TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR+ 2026: Do You Need Both?

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TSA PreCheck makes ID verification wait times in airport security lanes more tolerable and simplifies the body and baggage screening process, while CLEAR+ streamlines ID verification at TSA lanes. Enrolling in both offers the fastest airport security screening experience for travelers who frequently fly through major airports.

Getting through security at an airport is rarely an enjoyable experience — especially when you're in the general line. But with expedited security programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+, you could move through the long lines at security faster and get on your way to your flight.

But how do these programs work, and what do they cost? Below, we dissect each of these programs so you can make the best decision for your travel needs.

TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR+

It's worth noting that TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+ aren't competitors — they often work best together. They both offer options to shorten wait times, but in their own ways; CLEAR+ simplifies the documentation check, while TSA PreCheck cuts down the physical security screening.

But whether you should use one, the other, or both together depends on your typical travel habits.

How TSA PreCheck works

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) run and administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It's available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or legal permanent residents. A five-year membership costs $76.75 to $85, but many of the best travel credit cards offer a TSA PreCheck credit as a benefit.

With TSA PreCheck, you receive access to expedited security screening lanes where you can keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave approved electronics in your carry-on bags. According to TSA, approximately 99% of passengers get through security screenings in under 10 minutes with TSA PreCheck.

Here's how to apply for membership:

• Visit the TSA website to fill out an application. This takes about five minutes.
• Go to an enrollment center in person. You'll complete a full background check and fingerprinting, which takes about 10 minutes.
• Wait for your application decision. You'll be notified by mail and email.

How CLEAR+ works

CLEAR, a privately owned company, offers the CLEAR+ program at $209 per year. CLEAR+ uses your biometrics, like your eyes and fingerprints, to identify who you are instead of traditional forms of ID. This can help speed up identity verification at select airports, event venues, and on rideshare apps.

Any U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident who's 18 or older and has a valid government-issued photo ID can join CLEAR+.

Applying for membership on the CLEAR website (try a 2-month free trial) takes roughly five minutes. You'll then go to any CLEAR location, in person, to answer a few questions and record your biometrics.

After you're enrolled, here's what to do at the airport:

• Go directly to the CLEAR+ lane located at the airport security checkpoint.
• Scan your boarding pass.
• Walk up to a CLEAR+ Pod or eGate to scan your biometrics.
• Proceed through the typical baggage screening process.

5 Key differences between TSA PreCheck and CLEAR

Should you choose TSA PreCheck, CLEAR+, or both?

So which program should you choose — or are both your best bet? The answer comes down to your preference as a domestic flyer.

Choose CLEAR+ if you hate long lines, but don't mind screening protocol

CLEAR+ is available in fewer places, but it's commonly accessible in many of the busiest U.S. airports. If your home airport supports CLEAR+ and the thought of standing in security lanes at peak times makes you antsy, this program might be for you.

But if you rarely visit locations where CLEAR+ is an option, or your biggest gripe is unlacing your shoes during security screening, you won't get your money's worth with just a CLEAR+ membership.

Choose TSA PreCheck if you value simpler screening rules and low fees

TSA PreCheck makes the physical screening process at airport security less tedious. Fewer items to remove from your pockets and bags means a smoother transition to your gate.

Its lower membership costs also make it more accessible, even for travelers who don't get credit through a travel rewards credit card benefit. Plus, it's available at many more U.S. airports than CLEAR+.

Choose CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck if every second counts

If you're a frequent traveler who wants the fastest overall airport security experience — both ID verification and screening — you may want coverage from both programs. CLEAR+ offers quick biometric identification, and then passes the baton to TSA PreCheck for a smoother screening experience.

The result: getting you airside with less grief.

The caveat is that getting both is costly without credit card benefits covering the membership fees. However, as of this writing, CLEAR+ offers a $209 bundle that includes TSA PreCheck for free.

How to get TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+ for free

The easiest way to get TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+ for free is typically through a credit card that offers one (or both) of these benefits.

For example, these are just a few cards that offer statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees:

• American Express^® Green Card
• American Express Platinum Card^®
• The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
• Chase Sapphire Reserve^®
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

For more credit cards with this benefit, check out our list of free TSA PreCheck cards.

Fewer cards offer CLEAR+ benefits, but some do. The Amex Green, Amex Platinum, and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer a CLEAR+ credit of up to $209 per year.

CLEAR+ discounts through airline loyalty programs

CLEAR+ also partnered with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines to offer discounted rates to their loyal customers.

If you are loyal to Delta, the special pricing for CLEAR+ is:

• General Delta SkyMiles members: $199/year
• Delta Silver/Gold/Platinum Medallion and eligible Delta SkyMiles Amex Card members: $169/year
• Delta Diamond Medallion members: Free
• Delta 360 members: Free

If United Airlines is your preferred airline, the discounted cost of CLEAR+ is:

• General United MileagePlus members: $199/year
• United Premier Silver/Gold/Platinum members and United U.S. credit cardholders: $169/year
• United Premier 1K members: $129/year
• United Global Services: Free

CLEAR+ also offers eligible college students, military members, and government officials a discounted membership.

FAQs

Bottom line

These programs are not competitors by any means. Many frequent travelers, including me, have memberships with both programs — which is made easy if you carry the right credit cards.

The main goal of both is avoiding long wait times. So by having access to TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+, you can give yourself "double insurance" that you'll get through security quickly.

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Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

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• Enjoy 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR)

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