TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR: Which Is Worth the Fee?
What Each Program Does
| Program | What You Get | Annual Cost | Free With |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | Dedicated security lane, no shoes off, no laptop out | $78 (5 years) | Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X |
| Global Entry | PreCheck + fast customs re-entry for international travel | $120 (5 years) | Same premium travel cards (includes PreCheck) |
| CLEAR | Biometric identity scan, skip to front of security line | $189/year | Delta SkyMiles Amex, some credit cards, Delta/United status |
Global Entry Is Almost Always Better Than PreCheck Alone
Global Entry costs $42 more than PreCheck over 5 years and includes all the benefits of PreCheck. If you take even one international trip in 5 years, Global Entry wins easily. When applying, apply for Global Entry and get PreCheck automatically included — don’t pay separately for the lesser product.
CLEAR: Useful But Rarely Worth Paying For
CLEAR lets you skip the regular ID-check line and go directly to the security scan. But you still go through the same metal detectors/scanners as everyone else unless you also have PreCheck. CLEAR works best when combined with PreCheck — biometric ID + expedited security = airport superpowers.
At $189/year without discounts, it’s hard to justify unless you fly 20+ times per year. But with Delta status (it’s included at Silver and above) or through certain Amex cards, it becomes a genuine time-saver for free.
How to Get These Programs Free
- Global Entry ($120) free: Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, Citi Prestige — all include a statement credit for the application fee
- CLEAR ($189) free or reduced: Delta SkyMiles American Express cards offer CLEAR membership; Delta Silver/Gold/Platinum/Diamond status members get free CLEAR
- Military: TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are free for active duty, guard, and reserve members
The smart play: Apply for Global Entry (includes PreCheck) and pay the $120 fee with a premium travel credit card — you’ll get it reimbursed as a statement credit. Apply at cbp.gov/nexus. The interview waitlist is 2–6 months, but the benefit lasts 5 years. Cards that cover Global Entry free →
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Global Entry approval take?
The application and conditional approval typically take 2–4 weeks. The in-person interview (required) can have a waitlist of 2–6 months at busy enrollment centers. Some airports offer on-arrival interviews when returning from international travel, which can be much faster.
