TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR (2026): Cost, Speed and Which to Get
These three are often compared, but they do different jobs. PreCheck speeds up US security. Global Entry does that and also speeds up US customs when you return. CLEAR+ only speeds up the ID check and works as an add-on.
The short answer. Flying only within the US: PreCheck. Flying abroad even once in five years: Global Entry, which already includes PreCheck for $120. Fly often through big hubs and want the shortest line: add CLEAR+.
$79.75–$85
five years of TSA PreCheck, depending on the provider
$120
five years of Global Entry, PreCheck included
$219
per year for CLEAR+ (CLEAR’s price)
62
US airports with CLEAR+ lanes, per CLEAR
⚖️ The three programs side by side
| Program | ⚡ What it does | 💲 Cost | ⏳ Lasts | 🛂 Includes PreCheck? | 👤 Who can apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🟢 TSA PreCheck | A faster US security lane: electronics, 3-1-1 liquids, belt, light jacket and shoes stay on or in your bag. | $79.75 to $85 (depends on the enrollment provider) | 5 years | — | U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents |
| 🔵 Global Entry | Expedited US customs when you land from abroad, plus TSA PreCheck. | $120 | 5 years | Yes | U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and citizens of some partner countries |
| 🟡 CLEAR+ | A separate lane that checks your face and boarding pass instead of your ID. You still go through bag screening. | $219 a year; add up to 3 adults for $125 each | 1 year, renews yearly | ❌ No, it is used with PreCheck | Anyone who enrolls and verifies identity |
💰 What five years really costs
Global Entry costs $35 to $40 more than PreCheck alone for the same five years and adds customs. CLEAR+ is a yearly subscription, so it costs far more over time and does not replace PreCheck.
🎯 Which one should you get?
🏠
Domestic flights only: TSA PreCheck. It is the cheapest way to a faster security line.
🌍
Any trip abroad in the next five years: Global Entry. It includes PreCheck, so you do not need both.
🏙️
Fly often through big hubs and want the fastest line: add CLEAR+ on top of PreCheck or Global Entry. CLEAR says its members save about 4 hours a year on average.
👨👩👧
Traveling with kids: children 17 and under can use the PreCheck lane with you for free. Minors are free on Global Entry if a parent is in or applying for it. Kids 17 and under join you in the CLEAR+ lane free.
📝 How to get each one
🟢 TSA PreCheck
1
Apply online with one of three providers. TSA says it takes as little as 5 minutes.
2
Go to an in-person appointment of about 10 minutes for document check, fingerprints, photo and payment.
3
After approval, add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to each airline reservation so PreCheck shows on your boarding pass.
| Provider | New five-year enrollment |
|---|---|
| IDEMIA | $79.75 |
| CLEAR | $84.95 |
| Telos | $85.00 |
🔵 Global Entry
1
Submit and pay the $120 application online. The fee is non-refundable, even if you are denied.
2
Wait for the background check. CBP says most applications are reviewed within 2 weeks, and some take 12 months or longer.
3
First-timers need an in-person interview. You can also do it through Enrollment on Arrival at airports, once you have conditional approval and are arriving from abroad.
4
Use your membership. At Global Entry kiosks you scan your passport or permanent resident card, not the Global Entry card.
🟡 CLEAR+
1
Enroll online and pay the yearly fee.
2
At the airport, scan your boarding pass and verify with your face at a CLEAR pod or eGate.
3
Head to bag screening. CLEAR says it can also be used together with TSA PreCheck.
⚠️ Things people get wrong
❌
Buying PreCheck and Global Entry. Global Entry members are already eligible for PreCheck benefits.
❌
Forgetting the KTN. Without it on the booking, the PreCheck indicator will not appear on your boarding pass.
❌
Expecting CLEAR+ to skip security. It skips the ID check, not bag screening.
In PreCheck lanes the 3-1-1 liquids can stay in your bag; elsewhere the rules still apply: liquids rules.
❓ Quick answers
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
Yes. CBP lists TSA PreCheck access as a Global Entry benefit.
Is CLEAR+ worth it if I already have PreCheck?
It depends on how often you fly through an airport that has CLEAR+ lanes. It is a yearly add-on, not a replacement, and it only speeds up the ID check.
How long do the memberships last?
PreCheck and Global Entry last five years. CLEAR+ is billed yearly.
Do children need their own membership?
Not to use the lanes with you: PreCheck and CLEAR+ allow children 17 and under. Global Entry minors are free when a parent is a member or applying.
Can I get a refund if Global Entry is denied?
No. CBP says the fees are non-refundable.
Checked October 2026 on the airline’s own website. Rules change; confirm for your ticket before you fly.