hands of RFID pickpockets, it can be devastating. So how do you protect yourself from electronic RFID pickpockets who use electronic readers? You need to use RFID-blocking wallets, purses, or other RFID-blocking gear. These items have metal fibers woven inside of them to block the RFID transmissions. You could also wrap your cards in foil to stop transmission, but that is inconvenient and cumbersome. So yes, RFID-blocking wallets can protect your identity from falling into the hands of thieves, crooks, and scam artists.

Protect Your Identity & Personal Information with RFID Blocking Gear

The latest travel wallets, purses, backpacks, and other gear have RFID shielding built into the material of the product for your security and peace of mind. Wallets, bags, and backpacks that contain this RFID blocking material look like ordinary wallets and purses. Depending on their design, the product may entirely have RFID shielding, or may just have dedicated pockets to RFID shielding. It is in these RFID blocking pockets where you would place your wallet or other digital ID. You are most vulnerable to pickpockets, both regular and electronic, in crowded situations or in places where you place your things down like hanging your bag on the back of a chair in a restaurant. The results of being electronically pickpocketed can be devastating, so consider outsmarting the bad guys with RFID blocking gear. For your peace of mind, see an extensive collection of RFID blocking travel gear.

RFID blocking money belt. Hidden under your shirt it’s easy for you to access, but not thieves.

Anti-theft crossbody day bag has built-in RFID protected pockets

Classic Men's Leather Wallet with embedded RFID blocking technology stops electronic pickpocketing

Classic Men’s Leather Wallet Embedded with RFID Blocking Technology

What is RFID and Why Do I Need to Block it?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Devices. Today they are found in passports and credit cards to help speed up transactions. They transmit your account information plus personal details. Handheld scanners can read these chips through wallets and clothing up to several feet away. It is a form of electronically pickpocketing or identity theft. Newly issued credit cards, passports, and other IDs have embedded RFID chips.

Do RFID Wallets and other RFID blocking bags stop pickpockets? Yes, You can protect your personal data with the use of RFID blocking wallets and RFID blocking passport covers. These items contain a metal fiber mesh that makes a “cage” around the chip that radio waves cannot penetrate. All US Passports issued since October 2006 have RFID chips in them. The chip contains all the data that is on the first page including your photo. A growing number of states (New York, Michigan, Washington, Vermont) are now issuing special driver’s licenses “enhanced” with long-range RFID chips.

How Does RFID Work?

RFID, Radio Frequency Identification, is the technology that lets you simply wave your credit or identification card, passport or license in front of a nearby scanner instead of having to slide the magnetic stripe through it. The electronic scanner sends a signal which is received by an antenna embedded into the card, which is connected to the card’s RFID chip, thus activating it. Unfortunately, criminals with minimal technical skills can construct their own clandestine RFID readers with a few simple supplies. These devices can steal your private financial information quickly and silently—all the perpetrator needs to do is come near your wallet with the hidden card reader.

Credit cards have RFID chips

Does my Card Have an RFID Chip?

This is the important part if your card is equipped with PayWave or blink, indicated by a logo on the front or back of the card, then it has an RFID chip embedded in it. The absence of a PayPass logo, however, does not mean that your card does not have an RFID chip—call the customer service number on the back of your card. If you cannot get an answer from your bank you should protect your cards anyway to ensure that you do not fall victim to identity theft. Imagine how the theft of your identity while traveling could negatively impact your trip! You should be concerned if you carry an American Express Card, Visa, Discover, MasterCard or a passport.

Here’s the best and latest selection of RFID blocking wallets and gear to stop electronic pickpocketing.

Video Demonstration of RFID Pickpockets

The Best Money Belts to Hide Money, Credit Cards, and Passports

Travel Smart and Keep Valuables Close and Secure

The best travel money belt is a security money belt or pouch and it can be your most important travel accessory, especially when visiting busy and popular tourist attractions. It is in these locations where pickpockets and thieves target tourists. Shield and protect your valuables from pickpockets, distraction thieves, and snatch and run crooks with a hidden money belt, security neck, or body pouch. A money belt depending on its size and design is used to hide money, cash, passports, identification, and other valuables that you don’t want to lose.

What is a Money Belt?

A money belt is a personal item and is not a “one size fits all” by any means. The best money belt designs have anti-theft technology and offer various designs and sizes, so you’re sure to find one just right for you. Now you have a choice of traditional belts with a zipper to hold just bills, wallets you wear on your leg, and wallets you hide under pants. There are even more styles which you wear around your neck or waist and tucked under clothing. Enjoying water sport or the beach? No problem, you can choose from a variety of completely waterproof styles of money belts so you can swim and play in the water while keeping your passport and other valuables close and dry!

