Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
If there’s one thing everyone can agree on about flying, it’s that nobody likes a long security line at the airport. Thankfully, you have a few options for paying a little extra to skip the crowds.
Statement credits for CLEAR®, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees have become a standard benefit of many travel rewards cards, and are available as bundles as well.
Below, CNBC Select reviews the difference between each travel perk — TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR — and how your credit card could help you save on membership fees.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR Comparison
| TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | CLEAR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of airports | 200+ | 77+ | 58+ |
| Price | $77.95 to $85 for 5 years $68.95 to $70 for renewals |
$120 for 5 years | $199 per year |
| How often to renew | Every 5 years | Every 5 years | Every year |
| Eligibility requirements | Available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents 18 years of age or older | Available to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents and residents of select international countries | Available to individuals 18 years of age and older with a valid U.S. Driver’s License, U.S. Passport, or U.S. State Issued ID |
Source: TSA.gov and clearme.com
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck
-
Cost
The cost varies by enrollment provider and ranges from $77.95 to $85 for a 5-year membership. Renewal fees are $68.95 to $78 depending on which provider you renew through and whether you renew online or in-person.
-
TSA PreCheck perks
-
Locations with TSA PreCheck lanes
Pros
- Available at 200+ airports and with 90+ airlines
- Children 12 years old and under can come with parent/guardian through the TSA PreCheck lane
- Children 13 to 17 years old can come with a parent/guardian through the TSA PreCheck lane when the PreCheck logo is on their boarding pass
- Membership is valid for five years
Cons
- Appointment required at an enrollment center
- No benefits when traveling internationally
If you rarely travel abroad and don’t want to pay for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck offers a five-year membership and gives you expedited security checks at more than 200 select airports in the U.S. This is probably your best option if you don’t have a U.S. passport.
For anyone who has experienced TSA PreCheck, the process is less invasive than the standard security screenings. You don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, light jacket, laptop or TSA-approved liquids.
To apply, you have to submit an online application and then schedule a 10-minute in-person appointment at one of the many enrollment centers. The appointment includes a background check and fingerprinting.
The price for TSA PreCheck ranges from $77.95 to $85 depending on which enrollment providers you apply through. Renewals are $68.95 to $70 — again, depending on how you renew. The cheapest way to register for TSA PreCheck is through CLEAR, though CLEAR has fewer enrollment locations than the other providers.
Compare travel insurance options
Global Entry
Global Entry
-
Cost
A 5-year membership costs $120
-
As of Oct. 1, 2024, children under 18 years old won’t pay an application fee when the parent/guardian is a member of a valid trusted traveler program (Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS) or is applying at the same time.
-
Global Entry perks
-
Airports with Global Entry
Pros
- Includes TSA PreCheck benefits
- Expedited entry on arrival in at major U.S. airports
- Membership is valid for 5 years
Cons
- Appointment required at an enrollment center
- More complicated approval process and fewer enrollment centers, so it’s tougher to get an interview compared to TSA PreCheck
- Children and family can’t use the Global Entry lane unless they have their own membership
To apply, you must submit an application, pay a non-refundable $120 fee and complete an in-person interview. If approved, your five-year membership includes both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck in the U.S. Those 18 or younger get their fee waived if their parent or guardian is already a member.
To qualify for Global Entry, you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident. Residents of select countries can also qualify, and you can learn more about international application requirements. Applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s consent to participate in Global Entry. Learn more about eligibility for Global Entry, and be sure to check out CNBC Select’s guide on how to apply for Global Entry.
Which cards offer TSA PreCheck/Global Entry statement credits
Here’s a sampling of some popular travel credit cards that offer statement credits for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees. Though each of these cards has an annual fee, this travel perk can help offset it — not to mention all the additional rewards you can earn using these cards regularly.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
-
Rewards
5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase
-
Welcome bonus
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
-
Annual fee
-
Intro APR
N/A for purchases and balance transfers
-
Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
-
Foreign transaction fee
-
Credit needed
Pros
- 5 miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Cons
- No introductory APR
- There’s a $95 annual fee
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
-
Rewards
Unlimited 2X miles on all eligible purchases, and 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booked via Capital One Travel portal
-
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
-
Annual fee
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
19.99% – 29.49% variable APR
-
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
-
Foreign transaction fees
-
Credit needed
Pros
- Large welcome bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
- Up to $120 statement credits for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
Cons
- High annual fee
- No introductory 0% APR period
United℠ Explorer Card
-
Rewards
2x miles per $1 spent on United purchases, dining and hotel stays; 1x mile on all other purchases
-
Welcome bonus
Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
-
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
-
Foreign transaction fees
-
Credit needed
Member FDIC. Terms apply.
