Which is better clear or Global Entry?

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.



Choosing between CLEAR and Global Entry depends on whether your primary "pain point" is the airport security line or the customs line upon returning to the United States. Global Entry is a government-run program that costs $120 for five years (as of late 2024/2025) and includes TSA PreCheck; it allows you to bypass the long lines at U.S. Customs when arriving from an international destination by using a biometric kiosk. CLEAR, on the other hand, is a private biometrics company that uses eye or fingerprint scans to verify your identity, allowing you to skip to the very front of the physical ID-check line at domestic security. While Global Entry is far more cost-effective over time and essential for international travelers, CLEAR is a "luxury" add-on that can save significant time during peak domestic travel hours at major hubs. Ideally, the frequent traveler uses both: CLEAR to get to the front of the TSA PreCheck line, and Global Entry to breeze through customs when landing back home. Many premium credit cards even offer statement credits to cover the costs of both programs.

People Also Ask

If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry. If you take less than four international trips a year, TSA PreCheck is a great choice for domestic travelers.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

In most cases, Global Entry is a better choice, especially if you travel internationally. Not only does it include TSA PreCheck but it will also expedite your re-entry back into the U.S. when you arrive from abroad.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

TSA PreCheck? provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck? benefits as part of their membership.

MORE DETAILS

Global Entry: $100 (includes TSA PreCheck)
It costs $100 to apply, and the membership lasts for five years. Some credit cards and elite frequent flyer programs reimburse your application fee. This program refers to the Known Traveler Number as PASSID, but the number is used the same way.

MORE DETAILS

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


MORE DETAILS

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?

MORE DETAILS

Approvals typically take 3-5 days, but may take up to 60 days. CLEAR Plus¹ is a paid annual membership that verifies your identity using your eyes or fingerprints at airport security. Enroll in minutes and start using your CLEAR Plus Membership right away at 50+ locations nationwide.

MORE DETAILS