TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR: Which Is Worth It in 2026?
By Raimundo Oliveira ·
· 5 min readQuick summary: TSA PreCheck (about $78, 5 years) speeds up security, Global Entry ($120, 5 years) speeds up U.S. re-entry and includes PreCheck, and CLEAR Plus ($209/year) skips the ID line. For most travelers who go abroad, Global Entry is the best value.
Three programs promise to get you through U.S. airports faster: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR Plus. They are not the same thing, they can be combined, and the right one depends on how often — and where — you fly. Here is a clear comparison with 2026 prices.
The quick comparison
| TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | CLEAR Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run by | TSA (government) | U.S. Customs and Border Protection | Private company |
| What it speeds up | Security screening | Re-entry into the U.S. + PreCheck | ID check line before security |
| Cost | About $78 (online renewal ~$70) | $120 | $209 per year |
| Valid for | 5 years | 5 years | 1 year (auto-renews) |
| Interview | Short in-person appointment (fingerprints) | Interview (or Enrollment on Arrival) | Biometric enrollment at an airport kiosk |
| Includes PreCheck? | — | Yes | No |
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck gives you access to dedicated security lanes at 200+ U.S. airports.
Benefits
- Keep on your belt and light jacket (since July 2025, shoes stay on in all TSA lanes).
- Laptops and 3-1-1 liquids stay in your bag.
- Shorter lines; TSA reports most PreCheck passengers wait under 10 minutes.
- Kids 17 and under can join a parent in the PreCheck lane on the same reservation.
How to apply
- Apply online through an authorized enrollment provider listed on tsa.gov.
- Book an in-person appointment for fingerprints and ID check (about 10 minutes).
- Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN), often within days.
- Add the KTN to every airline booking and frequent flyer profile.
Global Entry
Global Entry lets pre-approved travelers skip the regular immigration and customs lines when returning to the U.S. from abroad, using facial recognition at kiosks or e-gates.
Benefits
- Fast re-entry at major U.S. airports and preclearance locations.
- Includes TSA PreCheck — your Global Entry PASSID works as a KTN.
- Accepted as a REAL ID alternative at TSA checkpoints.
- Only $42 more than PreCheck over 5 years.
Things to know
- The $120 fee is non-refundable, even if you are denied.
- Requires a background check and an interview; Enrollment on Arrival lets you do the interview when returning from an international trip at participating airports.
- Children need their own Global Entry membership (no family lane like PreCheck).
CLEAR Plus
CLEAR uses your eyes or face to verify identity, letting you skip the ID-check line and go straight to physical screening.
- Available at about 60 U.S. airports, plus some stadiums and venues.
- Does not replace security screening; it only replaces the ID check.
- Works best combined with PreCheck: CLEAR + PreCheck is the fastest path at participating airports.
- Discounts exist for some airline loyalty members, and family members can be added for a fee.
Which one should you get?
| Your travel style | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Fly domestically 2+ times a year, rarely abroad | TSA PreCheck |
| Travel internationally at least once every year or two | Global Entry (you get PreCheck included) |
| Frequent flyer at a busy CLEAR airport with long lines | Global Entry + CLEAR |
| Family with kids flying domestically | PreCheck for parents (kids under 18 can join) |
| Have a premium travel card | Use its statement credit to get Global Entry/PreCheck or CLEAR for free |
Get them for free with a credit card
Many travel credit cards reimburse the application fee every 4–5 years — for example, cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X and several American Express cards. Some American Express cards also offer annual CLEAR Plus credits. Check your card’s benefits page before paying.
Common mistakes
- Not adding the KTN to the booking — without it, “TSA PRE” will not print on your boarding pass.
- Name mismatch between the booking and your PreCheck/Global Entry profile.
- Using unofficial websites that charge extra “processing fees.” Apply only via tsa.gov, ttp.dhs.gov or clearme.com.
- Letting membership expire — renew up to 1 year before expiration.
Bottom line: if you travel abroad even occasionally, Global Entry is the best value because it includes PreCheck. Add CLEAR only if you fly often through busy airports. Still need a compliant ID? Read REAL ID requirements for flying.
Prices as of 2026. Confirm current fees on tsa.gov, ttp.dhs.gov and clearme.com.
Frequently asked questions
Is Global Entry better than TSA PreCheck?
If you travel internationally even occasionally, yes. Global Entry costs $120 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck, while PreCheck alone costs about $78.
Does CLEAR include TSA PreCheck?
No. CLEAR only lets you skip the ID-check line. You still go through regular security unless you also have PreCheck.
How long does TSA PreCheck approval take?
Many applicants receive their Known Traveler Number within a few days of the in-person appointment, though it can take longer.
Can my kids use my PreCheck lane?
Children 17 and under can join a parent or guardian with PreCheck in the PreCheck lane when on the same reservation. For Global Entry, children need their own membership.
Can I get Global Entry or PreCheck for free?
Many travel credit cards offer a statement credit that reimburses the Global Entry or PreCheck fee every four to five years, and some cards offer CLEAR Plus credits.
Written by
Raimundo Oliveira
Founder & Editor, TripTravel
Raimundo Oliveira is the founder and editor of TripTravel and the Redevix network of websites. A digital publisher and SEO specialist from Espírito Santo, Brazil, he writes practical travel guides based on official sources — airlines, tourism boards and government travel advisories — to help readers plan better trips, avoid common mistakes and spend less.
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