Pros
- Up to $120 statement credit to cover Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® application fees or NEXUS fee credit every four years
- Two one-time United Club lounge passes per year
- Priority boarding for primary card members and their travel companions when upgrades are available
Cons
- No special financing offers
- Estimated miles earned after 1 year: 111,967
- Estimated miles earned after 5 years: 219,836
Rewards totals incorporate the miles earned from the welcome bonus
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
-
Rewards
Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025
-
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
-
Annual fee
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
-
Foreign transaction fee
-
Credit needed
Pros
- $300 annual travel credit for travel purchases
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit up to $120 every four years
- Priority Pass™ Select lounge access at 1,300+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwide
- Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Travel℠
- Special benefits at The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
- Complimentary year of Lyft Pink membership
Cons
- High annual fee, but it can be offset by taking advantage of all the card’s perks
- No introductory APR
- Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,469
- Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $3,346
Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus
The Platinum Card® from American Express
On the American Express secure site
-
Rewards
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases
-
Welcome bonus
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
-
Annual fee
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
-
Foreign transaction fee
-
Credit Needed
Pros
- Access to 1,400+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass and Amex Centurion lounges (Enrollment required)
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
Cons
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits are commonly worth up to $120 or $85, respectively, and they are typically offered every four or five years, depending on which card you have. You receive the statement credit after you submit and pay for an application, and it can take a few weeks to see the cost credited to your account.
CLEAR®
CLEAR Plus
-
Cost
You can bundle with a 5-year TSA PreCheck membership for the same $199 cost. Military and government employee discounts available. Discounts available for select airline loyalty program members.
-
CLEAR perks
-
Locations with CLEAR
Pros
- Allows you to skip to the front of the line at airport security
- Family members under 18 years old can come with you through the CLEAR lane for free
- Discounts available with select airline loyalty programs that are free to join
Cons
- Expensive annual membership fee
- Not available at all airports
- Without a TSA PreCheck membership, you’ll still have to remove your shoes, belt and laptop from your bag at airport security
New CLEAR Plus members only have to pay $199 for the TSA PreCheck bundle for the first year ($77.95 for your TSA PreCheck application and a discounted $121.05 CLEAR Plus membership), so you’re essentially getting your TSA PreCheck application fee waived. After the first year, your CLEAR Plus membership automatically renews at $199 annually.
If you’re renewing your TSA PreCheck membership and you don’t have a CLEAR Plus membership, you can get the same discounted price, $199 for the first year ($68.95 for a 5-year online renewal of TSA PreCheck membership, and $130.05 for your first year of CLEAR Plus).
With CLEAR, you can add up to three adult family members for only $119 per year each. Kids under 18 are free and don’t need to enroll. Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members with status can often receive CLEAR discounts. CLEAR also offers discounts for military service members and government employees.
To apply, you sign up online and complete an in-person biometric scan. Once you are approved to use CLEAR, your experience going through security at the airport is pretty seamless. You report directly to a CLEAR kiosk and scan your fingerprints or eyes. A representative then escorts you to a security checkpoint.
For sports and music fans, the membership also grants you CLEAR Sports, which allows you to skip the security line when attending many major stadiums and entertainment venues throughout the country, including Staples Center and Madison Square Garden.
Which card offers CLEAR® Plus statement credits
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
On the American Express secure site
-
Rewards
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Also, earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
-
Welcome bonus
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
-
Annual fee
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
-
Foreign transaction fee
-
Credit needed
Pros
- Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®
- Get 35% points back when you use points to purchase all or part of an airline fare, up to 500,000 bonus points back per calendar year
- American Express Global Lounge Collection
- Breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus where available and get up to $199 in statement credits back per year on your membership when you use your card. (subject to auto-renewal)
- Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your card
Cons
- $695 annual fee
- No introductory 0% financing offers
The Platinum Card® from American Express
On the American Express secure site
-
Rewards
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases
-
Welcome bonus
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
-
Annual fee
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
-
Foreign transaction fee
-
Credit Needed
Pros
- Access to 1,400+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass and Amex Centurion lounges (Enrollment required)
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
Cons
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
Additionally, with the American Express® Green Card, you can receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year toward a membership. Terms apply.
This credit can help offset the Green Card’s $150 annual fee (see rates and fees) while you get to enjoy a discounted CLEAR® Plus membership. American Express® Green Card cardholders also earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible travel, transit and at restaurants worldwide and 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.
American Express® Green Card
Information has been collected independently by CNBC Select Information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
-
Rewards
3X Membership Rewards® points on travel, transit purchases, and on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other eligible purchases
-
Welcome bonus
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of Card Membership
-
Annual fee
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
-
Foreign transaction fee
-
Credit needed
Pros
- Up to $199 credit for a CLEAR® Plus membership each year (subject to auto-renewal)
- Earns flexible rewards you can transfer to 20+ airline and hotel loyalty programs
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $150 annual fee
- No ongoing non-travel statement credit offers
United℠ Explorer Card
-
Rewards
2x miles per $1 spent on United purchases, dining and hotel stays; 1x mile on all other purchases
-
Welcome bonus
Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
-
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
-
Foreign transaction fees
-
Credit needed
Member FDIC. Terms apply.
