Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR: Which Do You Need?

Not sure what the difference is between Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or CLEAR? Then this post is for you. As someone who has all three, I’ll break down what they are and which you should get.

Long lines at the airport are a necessary evil that all travelers endure. You may not know but there are actually membership programs you can join to bypass most of these long queues. These trusted traveler programs come with a fee but are your golden ticket to skipping the lines.

Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR are all programs aiming to provide their members with an expedited experience through airport security. Whether you’re a jet setter or only travel a couple of times a year, the time and effort they can afford you are worth every penny.

For my savvy travelers, you can actually get the membership fees completely reimbursed if you have the right credit cards. Keep reading to find out how.

Related Post: Five Things You Actually Need to Travel Better

What is TSA Precheck?

We’ve all experienced the fear of possibly missing our flight once we see the long security line at the airport. Maybe more often than not. Although you should try to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your boarding time, life happens.

TSA Precheck is the most well-known of the traveler programs. With TSA PreCheck you’ll no longer need to remove shoes, belts, jackets, laptops, or small liquids from your bag when going through airport security in U.S. airports, which is the most frustrating part. Airports will usually have a dedicated line for those with PreCheck to ensure a seamless experience.

When you’re approved for TSA PreCheck you will be provided a Known Traveler Number (KTN). You can then add this number to your flight reservations which will ensure PreCheck is added to your boarding pass. If you’re traveling with children the age of 12 or under, they can join you in the expedited line.

How to sign up for TSA PreCheck

Applications are open to U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents. The application fee is $85 and the membership will last for 5 years.

Applying for TSA PreCheck can be done quickly through an online application. You’ll then need to schedule an in-person appointment to complete the background check and fingerprinting at an enrollment center. Depending on where you live, finding availability for the appointment may be challenging.

Which credit cards offer a credit for TSA PreCheck

Numerous credit cards offer reimbursement for the TSA PreCheck application fees as a benefit. Some of my favorite travel credit cards that do this are the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture Card, and Citi Prestige Card.

You can find a complete list of credit cards with the benefit here.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is another Trusted Traveler Program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that provides expedited screening through U.S. customs when arriving from international destinations. If you’ve ever been through the line for U.S. customs, you’ll know how exhausting it is to wait in, especially after a long flight. I’ve seen lines that are almost an hour long. With Global Entry, I average 2-3 minutes through customs.

Global Entry procedures recently got an update. Previously, travelers would have to scan their passports and fingerprints. Now the kiosks use facial biometrics making the process even more seamless. Travelers will then grab a printed receipt from the kiosk and hand it to the customs officer and be on their way. If for some reason the system is having trouble identifying with the biometrics, it will just revert back to the old process which is still relatively quick.

Another great perk of Global Entry is that several other countries also participate in the program. This means that citizens of those countries may qualify for the program and if you visit one of those countries you may be able to clear customs before arrival in the United States.

Similar to TSA PreCheck, once approved membership lasts for 5 years and you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number. Additionally, you’ll receive a Global Entry card. The card is not necessary to carry with you when you travel but can be a valid form of identification.

How to sign up for Global Entry

The first part of the application process is completed online. You’ll need to create a Trusted Travelers Program account. The enrollment fee is $100. Within a few weeks of completing the online application, you should receive a notification that you’re partially approved and will need to complete the interview.

The biggest pain with obtaining Global Entry is this final interview. The interview itself is super quick but finding availability is usually a few months out. If you have a partially approved application, there is a workaround to this. Instead of booking an interview, you can complete the interview when you go through U.S. customs upon arrival from an international destination. Of course, this means you actually have to have an international trip planned but this will alleviate the need to visit an enrollment center.

Which credit cards offer a credit for Global Entry

It has become increasingly popular for travel credit cards to offer a statement reimbursement for the Global Entry application fees. Some popular cards are the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum Card, and Capital One Venture Card.

What is CLEAR?

The new kid on the block. CLEAR is a private company, similar to Global Entry it uses a person’s biometrics to quickly confirm their identity, rather than traditional ID and documents. The biometrics they use are your eyes, face, and fingerprints. CLEAR then takes these biometrics and creates an encrypted code that is unique to you. At the airport, they will use your eyes and face to confirm it’s you at their check-in kiosks and then quickly move you to the front of the line for security screening.

Additionally, CLEAR has CLEAR Pass, Health Pass, and CLEAR Lanes which anyone can use on their app, member or not. CLEAR Pass is available for U.S. Citizens and Canadian visitors to help save time when going through U.S. Customs. Travelers will just need to create a profile in the app with their passport information and trip details. Once completed they will receive a QR code that can be scanned along with their passport for entry into the U.S.

CLEAR Lanes and Health Pass has become common at many large sporting and music events that require an ID check or vaccination status for entry into the event.

How to sign up for CLEAR

Signing up for CLEAR is the simplest of the 3 traveler programs. It is a quick online questionnaire with your personal information that takes 5 minutes. I actually completed mine on my phone at the airport, it’s that simple. The membership fee is $179 annually and you can add up to 3 family members for an additional $50 each.

You’ll need to complete the biometrics scans in-person with one of their team members at the airport. After that, you’ll be set up to quickly check in at their kiosks and then escorted to the front of the line for TSA screening.

Which credit cards offer a credit for CLEAR?

Currently, there are only a few credit cards that offer $179 in annual statement credits for a CLEAR membership. All of these are American Express (AMEX) cards (American Express Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, and Centurion Card) but I anticipate as CLEAR becomes more popular, more travel cards will offer it in the future.

If you don’t have one of the AMEX cards, there are a number of other travel credit cards from Delta and United Airlines that offer a discounted membership at $109 annually. If you have elite status with either airline you may qualify for complimentary CLEAR membership.

Pros and Cons of Each

Verdict: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or CLEAR?

Ultimately, if you’re only planning to join one program, I’d recommend Global Entry. This way you’ll get the Known Traveler Number (KTN) along with TSA Precheck and its membership benefits. Whether you’re a domestic or frequent international traveler, this option will have you covered in both situations. Although, if you don’t have a passport, TSA PreCheck may be the best option for you now. You can later apply for Global Entry once you have one.

However, if I had to make a case, I’d say having all three traveler programs is the way to go! While it’s definitely not necessary, it will spare you time and make you a nimble traveler. TSA PreCheck has become increasingly more popular among travelers and so have the lines. Having CLEAR has already saved me time in multiple situations where the TSA PreCheck line was everything but quick.

Overall, if you have some travel credit cards or thinking of getting a new one, make sure to check their benefits! You may be eligible to get all membership program fees completely reimbursed.

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