Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is Better?
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Is TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry Better?

  • Global Entry costs $120 for 5 years of coverage and includes all of the benefits of TSA PreCheck®, along with the added perk of expedited customs and screenings when reentering the U.S.
  • TSA PreCheck costs $77.95 to $85 for 5 years of coverage and includes lighter screenings and significantly faster lines for flights departing from U.S. airports.
  • In most cases, Global Entry is the better choice if you travel internationally, as it includes all of the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus more, for only $35 to $42 extra. However, if you mostly travel within the U.S., TSA PreCheck may make more sense.
  • Many travel credit cards offer reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

If you’re like us, you have been hearing a lot about trusted traveler programs that allow fast access through airport security and customs immigration at US airports. Global Entry and TSA Precheck are the most common trusted traveler programs (TTP) for travelers departing or entering the United States, and they come with key benefits that can help you save time and stress at the airport every time you fly.

However, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are not created equally. In fact, one of these memberships includes full access to the other, so choosing wisely and signing up for the right one can land you a two-for-one deal.

Read on to discover which TPP is best for you as we weigh the differences and advantages of Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck.

Differences between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

  Global Entry TSA Precheck
Membership Cost $120 (includes TSA Precheck membership) $77.95-$85
Duration of membership 5 years 5 years
Main benefits TSA PreCheck perks + faster screenings when re-entering the States Quicker screenings when departing from a U.S. airport. No removing shoes, belts, liquids, etc.
When to use International arrivals into the United States from abroad Departures from U.S. airports
Application fee covered by some credit cards? Yes! Yes!

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Once approved, you’ll get a Known Traveler Number, which allows you to access a dedicated security line and screening agent, bypassing the hectic security lines that airports are famous for.

The program lasts for five years and lets you speed through airport security with fewer requirements— you’ll be able to keep on your shoes and belt, and can leave your liquids bag and laptop in your carry-on.

Benefits of TSA PreCheck

The main benefits of TSA Precheck include:

Where can I use TSA Precheck?

TSA PreCheck works at more than 200 airports across the United States, including popular options like LAX, Oakland, San Francisco, San Diego, Palm Springs, JFK, Laguardia, Newark, Boston Logan, Washington Dulles, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Charlotte-Douglas, Chicago O’Hare, Seattle-Tacoma, and many more.

Who can get TSA Precheck?

TSA PreCheck is available to U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents only.

The only exception to this rule is for countries with TPP agreements with the US. If you are a foreigner who has been approved for Global Entry, you may be eligible for TSA Precheck.

TSA PreCheck cost

TSA PreCheck membership costs vary depending on which enrollment provider you use. Enrolling through an Idemia center requires a $78 application fee, whereas enrolling through Telos requires an $85 application fee.

Memberships last 5 years, and renewing your membership online only costs $70 through either provider after the initial application fee.

You can also enroll through CLEAR at an airport kiosk for $77.95. Renewal costs $68.95 online this way.

TSA PreCheck application process

The online application for TSA PreCheck takes about five minutes, and applicants need to schedule an in-person interview at any of the 600+ Idemia enrollment centers or 26 Telos centers.

From there, an in-person interview takes place, and applicants must supply a fingerprint, proof of citizenship, and identity documents.

Once your application is approved and you officially become a TSA PreCheck member, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number to add to all of your future flight reservations from that point on.

Here are those steps again in greater detail:

  1. Fill out the TSA Precheck application online.
  2. Request an in-person appointment at an enrollment center near you
  3. Payment: If you are renewing, you can pay the renewal fee online. If it’s your first application, you must pay in person at the time of your appointment.
  4. Attend the in-person appointment and undergo fingerprinting & a background check
  5. Receive your approval notice & Known Traveler Number.
  6. Reapply every five years.