Pros
- Up to $120 statement credit to cover Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® application fees or NEXUS fee credit every four years
- Two one-time United Club lounge passes per year
- Priority boarding for primary card members and their travel companions when upgrades are available
Cons
- No special financing offers
- Estimated miles earned after 1 year: 111,967
- Estimated miles earned after 5 years: 219,836
Rewards totals incorporate the miles earned from the welcome bonus
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
On the American Express secure site
-
Rewards
Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 1X Mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases
-
Welcome bonus
Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
-
Annual fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
-
Foreign transaction fees
-
Credit needed
Pros
- Earn up to $300 in travel credit every year
- First checked bag free for you and up to eight companions on eligible flights
- Discounts on eligible in-flight purchases and on Delta award flights (Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees).
Cons
- Annual fee after the first year
- Delta flight credit benefit has a high spending requirement to earn
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR® differences
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR can all help you save time at the airport, but each program has unique benefits and strengths.
TSA PreCheck starts at the lowest price point of the three options and could be a good fit for those who travel domestically to make security a little easier but offers fewer benefits for international travel or non-airport venues.
Global Entry provides the most value to those who regularly travel internationally with its expedited returns through customs and immigration. This program includes full TSA PreCheck benefits and requires you to be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident.
CLEAR uses biometric technology instead of traditional I.D. verification to speed up the security screening process at airports, as well as some stadiums and entertainment venues. CLEAR starts at the highest price point of the three options.
Pricing
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR have different pricing structures, but there are ways to receive statement credits for each program and offset their costs.
- TSA PreCheck: $77.95 to $85 for 5 years
- Global Entry: $120 for 5 years
- CLEAR: $199 per year
Remember, you must pay for your membership with your qualifying card to be eligible for the statement credit. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry last five years while CLEAR memberships must be renewed annually.
FAQs
What is better, CLEAR or Global Entry?
CLEAR and Global Entry are very different programs because CLEAR saves you time going through security screenings, while Global Entry saves you time at customs and immigration upon arrival in the U.S. after traveling internationally.
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
Global Entry members automatically receive TSA PreCheck expedited security benefits as part of their membership.
Do I need Global Entry if I already have TSA PreCheck?
While Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, TSA PreCheck does not include Global Entry.
Is getting Global Entry worth it?
Global Entry can be worth it as it saves you a lot of time and hassle when returning from an international trip. It also includes all TSA PreCheck benefits.
Can I upgrade my TSA PreCheck to Global Entry?
Unfortunately, you can’t upgrade TSA PreCheck to Global Entry — you must apply for the program separately.
How many U.S. airports have CLEAR access?
CLEAR is now available at 60+ domestic airports, including:
- Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, Austin, TX (AUS)
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Baltimore, MD (BWI)
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport, Birmingham, AL (BHM)
- Boise Airport, Boise, ID (BOI)
- Boston Logan International Airport, Boston, MA (BOS)
- Bradley International Airport, Hartford, CT (BDL)
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Buffalo, NY (BUF)
- Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago, IL (MDW)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, IL (ORD)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Northern Kentucky (Cincinnati), OH (CVG)
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Cleveland, OH (CLE)
- Dallas Love Field Airport, Dallas, TX (DAL)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas, TX (DFW)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu, HI (HNL)
- Denver International Airport, Denver, CO (DEN)
- Detroit Metro Airport, Detroit, MI (DTW)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, TX (IAH)
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg, SC (GSP)
- Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, GA (ATL)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, NY (JFK)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus, OH (CMH)
- Juan Santamaría International Airport, San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
- Kahului Airport, Maui, HI (OGG)
- Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City, MO (MCI)
- LaGuardia Airport, New York City, NY (LGA)
- Long Beach Airport, Long Beach, CA (LGB)
- Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans, LA (MSY)
- Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville, KY (SDF)
- Miami International Airport, Miami, FL (MIA)
- Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, WI (MKE)
- Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport, Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
- Nashville International Airport, Nashville, TN (BNA)
- Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, NJ (EWR)
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC)
- Oakland International Airport, Oakland, CA (OAK)
- Orlando International Airport, Orlando, FL (MCO)
- Palm Beach International Airport, Palm Beach, FL (PBI)
- Palm Springs International Airport, Palm Springs, CA (PSP)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
- Pittsburgh International Airport, Pittsburgh, PA (PIT)
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Raleigh, NC (RDU)
- Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, Warwick (Providence), RI (PVD)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington, DC (DCA)
- Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento, CA (SMF)
- Salt Lake City International Airport, Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
- San Antonio International Airport, San Antonio, TX (SAT)
- San Diego International Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN)
- San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco Bay Area, CA (SFO)
- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Savannah, GA (SAV)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, WA (SEA)
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St. Louis, MO (STL)
- Tulsa International Airport, Tulsa, OK (TUL)
- Washington Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC (IAD)
- Westchester County Airport, New York City, NY (HPN)
- Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City, OK (OKC)
- William P. Hobby Airport, Houston, TX (HOU)
Subscribe to the CNBC Select Newsletter!
Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox. Sign up here.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every travel guide is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Catch up on CNBC Select’s in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date
Information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
For rates and fees for the American Express Green Card, click here
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, click here.
For rates and fees for the Platinum Card® from American Express, click here
For rates and fees of the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.