TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR: Which Is Best?

Key Takeaways

• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR speed up different airport steps. PreCheck improves security screening, Global Entry expedites U.S. arrival processing, and CLEAR speeds up identity verification.
• TSA PreCheck is usually best for domestic travelers, while Global Entry offers better value for international travelers because it includes TSA PreCheck.
• CLEAR is best used as an add-on, not a replacement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• Membership costs and terms vary. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry last five years, while CLEAR renews annually.
• Availability and actual time savings depend on the airport. None of the programs guarantees a shorter wait.
• Travelers should apply early, check airport coverage, and use the correct KTN or PASS ID to avoid preventable delays.

What's the Difference Between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR?

The table below compares the key differences between programs:

The choice affects a large number of travelers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. airlines record close to 1 billion passenger boardings annually. Roughly 800 million to 850 million are on domestic flights, compared with about 110 million to 130 million on international flights.

In a typical month, U.S. airlines carry approximately 70 million to 75 million domestic passengers and 10 million to 12 million international passengers. This difference helps explain why TSA PreCheck is often more relevant to domestic travelers, while Global Entry provides additional value for people who regularly return to the U.S. from abroad.

Note: TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are government-run Trusted Traveler Programs administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, while CLEAR is a privately operated membership program that can be used on its own or alongside either government program.

How Does Each Program Work?

To benefit from these programs, you’ll first need to apply and be approved. During the enrollment process, you’ll provide identifying information and, depending on the program, may need to submit fingerprints or biometrics and attend an in-person appointment to verify your identity.

Once you’re approved, you’ll be able to move through eligible airport checkpoints more efficiently and benefit from perks of each program. For example, during peak travel periods, regular security lines can take 30 minutes or more at busy airports, while most TSA PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less; and in one TSA-reported data set, 92% were processed in under 5 minutes.

TSA PreCheck: A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is provided to all TSA PreCheck members. Add your KTN to your airline reservation or airline profile so the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass. That indicator determines whether you’re eligible to use the TSA PreCheck lane. You’ll also usually be able to leave your belt and light jacket on, and keep your laptop and compliant liquids inside your carry-on.

Global Entry: After approval, you’ll receive a PASS ID, which serves as your KTN for TSA PreCheck. Add your PASS ID to your airline reservation or airline profile so the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass. In addition to TSA PreCheck benefits, you can also use Global Entry kiosks or eGates to expedite immigration and customs processing when entering the United States.

CLEAR: CLEAR doesn’t use a KTN or PASS ID. Instead, your membership is linked to your biometric information. At participating airports, you’ll enter the CLEAR lane, where you’ll verify your identity using your face or fingerprints. A CLEAR ambassador will then escort you to the front of the TSA ID-check line. If you also have TSA PreCheck, you’ll continue through the TSA PreCheck lane and receive all the benefits of that program.

Elina’s Frequent Traveler Take: How to Choose the Right Program

I have Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck, and a CLEAR membership. Because I travel often, I find the most value from Global Entry.

After a long international flight, the last thing I want is to wait in a long customs line at the airport. Using the dedicated Global Entry kiosks makes returning to the U.S. much smoother.

I also find TSA PreCheck immensely valuable. Not having to remove my laptop and liquids from my carry-on makes getting through security much less of a hassle, and in my experience, the TSA PreCheck line has usually been shorter than the standard security line. Since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, I get the benefits of both programs with a single membership.

I also have CLEAR because the annual membership fee is reimbursed through my American Express Platinum Card. I’ve only used it a handful of times, and on most of those trips the regular TSA line was already short or the CLEAR lane didn’t save much time.

However, on one particularly busy travel day, the CLEAR lane was noticeably shorter than the TSA PreCheck line, saving me a significant amount of time. Although that experience showed me the value of CLEAR, I haven’t used it enough to justify paying the annual fee out of pocket. If my credit card didn’t reimburse the membership, I’m not sure I’d keep it.

From my experience, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best program depends on how often you fly, whether you travel internationally and whether your home airport has CLEAR.

Should You Choose TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

If you only travel within the U.S., TSA PreCheck is usually the simplest choice. It provides expedited security screening and costs slightly less than Global Entry.

However, if you think you’ll travel internationally at any point during the next five years, Global Entry is generally the better value. It includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck while also helping you clear U.S. customs faster after returning from international trips.

The decision becomes even easier if your credit card covers the application fee. Many premium travel credit cards offer a statement credit for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, making Global Entry the better choice because it includes TSA PreCheck. The main tradeoff is that Global Entry has a more involved application process and generally has fewer convenient enrollment locations than TSA PreCheck.

Is CLEAR Worth It If You Already Have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

CLEAR is best viewed as an add-on to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, not a replacement.

Whether it’s worth the annual fee depends on:

If either the standard security line or the TSA PreCheck lane is frequently backed up, CLEAR gives you the flexibility to choose whichever option gets you through the airport fastest.

Unlike TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, CLEAR requires an annual membership, making it more expensive over time. Several premium travel credit cards reimburse the cost of CLEAR, while some credit cards and airline loyalty programs offer discounted memberships. If you’ll be paying out of pocket, consider whether you’ll use the program often enough to justify the annual fee before enrolling.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid Before Applying?

Before enrolling in an airport security program, avoid these common mistakes:

Choosing the right program is only part of the process. Apply early, confirm your airport coverage, and double-check your traveler information so you can get the full value from your membership.