TSA Precheck enrollment centers

There are over 400 TSA PreCheck enrollment centers located at airports throughout the United States. Fortunately, the Transportation Security Administration offers a search tool to help you locate the nearest enrollment centers to you by using your zip code.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a trusted traveler program (TTP) through the federal government that aims to expedite entry into the U.S. after traveling abroad.

This membership also lasts for five years, and it lets you move quickly through security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after arrival in the United States.

While Global Entry membership offers several of its own perks for frequent flyers, a major benefit of Global Entry is that your application fee also covers a TSA PreCheck membership included in the price.

Benefits of Global Entry

The main benefits of Global Entry are:

Where can I use Global Entry?

You can use Global Entry at 56 airports throughout the United States and 19 international airports in other countries. International Global Entry kiosks are available at airports in Abu Dhabi, Aruba, The Bahamas Bermuda, Canada, Guam Ireland, Guam, and Singapore.

Who is eligible for Global Entry?

Global Entry membership is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals from a select list of countries with which the U.S. has international trusted traveler agreements.

These include: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Panama, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the UK.

Global Entry cost

Global Entry membership costs $120 for five years and is an excellent deal as it also includes a free TSA Precheck membership. However, applicants under 18 can get a free membership if a parent or legal guardian has or is applying for a Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI membership.

Global Entry application process

To apply for Global Entry, submit an online application and wait to be conditionally approved. Upon conditional approval, you can set up an interview appointment at eligible Global Entry locations. You may also be able to schedule your interview around existing travel plans if you plan to fly through an airport with an Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) location.

Global Entry interviews are conducted in person. They occur after the CPB has conducted a background check based on the information submitted in the application. The interviewer asks basic questions about your travel plans, job, and life. Generally speaking, Global Entry interviews take less than 15 minutes from start to finish.

Global Entry enrollment centers

Global Entry enrollment centers are available in most states, typically at larger airports. You can click here to find the enrollment center closest to you.

Which credit cards reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fees?

Several of the best travel credit cards offer reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee. Reimbursement credits are available every 4 to 5 years.

Top cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry

Advertiser Disclosure
Best for Oodles of Statement Credits

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express
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4.6
Annual Fee 
$695
Welcome Offer 
80,000 points
Regular APR 
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit 
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
EARNING REWARDS
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1X points on other eligible purchases.
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Best for a Low Annual Fee

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
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4.5
Annual Fee 
$95
Welcome Offer 
75,000 miles
Regular APR 
19.99% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit 
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
EARNING REWARDS
Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotel stays, vacation rentals or rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases.
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How to get credit card reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

If your card offers the benefit of covering the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, it’s as easy as paying for the application with the card. Then you’ll typically receive your reimbursement within two months of your initial application.

Just because you can get reimbursed for the application fee does not mean you’re guaranteed enrollment in the program. You’ll still need to go through the required interview process and wait to see if they accept you into the program.

Is Global Entry or TSA PreCheck better?

Since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck for an additional $42 every five years, it’s the better deal overall.

This is true even if you only travel internationally every few years, mostly because having both memberships makes the security and U.S. customs (CBP) process easier on both ends of your trip.

For example, PreCheck helps expedite the TSA check-in process for your flight, and the Global Entry program can save you an hour of waiting time or more when you arrive home.

Especially if you get a credit card that covers the application fee for either, you might as well go for Global Entry.

Should you get TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or both?

If you never travel internationally and don’t plan to in the future, TSA PreCheck may be sufficient for your needs. After all, you’ll have a faster and less stressful experience in the security line, and your membership will last five years.

If you travel overseas, Global Entry is almost certainly a better deal since it also includes TSA PreCheck. After all, you’ll get both memberships for one price — $120 for five years. Applying for both memberships also requires just one application and interview, which makes doing so a no-brainer if you don’t mind being pre-screened before travel.

It doesn’t make sense to apply separately for both since Global Entry already includes both. You can’t upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry either, you’d need to reapply and pay the $120 application fee. So make sure you weigh your options and choose wisely.

