TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR

If there’s one thing everyone can agree on about flying, it’s that nobody likes a long security line at the airport. Thankfully, when it comes to paying a little extra to skip the crowds, there are a few options to choose from.

Increasingly, statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees (of up to $100 every four years) are becoming a standard benefit of many travel rewards cards. And with a third alternative added to the mix, CLEAR®, the decision of which program to choose for expedited security at the airport can be a difficult one to make.

If you travel often, these are great benefits that can save you both time and money — but which program does what?

Below, CNBC Select reviews the difference between each travel perk — TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR.

Subscribe to the Select Newsletter!

Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly. Sign-up here.

TSA PreCheck

If you rarely travel abroad and don’t want to pay for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck is $85 for a five-year membership and gives you expedited security checks at more than 200 select airports in the U.S. If you don’t have a U.S. passport, this is the best option.

For anyone who has experienced TSA PreCheck, the process is also 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.

Global Entry

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

Read the rest