TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR—what are they? What’s the difference, and which one should you get? Better yet, how can you get them for free? I’ve been there, traveling with none of these, some of these, and now all three—without spending a penny. Let’s break down what we’ve learned to help you avoid the mistakes we’ve made!

Breaking Down Each Program

TSA PreCheck: This is your fast pass for security in U.S. airports. The TSA PreCheck line is usually shorter, plus you can keep your shoes and belt on, and leave items like your laptop and liquids in your bag. It’s designed to streamline your security experience. Signing up is simple: apply online, schedule an interview, and once approved, you’ll get a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Just make sure to enter that number when booking your flight so the PreCheck symbol appears on your boarding pass! It costs $78–$85 and lasts five years—definitely worth it for smoother trips.

Global Entry: This one’s for international travelers, offering expedited entry back into the U.S. via kiosks. You breeze through customs without long waits or needing your passport. Here’s the bonus: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck! It’s $120 for five years, making it a great value if you’re traveling abroad. The catch? Scheduling the interview can take time, but if you manage to snag an appointment, Global Entry is the better choice for its dual benefits.

CLEAR: CLEAR takes things a step further by allowing you to skip the ID line entirely. Using biometrics like fingerprint or eye scans, it verifies your identity, letting you jump straight to security. However, CLEAR works best when paired with TSA PreCheck, as it doesn’t include the same screening benefits. At $199 per year, it’s the priciest of the three, but some credit cards can help offset that cost.

Which One Should You Get?

If you travel domestically, start with TSA PreCheck for smoother security. But if you have any international trips planned, Global Entry is the better deal since it includes PreCheck for just a few extra bucks. CLEAR? That’s up to you—while it can speed up the process, sometimes its lines can be longer than the regular security lines! If you’re flying out of a major airport that offers CLEAR, it might be worth adding to your lineup, but it’s not essential for everyone.

How to Get Them for Free

Here’s the exciting part—many credit cards will cover the cost of these programs. For Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer some credits, making it an easy win for frequent flyers.

As for CLEAR, it’s a bit trickier since fewer cards cover it, but some cards still offer credits, which are perfect for offsetting the annual fee costs. With just a couple of these cards, you can have all three services covered, saving you time, money, and stress at the airport.

Ready to upgrade your travel experience? These programs will take your airport experience to the next level without breaking the bank!