• • • • •

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For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please visit this page.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please visit this page.

FAQ: Global Entry & TSA PreCheck

Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?

Yes, Global Entry includes a free TSA PreCheck membership and several other important perks for frequent flyers. This means you can enter and exit the U.S. through expedited security lines.

Do children need to sign up for Global Entry or TSA Precheck?

For Global Entry, applicants under 18 can get a free membership if a parent or guardian has a membership. TSA PreCheck allows kids under 12 to use the TSA security line for free alongside any TSA-approved parent or guardian.

Can others accompany me if I have Global Entry?

No, each person needs to have their own Global Entry account when approaching the U.S. Customs area upon arrival in the U.S.

Is it worth having Global Entry?

A Global Entry membership can be well worth it if you regularly travel within the U.S. and abroad. If you live in the US, then Global Entry offers you express entry upon your return as well as expedited access through airport security.

However, if you are an American living abroad, you would need to evaluate how useful Global Entry’s express access through U.S. immigration would be for you – based on how often you return. It’s also good to keep in mind that if your family or significant other is not a lawful American resident or citizen, they will not be able to join you in the express line unless they are from a country with a participating TPP program and also have a Global Entry membership.

Which is better —TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

Global Entry is a better deal than TSA PreCheck because it includes both memberships for the price of one. Global Entry also offers access to TSA Precheck and a “fast pass” through airport security. However, it’s good to remember that Global Entry is for entering the U.S., and TSA Precheck is for departures from US airports (domestic or international). So which is better for you depends on if you plan to fly internationally.

Do you always get TSA PreCheck with Global Entry?

Yes, a Global Entry membership always includes a free TSA Precheck membership – automatically upon approval.

Which airlines work with TSA Precheck?

Here is a list of all airlines that work with TSA Precheck:

  • Advanced Air
  • Aerolane Lineas Aereas Nacionales del Ecuador
  • AeroMexico
  • Air Canada
  • Air Choice One
  • Air Europa
  • Air France
  • Air India
  • Air Serbia
  • Alaska Airlines
  • All Nippon Airways
  • Allegiant Air
  • American Airlines
  • Aruba Airlines
  • Asiana Airlines
  • Austrian Airlines
  • Avelo Airlines
  • Avianca
  • Azul Airlines
  • Boutique Airlines
  • Breeze Airways
  • British Airways
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Cape Air
  • Cathay Pacific Airways
  • China Airlines
  • Condor Airlines
  • Contour Aviation
  • Copa Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Eastern Airlines
  • Edelweiss Air
  • EL AL Israel
  • Elite Airways
  • Emirates
  • Etihad Airways
  • Eurowings Discover
  • EVA Air
  • Finnair
  • Flair Airlines
  • Flycana
  • Frontier Airlines
  • Global Crossing Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • Icelandair
  • InterCaribbean Airways
  • ITA Airways
  • Japan Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Key Lime Air
  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  • Korean Air
  • LAN Peru S.A.
  • LATAM Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • Norwegian Air
  • Omni Air International
  • PAL Express
  • Philippine Airlines
  • Porter Airlines
  • Qantas
  • Qatar Airways
  • Scandinavian Airlines
  • Seaborne Airlines
  • Silver Airways
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Southern Airways Express
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • Sunclass
  • Sunwing Airlines
  • Swift Air
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • Swoop
  • TAM-Linhas Aereas S.A.
  • TAP Air Portugal
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Ultimate Jet Charters
  • United Airlines
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Viva Air Colombia
  • VivaAerobus
  • Volaris
  • Volaris El Salvador
  • WestJet
  • World Atlantic

Which airports have TSA Precheck?

