Experienced travelers use three secret weapons to speed through airport security and make screenings less intrusive: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR®. For land crossings between the U.S. and Canada, NEXUS offers a similar speedy service. Each is designed to make travel easier, but the way each works differs.

TSA PreCheck provides dedicated lines and expedited screening at domestic airports in the United States. Global Entry allows expedited entry into the United States for international travelers and includes TSA PreCheck. NEXUS provides dedicated lanes at select border crossings between the U.S. and Canada while also offering full TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits when flying. CLEAR provides identity verification and a shortcut through airport screening.

In this article, we'll discuss the differences between each program and help you decide which is the best one for your travel style.

What Is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a government-run membership program that allows travelers to use an expedited airport security line. In these dedicated lines, travelers undergo a less-intrusive airport security screening than other passengers.

At airport security, members go through metal detectors instead of full-body scanning machines and can keep their shoes and light jackets on. Additionally, they can leave their laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in their suitcase or carry-on bag.

Where can I use TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is available at more than 200 airports throughout the U.S. with 80 participating airlines. This program is intended for domestic use only, so there are no international airport locations.

What Is Global Entry?

Global Entry membership is run by the federal government and is geared toward the international traveler and allows expedited immigration screening upon entry to the U.S. This benefit speeds up the entry process when international travelers are returning to the U.S. after visiting a foreign country. Global Entry membership also includes TSA PreCheck, so you can double up on benefits with just one program.

Where can I use Global Entry?

Members can use Global Entry ports of entry in the U.S. and select pre-clearance locations around the world. Some international airports allow members to clear immigration and customs prior to departure instead of when you arrive in the U.S. These airports include Dublin and Shannon in Ireland; Aruba; Freeport and Nassau in The Bahamas; Bermuda; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria and Winnipeg in Canada.

What is NEXUS?

Unlike TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, NEXUS is designed for travelers who frequently travel between the U.S. and Canada and includes expedited crossings at land, marine and air borders.

By road, NEXUS members will find special lanes for their crossing that often have shorter lines than those available to the general public. Additionally, the questioning process at the border is often faster since their background check is already on file. When flying, NEXUS includes all TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits as well as access to NEXUS kiosks when arriving in Canada (which works similarly to Global Entry when arriving in the U.S.).

NEXUS is duly-run by both nations, which means applicants will need to speak to border patrol officers from both countries as part of the interview and approval process.

Where can I use NEXUS?

NEXUS is available at 17 U.S.-Canada land border crossings, typically coinciding with the busiest crossing ports in New York, Michigan and Washington (with a handful of other locations). If approved for NEXUS, you can also report your marine arrivals by phone rather than in person and avail yourself of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and NEXUS kiosk locations when traveling by air.

What Is CLEAR?

CLEAR is a privately-run program that helps accelerate airport scans by using your fingerprints and your eyes instead of traditional ID. It doesn't include TSA PreCheck, so it won't help you skip taking off your shoes or removing your laptop and liquids from your bags at security. If you want the benefits of TSA PreCheck as well, you'll need to enroll in TSA PreCheck as well as CLEAR. Many airports offer a separate CLEAR checkpoint for those with TSA PreCheck or funnel those with TSA PreCheck through to the correct security line.

Where can I use CLEAR?

At the moment, CLEAR is available at 38 airports in the U.S. If you love attending sporting events and concerts, CLEAR may also help you skip the line there as well. Many stadiums have begun using CLEAR as an alternative to traditional ID checks.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. NEXUS vs. CLEAR: What You Need to Know

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are two of the Trusted Traveler programs offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. NEXUS is a joint-run initiative by the U.S. Trusted Traveler program and Canada Border Services Agency. CLEAR is a separate program, run by a privately-owned company and certified by the DHS.

The Department of Homeland Security offers a number of other trusted traveler programs to expeciate travel between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including SENTRI and FAST (Canada and Mexico). Each of these programs allows travelers to get prescreened by the government and receive expedited screening while traveling.

Another option is to use the free Mobile Passport app (Apple, Android) to help speed up the U.S. Immigration screening process. Mobile Passport isn't a substitute for Global Entry, but is not widely in use by the general public. Because of this, use of even Mobile Passport can expedite your entry into the U.S.

Who can Sign Up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or CLEAR?

