International travelers must pass through immigration and customs upon reentry to the United States. Almost always, this is conducted after landing, but several airports also offer pre-clearance, where you complete these formalities before the flight. This includes airports in Aruba, Canada, Ireland and the Bahamas, among other countries.

No matter where you clear immigration, travelers have several options (depending on where they are). For example, Global Entry is a federal Trusted Traveler program available to pre-approved members that complete a screening process. Another option is Mobile Passport, which allows people to use a mobile app to answer immigration questions after landing before they reach the immigration checkpoint.

Both can be expeditious, often depending on the airport and lines. But you'll find some key differences when comparing Mobile Passport versus Global Entry. This guide will explain what they are, which one may suit you best and why it may make sense to have both for some people.

Get a reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry with our favorite cards

Check out our nerdy picks for the best cards for travelers that want TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

BROWSE CARDS

The difference between Mobile Passport and Global Entry

Global Entry and Mobile Passport are two entirely different programs, although they can make it faster to go through immigration formalities. Here is how they differ:

Mobile Passport is free to use. Once the Mobile Passport Control app is on your mobile device, users complete customs declaration documents after arriving at the entry point. The MPC app stores the information in a QR code that passengers scan upon arrival. So instead of vetting passengers like Global Entry, it is simply expediting the document formalities. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency runs Mobile Passport.

Global Entry, also run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, requires an extensive background check and an interview appointment before being approved. Not everyone is eligible for this program. It is designed for low-risk travelers and carries a $100 application fee for a five-year membership period.

Here are some key features and differences between Global Entry and Mobile Passport.

How Global Entry works

When you apply for Global Entry, you'll have to pass a federal background check that verifies you as a low-risk traveler. This is only after completing a lengthy application form covering personal details and background information. Then, you must visit an enrollment center for fingerprinting, an ID check, and an interview. If approved, the government will issue you a PASSID (the same as a "Known Traveler Number" or KTN), which you'll need to include when making airline reservations.

Your KTN can be added to your frequent flyer account(s), which automatically includes it in future reservations with that airline. You can also add your KTN to individual airline tickets. At the moment, 75 airports are offering Global Entry kiosks.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck access for domestic travel, which can make the airport experience in the U.S. much more effortless. For instance, TSA PreCheck status means you can leave your belt and shoes on at domestic security checkpoints while leaving a laptop and liquids in your carry-on.