Read on to learn about the various types of best money belts and secret wallets available with anti-theft features. The latest styles of neck and body pouches have RFID blocking material lined pockets to stop identity theft by tech-savvy thieves.

Why Use a Money Belt?

You want to select a money belt for a sense of security and peace of mind, and to protect your money and other smaller valuables from thieves. Money belts also keep your hands free so you can do more, as you don’t need to hold or worry about a bag. Bottom line – A money belt is the best investment you’ll make costing you only $10- $35.

What are the Pros and Cons of Travel Money Belts and Pouches, Neck Pouches, or Waist Wallets?

Waist Style or Under-Clothing Money Belt

Best money belt Breathable and flat money belt

Breathable and flat money belt to wear under clothes

This style of money belt can be worn either tightly against the stomach with your shirt or blouse covering it or dropped loosely into your pants below your waistband. If you are going to purchase one of these – give strong consideration to a money belt that has a steel cable embedded within the rear strap so it cannot be cut by a sneak thief from behind and pulled off. There are several popular styles of waist wallets with built-in anti-theft features such as RFID blocking to guard your passport, credit cards, and identity. Consider what you’ll be securing in your money and select a style with the appropriate number of pockets to keep your valuables handy and organized.

Tips for Wearing a Money Belt

The safest way to wear a waist wallet or money belt is tucked inside your pants. The strap should fit loose enough to tuck below your pant waistband so that is not visible. The pouch should also be tucked into your pants. If you choose to wear the waist wallet outside of your pants make sure your shirt is long enough to cover the money belt from view. Try this at home before you pack.
If you wear your shirt un-tucked, be aware that a professional pickpocket could bump into you in a crowd, lift your shirt, cut the rear strap, and flee with the belt in a matter of seconds. An embedded steel cable in the waistband makes this type of theft impossible. Alternately keeping the money belt strap tucked below the waistband of your pants protects you from this type of theft too.

Best Money Belt for Runners

The best money belt for a runner is slim and fitted to the body to prevent bouncing. The beauty of this belt is that it can be worn when not exercising too while walking around town and sight-seeing during travel.

Best Full-Sized Money Belt

This money belt fits 3 passports easily, has RFID protection, and is water-resistant. What’s more, the money belt strap is elastic for comfort and to fit a variety of waists. See more colors by clicking on the image.

Best High-Tech Money Belt with Theft Insurance

This money belt is made by Peak Gear of 210D ripstop nylon so it is lightweight and durable. Besides having built-in RFID blocking technology this money belt also includes 2 global recovery tags that you attach to valuables like your phone or passport. Attach the tags to your phone, passport, camera, etc. If the protected items are ever lost and found, ReturnMe’s 24/7 call center will help get the items back to your door, from anywhere in the world. There is NO additional cost. This comfortable and slim belt is the perfect travel accessory with adjustable straps that fit both women and men. The moisture-wick backing will keep the pouch cool against your skin, especially useful for all day use or in warm climates.

Best Hidden Wallet – Belt Loop Wallet

Slide your belt through the loop and wear it tucked inside your pants. Easy to pull out while it remains on your belt.

We think a belt loop wallet is a great style of travel wallet if your wear a belt. This style of money belt is a single pouch that hangs inside your pants from your belt or belt loop. It is usually made out of nylon or cotton and has one or two zippered compartments. It is very easy to slide out and tuck back in. This is an extremely secure way to carry cash and cards since it is attached to your belt. Some designs are large enough to hold your passport, money, and a credit card. Many designs offer two different colored belt loops (black and brown) to blend in with your belt, so it is not so obvious that you have a belt-secured wallet. A popular design is this belt loop wallet because it is completely hidden with zippered compartments to secure contents.

All About Neck Wallets – Money Belt Alternative

Travelers have relied on neck wallets, often referred to as a security neck pouch or neck safe for years. They are one of the most common and secure types of money pouches and are highly recommended by experienced travelers. Quality neck pouches are made with soft moisture-wicking fabric for comfort.

However, neck wallets do have some drawbacks. A neck pouch hangs under your clothes, and the biggest complaint is that depending on the type of shirt or blouse worn, it may take a while to get to it when needed.

Best money belt Underclothing security neck wallet pouch

Underclothing security neck pouch.

