What is the difference between TSA PreCheck clear and Global Entry?

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 has the edge if you travel abroad. Global Entry membership also includes TSA PreCheck, giving you even more opportunity to save time as you travel. Some travelers who are considering Clear vs. Global Entry may want to apply for both — especially if they have a lot of international travel in their future.

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Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck? Yes, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits so you don't need to sign up for both programs.

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Global Entry Benefits
  • No processing lines.
  • No paperwork.
  • Access to expedited entry.
  • Available at major U.S. airports.
  • Reduced wait times.


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  • Global Entry costs slightly more than TSA PreCheck alone.
  • Global Entry is not available at as many airports as TSA PreCheck.
  • Global Entry application processing times are subject to delays depending on the time of the year.


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No. To receive TSA PreCheck®, you must include your Known Traveler Number (your CBP PASSID for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI members) in the appropriate field of your airline reservation, and the TSA PreCheck® indicator must be displayed on the boarding pass to access the lanes.

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Travelers cannot upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry
A main reason is that the programs have distinct purposes. TSA PreCheck can help travelers pass through airport security checkpoints. Meanwhile, Global Entry is specifically for travelers arriving in the United States from another country.

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It's run by a different agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership. While more comprehensive, the program has requirements that are more stringent and include a passport and an interview.

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Choosing CLEAR might make sense if you frequently pass through participating airports and you're willing to invest a bit more money to skip the security ID check line. However, you would need to pair CLEAR with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to speed through customs or airport security without taking off personal items.

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It costs $78 to apply for TSA PreCheck or $100 to apply for Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck, if approved). If you apply for TSA PreCheck first, you will have to pay another fee for Global Entry if you decide to apply later.

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Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. At airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration.

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