Navigating airport security faster is one of the best investments a traveler can make. But with TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Global Entry all vying for your attention (and money), which one should you choose? This guide breaks down each program to help you decide.

Quick Comparison

Feature	TSA PreCheck	CLEAR	Global Entry
Cost	$78/5 years	$189/year	$100/5 years
What it does	Expedited screening	Skips document check	PreCheck + fast customs
Availability	200+ airports	50+ airports	PreCheck: 200+ / Customs: entry ports
Best for	Domestic travelers	Frequent flyers at major hubs	International travelers

TSA PreCheck: The Essential

What You Get

• Dedicated, shorter security lines
• Keep shoes, belt, and light jacket on
• Laptop and liquids stay in your bag
• No body scanner (usually walk-through metal detector)

How to Apply

1. Complete online application at tsa.gov
2. Schedule in-person appointment at enrollment center
3. Bring ID and provide fingerprints (10-minute appointment)
4. Receive Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3-5 days
5. Add KTN to airline profiles and bookings

Pros

• Cheapest option ($78/5 years = $15.60/year)
• Available at 200+ airports
• Dramatically faster screening experience
• Often reimbursed by travel credit cards

Cons

• Still have to wait in PreCheck line (can be long at busy airports)
• Not guaranteed on every flight (shows on boarding pass)
• Only helps with security, not document check

CLEAR: The Premium Option

What You Get

• Biometric identity verification (iris + fingerprint)
• Skip the document check line entirely
• Go directly to X-ray screening
• Dedicated CLEAR lanes at security

How It Works

1. Enroll at a CLEAR pod in an airport (or online + airport verification)
2. Provide biometric data (iris scan and fingerprints)
3. At the airport, use CLEAR kiosk to verify identity
4. CLEAR ambassador escorts you to front of security line
5. If you have PreCheck, you go to PreCheck X-ray; otherwise, standard X-ray

Pros

• Fastest possible security experience when combined with PreCheck
• No waiting in document check lines
• Excellent at busy airports (LAX, JFK, ORD, ATL)
• Family members can add on for $60/year each

Cons

• Expensive at $189/year
• Only available at ~50 airports
• Doesn't help with actual screening (need PreCheck for that)
• Sometimes lines form at CLEAR itself during peak times

Global Entry: Best Value for International Travelers

What You Get

• Everything TSA PreCheck offers
• Expedited US customs/immigration on return
• Use kiosks instead of waiting in long CBP lines
• Access at major US airports and land border crossings

How to Apply

1. Create a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account
2. Complete online application
3. Pay $100 fee
4. Wait for conditional approval (can take 1-3 months)
5. Schedule in-person interview at Global Entry enrollment center
6. Interview includes fingerprints and document verification
7. Receive approval (usually same day if interview goes well)

Pros

• Includes TSA PreCheck (no separate application needed)
• Only $22 more than PreCheck for 5 years
• Saves 30-60+ minutes on international returns
• Often reimbursed by travel credit cards

Cons

• Longer application process than PreCheck
• Interview required (can have long wait times)
• Only benefits US arrivals (not departures or domestic)

Our Recommendations

If You Only Travel Domestically

Get TSA PreCheck. At $78 for 5 years, it's a no-brainer for anyone who flies 2+ times per year. If you have a premium travel card, it's free.

If You Travel Internationally

Get Global Entry. For just $22 more than PreCheck, you get PreCheck benefits PLUS expedited customs. The time saved on one international trip easily justifies the extra cost.

If You're a Frequent Flyer at Major Hubs

Get Global Entry + CLEAR. The combination of CLEAR (skip document check) and PreCheck (fast screening) provides the ultimate airport security experience. CLEAR alone costs $189/year, but if you fly 10+ times annually through busy airports, the time savings are significant.

How to Get These Programs Free

Credit Cards That Reimburse Global Entry/PreCheck ($100)

• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• American Express Platinum (personal and business)
• Capital One Venture X
• Citi Prestige
• United Club Infinite
• Delta Reserve
• American Express Gold

Credit Cards That Include CLEAR

• American Express Platinum: CLEAR Plus membership included
• American Express Green: Up to $189 CLEAR credit
• United Club Infinite: CLEAR membership or credit

The Bottom Line

For most travelers, Global Entry is the best value. You get PreCheck included, plus the huge benefit of skipping customs lines when returning to the US. Apply with a card that reimburses the fee, and it's completely free.

Add CLEAR on top if you're a frequent traveler through major airports and value the extra speed—or have a card that includes it.