You do not want people to see that you are wearing a money pouch around your neck whenever possible. Neck pouches are designed to be flat and not bulky, even though a tight-fitting top will reveal that you’re wearing a neck pouch, so look for one with a long strap so that you can lengthen it and wear it lower towards the stomach. Lowering it also makes it easier to access because you just need to lift up the bottom of your shirt. The bottom line is even if noticeable, a neck wallet is a great security wallet because no pickpocket or thief can reach through your shirt and get at the contents.

Considerations for a Neck Wallet or Body Pouch

When worn for long periods of time, you may be aware of it more than other money belts.
When considering the purchase of a neck pouch, think about one in a tan or beige color. A black one may be easily seen if you are wearing light-colored clothing and thereby calling attention to it.
Always purchase a quality neck pouch that has some type of inner liner. The inner liner works as a moisture barrier to protect contents.
Consider how you will retrieve items from the neck pouch. If you are wearing it when you go to dinner at a nice restaurant, will you have to excuse yourself to the restroom in order to unbutton your shirt to retrieve your money or credit cards? This may not be a problem if you are a student and backpacking your way across Europe, but for others, you may want to consider another style or plan ahead and tuck what you need in a secure pocket.
A thief may recognize the pouch strap around your neck (they are not that hard to recognize) and a non-reinforced strap can be easily cut from behind by a skilled pickpocket and then pulled off your body. Therefore, the best type of neck pouch to wear is one that has a wire woven throughout the length of the strap. That way your property is better protected from snatch and run thieves. This is one of our favorite styles of neck wallet or neck pouch to recommend.

Leg Pouch Money Belt

This device straps around your calf, or like the photo here slides on like a sock to stay secure. Leg safes have pockets in the sock sleeve where you place your money and passport, so it’s a money belt too. Leg safes or leg wallets are adjustable to fit most leg sizes and, of course, need to be worn only when you’re wearing long pants. These are ideal “second wallets” when you want to split up where you carry your valuables.

Best money belts Leg Safe, won't fall off, fits most leg sizes.

Slides on like a sock, won’t fall off, fits most leg sizes.

Classic Money Belt

Always popular when looking for a dressy option, this is a real hold-up-your-pants leather money belt with a zippered compartment on the inside that stores a dozen currency notes. It’s a proven favorite for the holidays! Classic money belts only conceal cash. They do not conceal passports or credit cards.

Best Leather Money Belt

On the inside of the belt is a slim zippered compartment that remains hidden from view. The hidden money belt was made to keep your cash hidden and safe from sly pickpockets. Designed to look like a regular belt, these types of money belts come in a more finished look. They can be worn with a dress or casual pants, as well as shorts, and not look out of place.

Airport-Friendly TSA Money Belts Won’t Set Off Metal Detectors

Designed to help save time and hassle from going through security checkpoints and metal detectors at airport screening stations. TSA beep free belts are made of nylon webbing, non-metal buckles, and non-metal zippers. The buckle (the part that sets off most metal detectors) is made out of a rigid, and security-friendly composite material that will not set off the screening station alarm. Hidden in the back of the belt is a zipper compartment to hide bills. It is completely made of nylon and high-impact plastic, including the zipper track and pull so it is completely TSA friendly. With no metal in the belt, you won’t have to worry about having your belt buckle set off TSA airport metal detectors. Learn more about TSA Screening Money belts.

Waterproof Fanny Packs, Neck Pouches, and Body Pouches

When going to the beach, parasailing, or simply swimming in a hotel pool, where do you store your valuables? Now you can play, lounge, or snorkel and not worry about who’s watching your valuables! Take them swimming with you for peace of mind. See the latest designs of water-proof gear that protects your valuables, including your phone and take them with you into the water.

Advice and tips for keeping valuables secure in a money belt

Keep your money belt completely out of sight. The most secure way to wear it is over your underwear but beneath your pants.
Conceal the belt even more with a longer untucked shirt, or better yet, wear your shirt tucked in.
If you’re wearing a neck pouch style money belt, wear it bandolier style with it tucked under one arm and over the shoulder of the opposite arm.
Minimize what you carry for the day, leaving the balance of valuables in your hotel room safe. Carry the cash, credit card, and ID you need just for that day.

Before you leave on your trip, spend some time understanding how pickpockets operate so you can “see them coming” before they get your wallet, camera, or phone. Get a quick tutorial by watching videos of “pickpockets in action.” Before You Go – Watch Real Pickpocket Videos and Read Up on Pickpocket Scams

Additional Advice You May Like

Should you choose the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program? If you dread going through the TSA checkpoint then joining a trusted traveler program may be your solution.

What are the Trusted Traveler Programs?