Applications for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are available to U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents. In addition, citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply for Global Entry and may be granted the benefits of TSA PreCheck even though they can't apply for PreCheck directly:

  • Argentina
  • Colombia
  • Germany
  • India
  • Panama
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Kingdom

Additionally, Canadian and Mexican citizens and residents are eligible for Global Entry benefits when signing up for NEXUS.

CLEAR, on the other hand, is only available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents over the age of 18.

Some people are automatically disqualified from participating in the Trusted Traveler programs. You are excluded if you:

  • Provided false or incomplete information on your application
  • Have been convicted of a criminal offense, have pending criminal charges or have outstanding warrants (including driving under the influence)
  • Have been found in violation of any customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws
  • Are subject to an ongoing investigation by any federal, state or local law enforcement agency
  • Are inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration regulation
  • Cannot satisfy Customs and Border Patrol with evidence of your low-risk status

How Do You Sign Up For TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS Or CLEAR?

To sign up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS, visit the Trusted Traveler portal to submit your application. During the application process, you'll provide personal information that allows the Department of Homeland Security to perform a background check on you. In the case of NEXUS, a similar background check will be performed by the Canada Border Services Agency but only a single application is required.

Once the Department of Homeland Security has performed its background check, you need to schedule an in-person interview. TSA PreCheck enrollment centers are located at many airports and other locations throughout the country, whereas Global Entry enrollment centers are usually located at international airports and land border crossings. Because of this, completing the TSA PreCheck interview process is easier for most applicants.

Since there are fewer Global Entry locations available to perform interviews, some travelers choose to apply for TSA PreCheck instead. During the interview for either PreCheck or Global Entry, a Department of Homeland Security agent will verify your information, take your picture and process your fingerprints. Your fingerprints are used to verify your identity at Global Entry kiosks upon arrival from a foreign country.

Global Entry also offers an option called, "enrollment upon arrival." Under enrollment upon arrival, applicants who have been conditionally approved can complete their interview upon arrival into the U.S. Over 60 airports offer Global Entry enrollment upon arrival, including 15 international locations.

When you land at the international terminal, follow the signs and speak with a Customs and Border Patrol officer. They will direct you to their colleague who can help you complete your application. You will need to bring your passport, proof of residency and a permanent resident card (if applicable) with you to the appointment.

The NEXUS interview process is slightly more involved, since you're being approved by two agencies rather than one. Joint enrollment centers are few and far between and typically located in cities along the border, making it impractical for anyone who isn't crossing by land anyway. Canadian enrollment centers are temporarily closed due to Covid-19, but several American centers have reopened in border states. Canada takes an iris scan, in addition to fingerprinting.

Signing up for CLEAR is relatively straightforward. It can be done on the spot, in an airport. You also have the option to start the application process online, but you'll need to go to a CLEAR center to register your biometric data. If you can't find the time or don't have a center nearby, you can register the first time you go to an airport that has a CLEAR office.

The process only takes about 5 minutes and unlike registering for TSA PreCheck, there's no need to set up an appointment.

Remember that before you can register your biometric data, you'll need to provide a valid ID, such as a passport, a driver's license or a permanent resident card. Check CLEAR's website for more information.

How do I use my benefits?

You'll be able to use your TSA PreCheck, Global Entry benefits as soon as you've completed your interview. Before you leave the enrollment center, you'll receive a Known Traveler number and in the case of Global Entry your Trusted Traveler card will arrive in the mail within six to eight weeks. Global Entry members do not need to activate this card to use your benefits for air travel. However, it must be activated to use for land border crossings.

To use your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry benefits when you fly, your Known Traveler number needs to be attached to your ticket. Log into your airline loyalty program accounts and update your profile with your Trusted Traveler number. Future flights with your loyalty number attached will automatically attach your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry benefits when available. You can also manually add your Trusted Traveler Number during the booking process.

Those approved for NEXUS can use their associated TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits immediately, but will need to wait for their physical card to arrive in the mail for use at NEXUS land border crossings or Canadian NEXUS kiosk locations in airports. That's because you'll be required to present the card to proxy card readers in order to proceed through immigrations processing.

CLEAR is ready to use as soon as you've registered your biometric data. To use CLEAR, simply go to one of the CLEAR checkpoints at the airport and verify your identity by using your fingerprints or eyes. Once that's done, you're free to move on to the security screening line.


How much do Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS and CLEAR cost?

