TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR: Which Program Is the Best?

Standing around in security lines probably isn't anybody's favorite part about going to the airport. Fortunately, there are three expedited security programs that help you go through checkpoints more quickly: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR.

Each of these programs gets you different benefits, and membership fees also vary significantly. In this guide to expedited security programs, we'll cover how they work and which one is the best choice.

Should you sign up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR?

Signing up for one or more of these programs is worth it if you want a faster and easier time at the airport. Here's when you should consider each program:

• Sign up for TSA PreCheck if you have a trip right around the corner. Most applicants get approved in just three to five days. Upon approval, you can go through expedited security screening at U.S. airports with TSA PreCheck lanes.
• Sign up for Global Entry if you have time to wait. It takes longer, up to 11 months, but it's the most comprehensive option. It gets you through immigration and customs more quickly at airports with Global Entry. It also includes a TSA PreCheck membership.
• Sign up for CLEAR if you want to avoid security lines and don't mind the cost. It's considerably more expensive than the other programs, but it gets you to the head of security lines at airports with CLEAR lanes.

For most travelers, Global Entry is the best expedited security program because of its benefits and reasonable fee. However, it also has the slowest processing times.

Comparing TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR

Here are the key details, benefits, and drawbacks of each expedited security program:

TSA PreCheck

Details:

• $78 or $85 for a five-year membership, depending on where you enroll ($15.60 or $17 per year)
• Allows low-risk passengers to access TSA PreCheck security lanes and go through an expedited security screening
• Available at over 200 U.S. airports on over 90 participating airlines
• Children can join a parent/guardian with TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck provides a faster security process at participating U.S. airports. Once you're enrolled, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Enter this number when you make air travel reservations, and your boarding pass will be marked with a TSA PreCheck icon.

Remember that being a TSA PreCheck member doesn't guarantee expedited screening every time. You must be at an airport that offers it and fly with an airline that participates in the program. The TSA can also still decide to require a regular or a more thorough screening.

At the security checkpoint, you can go through dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes instead of standard security lanes. You don't need to take off your shoes, belt, or a light jacket. You can also keep your laptop, food, and liquids that meet the liquid size requirements in your carryon.

Considering how much time it saves you at the airport, TSA PreCheck more than justifies its cost. Many of the top travel credit cards also cover a membership fee for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. If you travel exclusively within the United States, then this is the program for you. If you travel outside the country at all, then Global Entry is the better choice.

Cards that reimburse for TSA PreCheck

Here are a few of the best credit cards that cover the cost of a TSA PreCheck membership (or a Global Entry membership, if you sign up for that instead, as the cards with this benefit will cover either program):

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees): Reimburses up to $100 for a TSA PreCheck membership or Global Entry membership once every four years.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Reimburses up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck membership (or up to $100 for a Global Entry membership) once every four years.

Global Entry

Details:

• $100 for a five-year membership ($20 per year)
• Allows low-risk passengers to access expedited security kiosks when arriving in the United States and at airports abroad with Global Entry service
• Available at over 70 airports (including over 50 U.S. airports)
• Includes membership to TSA PreCheck

Global Entry speeds up the process of going through immigration and customs when you arrive in the United States. As a member, you can go to a Global Entry kiosk instead of the immigration line. You then scan your passport or U.S. permanent resident card and your fingertips, answer questions for your customs declaration, and receive a receipt.

Only members can use Global Entry kiosks. Travel companions, including children and spouses, must have their own memberships.

By presenting your receipt from the kiosk, you can pass through the Global Entry immigration counter. You can also go through a Global Entry line at customs, which is typically faster than the standard line. Just like with TSA PreCheck, membership doesn't guarantee an expedited security process every time.

The entry process to the United States is much faster with Global Entry. While waiting in the immigration line can easily last half an hour or longer, using a Global Entry kiosk doesn't even take a minute.

Considering a membership costs $20 per year, Global Entry is a great value for international travelers. To make this program even better, it also includes a TSA PreCheck membership. You get all the benefits of both programs for being a member of Global Entry. And there are quite a few credit cards to get through airport security faster with a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit.

Cards that reimburse for Global Entry

Here are a few popular cards that will cover a Global Entry membership. Once again, these cards cover the cost of either a Global Entry or a TSA PreCheck membership, depending on the program you choose:

• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card (see rates and fees): Reimburses up to $100 for a Global Entry membership (or up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck membership) once every four years.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees): Reimburses up to $100 for a Global Entry membership or a TSA PreCheck membership once every four years.

CLEAR

Details:

• $189 for a one-year membership
• Takes you directly to the front of the security line in U.S. airports with CLEAR service
• Available at over 55 U.S. airports
• Also available at select sports and entertainment venues

CLEAR has some notable differences from TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. While those are both programs run by the government, a private company operates CLEAR. Instead of getting you through the security process more quickly, CLEAR offers front-of-the-line privileges at some U.S. airports. Using biometrics, it allows you to bypass the standard document check at airport security.

When you're a member, you can go to a CLEAR kiosk and scan your face, irises, and fingerprints. A CLEAR employee will then escort you to the front of either the standard security line or the TSA PreCheck line, depending on whether you're a member of that program as well.

This program isn't limited to airports. Certain sports and entertainment venues also have CLEAR service. Although this is a good additional perk, you don't need to pay for it. Anyone can sign up for a CLEAR Sports membership free of charge.

Whether CLEAR is worth getting depends on where and how often you fly. If you fly out of an airport with CLEAR kiosks several times per year, a membership could save you a lot of time. The main drawback is the high cost. Although there are sometimes discounts available, CLEAR costs much more than TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

Cards that reimburse for CLEAR

While it's a less common perk, there are a few cards that reimburse the cost of a CLEAR membership:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates and fees): Get up to $189 per calendar year when you use your Card to pay for a membership in the CLEAR program. Terms apply.
• American Express® Green Card (see rates and fees): Get up to $189 per calendar year when you use your Card to pay for a membership in the CLEAR program. Terms apply.

Picking the right expedited security program

If you want to cruise through airport security, you have a few options, and choosing between them isn't too difficult.

Just about every air traveler can benefit from TSA PreCheck. Since Global Entry includes that program and its own benefits for only $3 more per year, it's usually the way to go. The right credit card will also pay for Global Entry, so you wouldn't even need to pay that small cost difference.

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While Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are useful for most travelers, CLEAR is more limited. You may decide it's worth getting in addition to Global Entry if you can use it enough. After all, getting front-of-the-line privileges at airports you frequent is nice. Or, you might feel that Global Entry is already enough and save yourself $189 per year.