Decide which trusted traveler program is best to get you through the security line faster. Is it the TSA PreCheck or the Global Entry program operated by the Department of Homeland Services (DHS)? Both are designed to get pre-approved travelers faster and more efficiently through airport security. Each program has a different travel security focus depending on where you tend to travel to the most. TSA PreCheck is ideal for domestic travel and Global Entry is ideal for international and domestic travel.

How long does membership in any of the Trusted Traveler Programs last?

The two most commonly joined trusted traveler programs are TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which are good for five (5) years. Assuming you fly two round-trip flights per year, that equals 20 times you’ll stand in line, 20 times you’ll remove your shoes, jacket, and certain carry-on bag contents, and 20 times you’ll queue in long security lines. Is your time and the inconvenience factor worth it?

Do the Trusted Traveler Programs have fees associated with them?

All of the programs managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have fees. We think the fees associated with the programs are reasonable. They really offer value if you travel even a moderate amount or are impatient with standing in long lines that result in partial disrobing and emptying your carry-on luggage. The one-time fee covers five years of hassle-reduced flying. The chart below shows the program costs, with a cost of as little as $50 for five years.

Overall the best program is Global Entry

Global Entry is the most trusted traveler program if you have a passport. It includes all the advantages of the TSA PreCheck plan, plus it allows you access to an express line through customs and immigration on your way back home from international airports and destinations. Global Entry costs just $15 more than TSA PreCheck for five years, that’s $3 more per year.

See if you qualify for any of these time-saving programs to make your trip through airport security easier and stress-free.

Trusted Traveler Programs Explained

TSA PreCheck applies only to air travel within the U.S. It is the most popular of the expedited airport security screening programs. Run by the TSA, it gives you access to shorter security lines. The screening process is also more pleasant, as you do not need to remove your shoes or laptop, among other items. You can use this program everywhere the TSA operates PreCheck lanes. You need to be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

According to the TSA, the national average wait time for Precheck lines is 10 minutes compared to 30 minutes for standard lanes.

TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 US airports and the cost is $85 for a five-year membership.

TSA PreCheck Benefits Include Not Having to Practically Unpack or Disrobe to Get Through Security, So You Go Through Easier and Faster

Global Entry – is best for frequent international travelers even if it’s just once a year or once every two years that you travel internationally. Here’s why, it includes TSA Precheck and since it only costs $15 more for the five-year membership, or $3.00 per year more, it may be the better investment between TSA Precheck and Global Entry. You must have a passport to apply for this program.

This program is run by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is the benefit of the program. You get to skip the long customs line which can have wait times of up to 45 minutes to get through, instead, you use a self-serve kiosk. The kiosk scans your passport, takes your photo, and asks a few questions. The result is a printout you hand out to an official so you can go on to collect your luggage.

Nexus – is limited to those whose international travel is mainly between the U.S. and Canada and includes TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. You can only use this trusted traveler program for travel between the US and Canada.

Sentri – is a program for travelers who regularly cross the U.S. and Mexico border by vehicle. The participant gets an RFID chipped card that brings up all your personal information quickly on the border patrol’s computer.

An interesting side note is that sometimes your boarding pass will be flagged with TSA PreCheck even if you’re not enrolled in the program and will allow you to go through the PreCheck line and not have to remove your shoes or jacket. The TSA randomly selects passengers for expedited screening based on the information they can read from the frequent flyer profile you established with the airline you’re traveling on. Bonus tip: So the tip here is always sign-up for the frequent flyer program of the airline you’re traveling with as it might get you through the TSA screening process quicker on your next trip.

For more information, visit the website of the Department of Homeland Security (or click HERE).

How do I apply for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

Applying for TSA PreCheck
1. Fill out an online application form (about 5 minutes)
2. Schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. There are over 380 centers where you can go for your interview.
3. Go to the in-person interview and get fingerprinted.

Once approved you’ll get a Known Traveler Number (KTN). When you book a flight you must add your KTN to your reservation to get the Precheck symbol on your boarding pass. It’s this symbol on your boarding pass that lets you use the Pre Check lane at the airport.

Applying for Global Entry

1. Fill out an application online, the first step in this process is setting up your Trusted Traveler Program account.
2. Set up an in-person appointment for a background check and fingerprinting. You’ll have to bring a valid passport,\ and another form of ID like a driver’s license. If you’re a lawful permanent resident you’ll have to bring your permanent resident card.

One final thought on these programs. Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are administered by government agencies. The agencies are well respected but you are providing them your personal data including fingerprints and a photo of your face. You have to weigh the trade-off of convenience at airports versus a bit of anonymity.