NEXUS is the cheapest option, despite being the most comprehensive background check, at a cost of $50 for a five year duration. TSA PreCheck costs $85 and Global Entry is $100, both of which are also valid for five years.

Even though it's the cheapest, NEXUS has so few interview centers that it may be impractical for many travelers to complete enrollment. For everyone else, Global Entry is likely the best option if you ever travel internationally because the cost is so similar to PreCheck alone. This is especially true if you have a credit card that reimburses your Global Entry registration fees, making your out-of-pocket cost $0.

A proposed rule would increase Global Entry fees to $120 per five years if approved by the administration. If you are worried about this rate increase, you should sign up for Global Entry now before the price increases to lock in a lower rate.

CLEAR is the most expensive program of the three. It costs $189 per year and, unlike Global Entry, doesn't include TSA PreCheck. CLEAR members can add up to three family members for $50 per year each, lowering the per-person cost of the program. Children don't need to enroll, as the program is free for those under the age of 18. Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members are eligible for discounted rates, with free membership for top-tier elites.

Which Credit Cards Reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Fees?

There are numerous travel credit cards that will reimburse TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees up to $100. In most cases, the credit is available once every four to five years. Check your card's policy for reimbursement details.

Here are some of the most popular travel credit cards that reimburse your application fees:

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®
  • Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®*
  • Citi Prestige® Card*
  • IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card*
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  • Mastercard® Black Card™*
  • United℠ Explorer Card
  • U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card*

Which Credit Cards Reimburse NEXUS Fees?

Offering statement credits toward NEXUS application fees is a relatively new benefit that's still only available on select cards.

Currently, Chase is the only card issuer offering reimbursement (up to once every 4 years of card membership) when you charge your application fee to an eligible card including:

  • Aeroplan® Credit Card
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®
  • United Club℠ Infinite Card

Which Credit Cards Reimburse CLEAR Fees?

American Express Platinum Cards (personal and business) will reimburse up to $189 for CLEAR® membership in the form of an annual statement credit. The Centurion® Card from American Express* also offers a CLEAR® membership to card holders.

American Express® Green Card* offers partial reimbursement—up to $100 per year—of CLEAR fees. Finally, eligible Delta SkyMiles cards from American Express offer a discount on CLEAR fees—you'll pay $109, instead of the normal $189. Terms and conditions apply.

Do Children Need to Sign Up for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS and CLEAR?

The answer varies depending upon which Trusted Traveler program you are signing up for. Children 12 and under may use the PreCheck security line when accompanied by an adult who is a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry member.

Global Entry requires children of all ages to have a valid membership in order to use its kiosks at U.S. Immigration.

As part of the proposed fee increase for Global Entry, children under 18 will no longer be charged an application fee. This would be a big savings for families. Today, a family of two adults and two children would pay $400 to enroll the entire family. Under the proposed rules, they would only pay $240, which is a savings of $160.

NEXUS requires children under 18 to apply for the program if they will be traveling with their parents, but on the bright side, children will be admitted for free.

CLEAR doesn't require children under 18 to enroll and the program is free for them, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Bottom Line

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR give travelers several ways to speed through security at the airport; NEXUS also includes land and marine borders. TSA PreCheck gives domestic travelers a dedicated airport security lane. Plus, members can keep their shoes on their feet, laptop in their carry-on and 3-1-1 liquids in their suitcase as they go through security. Global Entry membership includes all of these benefits, plus provides expedited immigration and customs screening when returning from an international flight.

CLEAR allows travelers to skip the long lines for ID verifications by using one of their dedicated terminals which use biometric data. It does not expedite security screenings in the way TSA PreCheck does.

Currently, application fees are $100 or less for NEXUS, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry and provide benefits for five years. CLEAR is more expensive at $189 per year, which is why it isn't ideal for occasional travelers. Frequent travelers, however, will most likely enjoy CLEAR's benefits at airports with long lines.

Many travel credit cards cover up to $100 in application fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, so cardholders can apply to either program and have the application fee reimbursed with the right card. Reimbursements for NEXUS are less common, but still included on several popular cards. Select American Express Cards offer full or partial reimbursement of CLEAR fees each year.

Even if you don't have a credit card that reimburses your application fees, the cost averages out to $20 or less per year for NEXUS, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, and $15 per month for CLEAR. The time savings provided will be worthwhile for many travelers.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees of Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card please visit this page.