Here is a list of all airports that offer TSA Precheck - listed alphabetically:

-A-

Aberdeen Regional Airport (ABR)

Abilene Regional Airport (ABI)

Albany International Airport (ALB)

Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ)

Altoona-Blair County Airport (AOO)

Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM)

Appleton International Airport (ATW)

Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE)

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

Augusta Regional Airport (AGS)

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

-B-

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI)

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)

Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)

Bishop International Airport (FNT)

Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS)

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Bradford Regional Airport (BFD)

Bradley International Airport (BDL)

Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD)

Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO)

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)

Burlington International Airport (BTV)

-C-

Capital Region International Airport (LAN)

Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)

Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA)

Charleston International Airport (CHS)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO)

Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)

Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU)

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP)

Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ)

-D-

Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)

Dayton International Airport (DAY)

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

Denver International Airport (DEN)

Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)

Devils Lake Regional Airport (DVL)

Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK)

DuBois Regional Airport (DUJ)

Duluth International Airport (DLH)

-E-

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)

East Texas Regional Airport (GGG)

El Paso International Airport (ELP)

Erie International Airport (ERI)

Evansville Regional Airport (EVV)

-F-

Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)

Falls International Airport (INL)

Florence Regional Airport (FLO)

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM)

Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA)

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)

-G-

Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV)

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA)

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)

Glacier Park International Airport (GPI)

Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR)

Grand Forks International Airport (GFK)

Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)

Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB)

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT)

Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC)

-H-

Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport (PIB)

Hector International Airport (FAR)

Hilo International Airport (ITO)

Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

Huntsville International Airport (HSV)

-I-

Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

-J-

Jack Brooks Regional Airport (BPT)

Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

Jamestown Regional Airport (JMS)

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

Jonesboro Municipal Airport (JBR)

-K-

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO)

Kansas City International Airport (MCI)

Key West International Airport (EYW)

Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport (GRK)

Kona International Airport (KOA)

-L-

La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE)

Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT)

Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport (LAW)

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Louisville International Airport (SDF)

Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)

Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH)

-M-

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT)

MBS International Airport (MBS)

McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE)

Mckellar-Sipes Regional Airport (MKL)

Memphis International Airport (MEM)

Meridian Regional Airport (MEI)

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (PKB)

Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF)

Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

Minot International Airport (MOT)

Missoula International Airport (MSO)

Mobile Regional Airport (MOB)

Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM)

Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)

Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW)

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

-N-

Nashville International Airport (BNA)

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newport News Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)

Norfolk International Airport (ORF)

North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB)

Northeast Florida Regional Airport (SGJ)

Northern Colorado Regional Airport (FNL)

Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL)

Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA)

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)

-O-

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB)

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

-P-

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

Pensacola International Airport (PNS)

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

Portland International Airport (PDX)

Portland International Jetport (PWM)

Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB)

-Q-

Quad City International Airport (MLI)

-R-

Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW)

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)

Redding Municipal Airport (RDD)

Redmond Municipal Airport-Roberts Field (RDM)

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

Richmond International Airport (RIC)

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA)

Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)

Rochester International Airport (RST)

Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR)

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

-S-

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Saint George Regional Airport (SGU)

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

San Angelo Regional Airport (SJT)

San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Luis Valley Regional Airport (ALS)

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)

Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF)

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD)

Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV)

Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD)

Sloulin Field International Airport (ISN)

South Bend International Airport (SBN)

Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (BRL)

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Spokane International Airport (GEG)

Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF)

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)

Stewart International Airport (SWF)

Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)

-T-

Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK)

Thief River Falls Regional Airport (TVF)

Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI)

Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Tulsa International Airport (TUL)

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR)

-V-

Valley International Airport (HRL)

Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB)

-W-

Waco Regional Airport (ACT)

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)

Wichita Fall Municipal Airport (SPS)

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP)

Williamsport Regional Airport (IPT)

Williston Basin International Airport (XWA)

Wilmington International Airport (ILM)

-Y-

Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN)

About the Author

Holly D. Johnson
Holly D. Johnson Personal Finance

Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.

The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.

Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.

* Opinions expressed here are those of LA Times Compare and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.

All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publication. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.

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