Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck vs CLEAR (2026 Comparison)

I’ve held all three — Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR — for the past three years. Here’s the honest comparison, in plain English.

The TL;DR

If you fly internationally even once a year: Global Entry first ($120 for 5 years). It includes TSA PreCheck, so you get both.

If you only fly domestic: TSA PreCheck alone ($78 for 5 years).

Add CLEAR Plus ($199/year) only if you fly through a major US airport that has CLEAR lanes AND your security lines are routinely 20+ minutes.

What each one actually does

TSA PreCheck — $78 for 5 years

Where: Domestic US airports + many international flights departing US
What you get: Skip the regular security line. Keep shoes/belt/light jacket on. Keep laptop in bag.
Real time saved: 10-20 minutes per flight (average TSA Pre line is 5 minutes vs 20+ for general).
Approval time: 3-5 weeks for first-time applicants.

Global Entry — $120 for 5 years

Where: Re-entering the US via customs at international airports
What you get: Skip the customs/immigration line. Use kiosks. Includes TSA PreCheck automatically.
Real time saved: 30-60 minutes at busy international arrivals (think JFK, LAX, Miami at peak times).
Approval time: 3-6 months including in-person interview.

CLEAR Plus — $199/year

Where: 50+ US airports with CLEAR lanes (mostly major hubs)
What you get: Biometric identity verification — skip the line to show your ID, walk directly to the security scanner. Combines with PreCheck for fastest possible experience.
Real time saved: 5-15 minutes per flight, mostly at peak times.
Approval time: 5 minutes at the kiosk in the airport.

The math of which to get

You fly 2+ international trips/year → Global Entry

$120 for 5 years = $24/year. Pays for itself on a single missed connection saved. Includes PreCheck.

You fly only domestic, 4+ flights/year → TSA PreCheck

$78 for 5 years = $15.60/year. Pays for itself in saved time on first flight.

You fly 20+ flights/year through major hubs → Add CLEAR

$199/year on top of PreCheck. Worth it if you fly 20+ flights/year AND your home airport has CLEAR (JFK, LAX, Atlanta, SFO, Boston, Denver, Newark, Dallas, Las Vegas, etc.).

You fly less than 4 flights/year → Skip all three

The math doesn’t work. Buy the airport lounge access through your credit card instead.

How to actually apply

Global Entry application process

1. Apply online at ttp.dhs.gov ($120 fee)
2. Pay the fee (refundable if denied)
3. Conditional approval (1-30 days) via email
4. Schedule in-person interview at an Enrollment Center (US airport, typically a few weeks wait)
5. Bring passport + driver’s license to interview (~10 min)
6. Card arrives 1-2 weeks after interview

Pro tip: Interview slots fill up at major airports. Try the “Enrollment on Arrival” option — interview happens during your next international landing at JFK, IAD, ATL, ORD, MIA, others. Saves weeks.

TSA PreCheck application

1. Apply online at tsa.gov/precheck
2. Schedule in-person fingerprinting at an enrollment center ($78 fee)
3. Approval typically within 3-5 weeks
4. Add your KTN (Known Traveler Number) to airline reservations forever

CLEAR Plus

Sign up at any CLEAR kiosk in any participating airport. 5 minutes for first-time enrollment. Or apply online at clearme.com and confirm at airport.

Credit cards that reimburse these fees

Many premium travel cards reimburse Global Entry / TSA PreCheck every 4-5 years:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: $100 statement credit every 4 years (covers Global Entry)
• Amex Platinum: $100 statement credit every 4 years
• Capital One Venture X: $100 statement credit every 4 years
• Citi Prestige (no longer issued): $100 statement credit every 4 years

For CLEAR, Amex Platinum gives a $189 annual credit (covers CLEAR Plus). Delta cards (Delta Reserve, Delta Platinum) also reimburse CLEAR for Delta-affiliated members.

The order to apply for them

1. Now: TSA PreCheck (if no international travel) OR Global Entry (if international)
2. After approval: Add CLEAR Plus only if you fly 15+ times/year through a CLEAR airport

Common mistakes

• Applying for TSA PreCheck when Global Entry would have included it. $78 vs $120 — pay $42 more, get global benefits.
• Not adding KTN to airline profile. Your TSA PreCheck/Global Entry only works if airlines have your KTN on the reservation. Add it to every frequent flyer profile.
• Letting it expire. Both expire after 5 years. Renew 6 months before expiration to avoid lapse.
• Paying for CLEAR without checking if your home airport has it. Currently 50+ airports but not universal.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck speeds up security at US airports for domestic and outgoing international flights. Global Entry speeds up customs/immigration when returning to the US from international trips – and includes TSA PreCheck. If you travel internationally, get Global Entry. If you only travel domestically, TSA PreCheck alone works.

Is CLEAR worth it?

Only for frequent flyers ($199/year). The math works if you fly 15+ times/year AND your home airport has CLEAR (most major hubs do). Amex Platinum holders get a $189 annual credit that essentially makes CLEAR free.

How long does Global Entry approval take?

3-6 months including the in-person interview. Conditional approval comes within 1-30 days, then you wait for an interview slot at an Enrollment Center. Pro tip: use ‘Enrollment on Arrival’ to interview during your next international landing at participating airports – cuts wait time significantly.

What credit cards reimburse Global Entry fees?

Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, Capital One Venture X, and several other premium cards all offer $100 statement credit every 4-5 years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees. Amex Platinum additionally offers $189/year CLEAR Plus credit.

Should I apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck first?

Global Entry if you’ll ever fly internationally. It includes TSA PreCheck automatically and only costs $42 more. The only reason to choose TSA PreCheck alone is if you’ll never leave the US.