Travel Guide
TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR vs. Global Entry — Which Is Worth It?
Compare TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Global Entry: costs, benefits, enrollment process, wait times, and which trusted traveler program is right for you.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | CLEAR Plus | Global Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $78 / 5 years | $189 / year | $100 / 5 years |
| Per year | ~$15.60 | $189 | $20 |
| What it does | Expedited physical screening (keep shoes/belt on) | Biometric ID verification (skip the ID check line) | Expedited U.S. customs + includes PreCheck |
| Where it works | 200+ U.S. airports | 50+ U.S. airports | All U.S. international airports |
| Time saved | 10-30 min per trip | 5-15 min per trip | 15-45 min at customs + PreCheck benefits |
| Best for | All domestic travelers (3+ flights/year) | Frequent flyers at CLEAR airports | International travelers |
💡 Our recommendation
If you fly domestically 3+ times per year: Get TSA PreCheck — it's $15.60/year and saves real time at security.
If you travel internationally: Get Global Entry — it includes TSA PreCheck AND speeds up customs re-entry to the U.S. Just $4.40 more per year than PreCheck alone.
If you fly frequently from a CLEAR airport: Consider adding CLEAR to PreCheck/Global Entry for the fastest possible experience. But at $189/year, it only makes sense for very frequent flyers.
TSA PreCheck: How It Works
TSA PreCheck gives you access to expedited security screening lanes at 200+ U.S. airports. In the PreCheck lane, you:
- Keep your shoes on
- Keep your belt and light jacket on
- Leave your laptop in your bag
- Leave your 3-1-1 liquids bag in your carry-on
- Walk through a standard metal detector (not the full-body scanner)
How to Enroll in TSA PreCheck
- Apply online at tsa.gov/precheck ↗. Fill out the application with your personal information. Takes about 5 minutes.
- Schedule an in-person appointment. Visit an enrollment center for fingerprinting and document verification. Bring your passport or driver's license + birth certificate. The appointment takes about 10 minutes.
- Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Usually within 3–5 days. Sometimes approved at the appointment.
- Add your KTN to airline profiles. Enter it in your frequent flyer accounts and when booking flights. "TSA PRE✓" will appear on your boarding pass.
Global Entry: PreCheck + Customs
Global Entry includes all TSA PreCheck benefits PLUS expedited U.S. customs and immigration clearance when returning from international trips. Instead of waiting in long customs lines, you use automated kiosks that process you in minutes.
How to Enroll
The process is similar to PreCheck but requires a more thorough background check and an interview with a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. Apply at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov ↗. The interview can be done at Enrollment on Arrival at many international airports when returning to the U.S.
CLEAR Plus: Biometric ID Verification
CLEAR is a private service (not government-run) that uses biometrics (fingerprint or iris scan) to verify your identity, letting you skip the ID-check portion of the security line. You still go through physical screening (standard or PreCheck if enrolled).
CLEAR + PreCheck is the fastest combination: CLEAR skips the document check line, then PreCheck gives you expedited physical screening. But at $189/year for CLEAR alone, it's mainly worth it for very frequent travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TSA PreCheck worth it?
Yes, for most travelers who fly 3+ times per year. At ~$15.60/year, even saving 15 minutes per flight makes it valuable. Many premium credit cards reimburse the application fee as a cardholder benefit.
How long does PreCheck approval take?
Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number within 3-5 business days of their in-person appointment. Some are approved on the spot. Processing can take longer during peak enrollment periods.
Can children use TSA PreCheck?
Children 12 and under can use the PreCheck lane when traveling with an enrolled parent/guardian. Children 13-17 must have their own PreCheck enrollment.
Does my credit card cover PreCheck or Global Entry?
Many premium travel credit cards reimburse the PreCheck ($78) or Global Entry ($100) application fee. Check your card benefits — popular cards from Chase, Amex, Capital One, and Citi often include this perk.