Is CLEAR better than Global Entry?

Global Entry is designed for travelers who want to save time when going through U.S. customs, and Clear is designed for travelers who want to quickly confirm their identity before beginning the airport (and, in some cases, sports arena) security screening process.



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The real benefit of Clear is saving time. This means that if you value not having to remove shoes, electronics, liquids and outerwear, you will also want to apply for TSA PreCheck. If you only want to bypass the line, but don't mind.

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The only potential downsides of Global Entry is that it requires fingerprinting and background check and costs $100 every 5 years. Scheduling and completing your Global Entry interview can also be a hassle, which is why taking advantage of Enrollment on Arrival can be wise.

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Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

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CLEAR: What's the Difference? TSA PreCheck lets you go through security at domestic airports without removing your shoes, liquids or laptop. Global Entry membership expedites customs processing when entering the U.S. CLEAR membership helps you skip a long ID check line.

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Global Entry is everything that TSA PreCheck is and more. If you have Global Entry, you'll automatically also get TSA PreCheck and all of its benefits. On top of that, you'll get to avoid the general customs line when returning to the U.S. from abroad.

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Frequent travelers and travel professionals agree that Global Entry is worth the hassle of applying and going through the interview process.

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Which credit cards offer CLEAR for free? Currently, the credit cards that offer a complimentary annual CLEAR Plus membership are the Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, American Express® Green Card, and Centurion® Card from American Express. Is CLEAR the same as TSA PreCheck?

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TSA PreCheck is offered through the government at more than 200 airports, whereas CLEAR is a private company that operates at more than 50 airports, stadiums, and other venues nationwide. TSA PreCheck membership costs $85 and lasts for five years, while CLEAR requires an annual membership fee of $189.

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You don't need TSA PreCheck if you have Clear, but you should know that having Clear alone only exempts you from the first part of the TSA security screening process, which is checking your boarding pass and ID. To save time and hassle at the physical security screening, you would need TSA PreCheck.

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You can't upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry Even if you already have TSA PreCheck, you must apply for Global Entry separately. There is no way to get an automatic upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry. You must complete the Global Entry application documents and then make an interview appointment.

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U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck®, as well as Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS.

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Yes. CLEAR Pass for CBP Mobile Passport Control does not replace your passport. You must still present your physical passport to the Customs and Border Protection officer.

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Clear is not necessarily better than Global Entry, as both programs improve the experience of two very different parts of travel. Clear saves you time going through security screenings ahead of travel, while Global Entry saves you time at customs when reentering the U.S. after international travel.

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Clear expedites the document/identity screening process and TSA PreCheck expedites the physical screening process. Clear membership costs $189 per year and TSA PreCheck membership costs $85 for five years.

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Clear allows you to skip the security line completely because instead of waiting in line, you approach a Clear kiosk where your ID and boarding pass are verified through biometric technology. Once that quick process is complete, a Clear agent escorts you right to the front of security.

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