TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear: How Do They Differ?

Nobody likes spending time in long airport lines—especially when a thrilling vacation awaits. Thankfully, programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear can save travelers precious time and reduce hassle at the airport. Before you take off, TSA PreCheck and Clear enable travelers to move through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lines more quickly. Upon arrival, Global Entry expedites processing at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) international checkpoints. Each program features its own dedicated lanes, where available.

If you’re still unclear about how TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear differ, continue reading for a comprehensive breakdown of how each program functions.

How do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear differ?

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear are expedited screening programs designed to help you breeze through U.S. airport security. The key distinction is that TSA PreCheck and Clear expedite your time at the initial TSA security check, while Global Entry accelerates customs processing when you return to the U.S. from international travel. Global Entry costs $100 and includes TSA PreCheck, whereas TSA PreCheck alone is $78 (with a $70 renewal fee). Many travel credit cards often reimburse or cover these fees, and both programs are valid for five years.

Clear uses biometric technology for pre-verifying identity checks, allowing travelers to go straight to baggage screening at TSA checkpoints (though TSA PreCheck is still required to skip the general security line entirely). Clear is also available at several U.S. stadiums and event venues, like Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and Citi Field in New York City, extending its membership perks beyond the airport. The annual fee for Clear is $189, but with the right credit card or frequent flyer status, you might qualify for a free or significantly discounted annual membership.

If you’re uncertain about which option to choose, we suggest applying for Global Entry, as you can enroll in TSA PreCheck simultaneously for an additional $22, effectively bundling both programs. The only drawback is that securing interview appointments for Global Entry applications at busy airports can be challenging. Smaller airports or TSA PreCheck-only appointments are typically easier to schedule.

If your home airport offers Clear and you travel frequently, it's worth signing up for it in addition to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck—especially if you've noticed longer TSA PreCheck lines as more people join the program.

Overview of TSA PreCheck

Launched in 2013, TSA PreCheck allows for screening travelers before they arrive at the airport, providing access to expedited security lanes in over 200 airports. In TSA PreCheck lines, you don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket. Liquids and devices like tablets, large cameras, and laptops can remain in your bags, helping to save time and reduce hassle. Children 17 and under can also use the expedited line when accompanied by a guardian with TSA PreCheck.

What are the steps to obtain TSA PreCheck?

To secure a new TSA PreCheck membership, travelers need to complete a background check and pay a $78 fee for five years of membership. For online renewals, the fee drops to just $70. Several low-cost credit cards, like the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card and Aeroplan credit card, will reimburse the application fee (provided you pay with the card). This benefit is typically annual, and after using it for yourself in the first year, you can also pay for a friend or family member’s application with your card to waive their fee.

There are many global enrollment centers, primarily located at airports, and the fee is worthwhile for frequent travelers due to the shorter lines and efficient screening process.

How does TSA PreCheck function?

Once enrolled, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that confirms your TSA PreCheck approval. You can add this KTN to your frequent flyer accounts to ensure it’s applied whenever you buy an airline ticket. Alternatively, you can input your KTN during the booking process.

Most domestic airlines, along with a growing number of international carriers, are part of this program, but it is limited to flights within or departing from the United States. In 2022, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration announced its first TSA PreCheck location outside the U.S. at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas. If your KTN is successfully entered, the TSA PreCheck logo will appear on your boarding pass, indicating your eligibility for expedited screening through the PreCheck line at airport security.
If you’re approved for PreCheck and don’t see it on your boarding pass, ask an airline agent to re-enter your KTN or verify its entry via your airline’s app, as sometimes the number may not “stick” during the reservation process.

Renewing Your TSA PreCheck

After five years, you can renew your TSA PreCheck online—just complete a form and pay the $70 fee for online renewals, preferably using a credit card that offers reimbursement. Members will receive a notification when their KTN is nearing expiration, but you can also submit a Service Status form online to check your status.

Overview of Global Entry

Global Entry is aimed at facilitating quicker re-entry into the United States by enabling international travelers to clear customs more efficiently. It is offered at over 50 U.S. airports, requires a $100 application fee, and is valid for five years.

If you are accepted, Global Entry comes with TSA PreCheck at no extra cost, so you won’t need to apply for it separately. Everyone who holds Global Entry gets TSA PreCheck, but not all TSA PreCheck holders qualify for Global Entry. Similar to TSA PreCheck, many credit cards offer fee waivers to cover the Global Entry application fee.

What are the steps to obtain Global Entry?

Global Entry requires a comprehensive application process that includes a background check and an in-person interview after preliminary approval. To arrange an in-person interview, you can schedule an appointment online—though many airports are currently facing long wait times, and some may have appointments available months later. However, those who receive conditional approval can expedite their process by using the “enrollment on arrival” program, which allows for walk-in interviews upon arrival at participating international terminals.

Despite completing all necessary steps, not everyone will gain approval for the program. For instance, individuals with a criminal record may be denied Global Entry. All Global Entry participants are required to adhere to international travel rules and regulations, including understanding what items they can bring back into the country. Even minor violations, like failing to declare a piece of fruit upon re-entering the United States, can lead to the loss of Global Entry privileges.

How does Global Entry function?

By having their faces biometrically scanned (and sometimes responding to questions at a Global Entry kiosk, depending on the airport), travelers can avoid longer lines during the customs process and typically do not need to interact with an immigration officer.

Renewing Your Global Entry Membership

Travelers can renew Global Entry online starting one year prior to expiration. Some applicants may be required to undergo another interview.

Due to a backlog of new and renewal applications at CBP, a two-year grace period is currently being offered for travelers whose Global Entry has expired. If you submit your renewal application before your membership expires, this extension allows you to continue using Global Entry for an additional two years post-expiration.

Overview of Clear

Alongside TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, another expedited screening option worth mentioning is Clear. This program is available at over 50 domestic airports, stadiums, and other venues. Instead of presenting identification at the security checkpoint, facial recognition and fingerprint scans are utilized at designated kiosks in participating airports, so you won't need to show ID while traveling through the airport—although it's advisable to carry it as a backup.

What’s the process to obtain Clear?

The straightforward application process for Clear requires you to register your fingerprints and iris (for facial recognition) alongside your government-issued ID. You can sign up online or visit an enrollment center, typically located at airports and other venues. Once your biometrics are in the system, you can begin using the program on the same day. The annual fee is $189.

How does Clear function?

Once the system verifies your identity against your boarding pass, a Clear agent will escort you to the front of the security line. If you also possess TSA PreCheck, you can enjoy expedited TSA screening (keeping your shoes, belt, and light jacket on)—if not, you'll go through the standard security process, having simply skipped the line.

Overview of Mobile Passport

If you don't qualify for Global Entry or prefer to avoid the lengthy application process, Mobile Passport is a useful free app that helps you breeze through customs at 30 U.S. airports and four seaports. In fact, the Mobile Passport lines at immigration checkpoints can sometimes be even shorter than those for Global Entry.

What’s the process for obtaining Mobile Passport?

There's no application process for Mobile Passport. Just download the app (available for iOS and Android) and create a profile, which you can do ahead of your travel date.

How does Mobile Passport function?

After landing from an international flight, the app prompts you with standard customs questions and generates a unique QR code for you to scan when you meet with an immigration officer. You only need a cellular or Wi-Fi connection to retrieve the QR code upon landing, and it takes about a minute.

This article was originally published online in 2018 and was last updated on October 17, 2023, to reflect the latest information. Contributions to this report were made by Jessie Beck and Bailey Berg.