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

Both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+ offer ways to shorten airport wait times, but they work differently. Here's how to decide which is worth it for you and whether Global Entry belongs in the mix.

Getting through security at a major airport can eat up a serious chunk of your travel day. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+ both shorten that time, but at different points in the process. CLEAR+ handles the identity verification step. TSA PreCheck handles the physical screening. They're not interchangeable, and for many frequent flyers, having both makes the most sense.

TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR+: Quick comparison

How TSA PreCheck works

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program run by the Transportation Security Administration. It's available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and legal permanent residents. A five-year membership costs $76.75 to $85, depending on which enrollment provider you use.

With TSA PreCheck, you get access to dedicated security lanes where you can leave on your shoes, belt, and light jacket and keep approved electronics in your carry-on. TSA says about 99% of PreCheck passengers get through in under 10 minutes.

How to apply:

• Start online at the TSA website. Takes about five minutes. You can choose to enroll through CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos.
• Complete an in-person appointment at an enrollment center for a background check and fingerprinting, which takes about 10 minutes.
• Wait for approval by mail and email.

How CLEAR+ works

CLEAR is a privately owned company. CLEAR+, its paid membership, costs $209 per year and uses biometrics like your face, eyes, and fingerprints to verify your identity instead of a physical ID check. It speeds up identity verification at select airports and stadiums.

Any U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident 18 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID can enroll. You can start online; finishing takes a few minutes in person at any CLEAR location. No appointment needed.

At the airport:

• Go to the CLEAR+ lane at the security checkpoint
• Scan your boarding pass
• Verify your identity at a CLEAR Pod or eGate using biometrics
• Proceed to bag screening

If you have TSA PreCheck, you'll be directed to that lane. If not, you'll go to the general screening line.

How Global Entry works

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that gives you expedited customs clearance when arriving in the U.S. from an international trip. It also includes TSA PreCheck, so one membership covers both.

Cost: $120 for five years. Children under 18 apply for free when a parent is enrolled or applying at the same time.

The application process is more involved than TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+. You'll submit an application online, pass a background check, and complete an in-person interview at an enrollment center. Processing typically takes a few weeks, though some applications take longer. Many travelers complete their final interview via "Enrollment on Arrival" at the airport after returning from an international flight.

Who should choose Global Entry over TSA PreCheck? If you travel internationally at least a few times a year, Global Entry is the better value. The $120 fee covers both programs for five years, compared to $76.75–$85 for PreCheck alone. The extra $40–$45 buys you out of the customs line on every international return. Many of the same travel credit cards that reimburse TSA PreCheck also cover the Global Entry fee, so the price difference often disappears.

Key differences at a glance

Which program should you choose?

Choose TSA PreCheck if you mostly fly domestically and want low costs

TSA PreCheck is the baseline. At $76.75–$85 for five years, it's available at 200+ airports and makes the physical screening process significantly faster. If your main frustration is taking off shoes and unpacking bags, this solves it.

Choose CLEAR+ if you fly through busy airports and hate the ID line

CLEAR+ is the most expensive option at $209 per year, and it's available at fewer locations than PreCheck. But at high-traffic airports during peak hours, the ID check line is often the longest part of security, and CLEAR+ skips it entirely. If your home airport is on CLEAR's location list and you fly frequently, it can be worth the cost. If you only fly occasionally or through smaller airports, you'll have trouble getting your money's worth.

Choose Global Entry if you travel internationally

Global Entry costs $120 for five years, includes TSA PreCheck, and gets you through customs significantly faster after international flights. For international travelers, it's the most efficient spend: one fee covers both programs.

Choose CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry) if every minute counts

Stacking CLEAR+ with PreCheck or Global Entry gives you the fastest path through the airport. CLEAR+ handles ID verification, while PreCheck or Global Entry handles physical screening. One deal worth noting: CLEAR currently offers a bundle that includes TSA PreCheck enrollment with a CLEAR+ membership. When you complete both enrollments, CLEAR rebates the PreCheck application fee, effectively bringing the combined cost down to $209.

How to get TSA PreCheck, CLEAR+, or Global Entry for free

The easiest path is a travel credit card that covers the application fee.

Cards that offer TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application credits:

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

For a longer list, see our free TSA PreCheck credit cards roundup.

Cards with CLEAR+ credits (up to $209 per year):

• American Express^® Green Card
• American Express Platinum Card^®
• The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

CLEAR+ discounts through airline loyalty programs

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

Delta SkyMiles

United MileagePlus

FAQs

Bottom line

These three programs address different problems. TSA PreCheck handles the physical screening. CLEAR+ handles the identity check. Global Entry handles customs on international arrivals and bundles TSA PreCheck in for nearly the same price.

For most domestic-only travelers, TSA PreCheck is the right starting point. CLEAR+ is worth adding if you fly often through big airports and want to eliminate the ID line. Global Entry is the right call for international travelers since it includes PreCheck and the cost difference at renewal is minimal.

The best combination for frequent travelers who fly both domestic and international: Global Entry plus CLEAR+. One credit card with the right benefits can cover both.

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card

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Intro Offer

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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Why we like it

• 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)

• 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

• No annual fee, plus earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases

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