Which one is right for you: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR?
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EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE:
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
*Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.Nobody likes airport lines. Nobody. 🙅🏻♀️ But do you know what I do like? Getting to skip those long airport lines for FREE. For me, that is one credit card perk that will always be worth it. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
So let’s break them all down! 👇🏼
TSA PreCheck
This one you have probably heard of, and you might have seen airport goers zooming through this security line! 🏃🏻➡️ TSA PreCheck is a program that expedites airport security screening for trusted and approved travelers. Benefits include shorter lines, no need to remove your belt, you get to leave laptops and approved travel sized liquids in your bags….and my personal favorite perk…you don’t have to take off your shoes. 👟👏🏻 I don’t know about you, but walking barefoot in the airport is one of the grossest things I can imagine. 🫣
To qualify, you will need to complete an online application, undergo a background check, and attend an in-person interview. When you complete the online application, you will charge the application fee to the credit card that offers this credit. Then the credit will be automatically applied to your statement! TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years, and your credit card credits typically renew every 4.5 years so you can keep your membership active.
Global Entry
Now, Global Entry is a little different. Rather than help you get through security faster, this program is designed to expedite customs screening for international travelers entering the United States. 🇺🇸 When you get back from your international travels, you’ll be able to skip those long customs lines and use dedicated Global Entry kiosks for your reentry.
To enroll, you will need to complete an online application, undergo a background check, and attend an in-person interview (we completed our interviews at our local airport!). Global Entry membership is valid for 5 years and the Global Entry credit will renew every 4 years.
AND the best part? You’ll get TSA PreCheck included when you’re approved for Global Entry! 🎉
CLEAR
That leads us to CLEAR. This is a biometric screening program that allows travelers to bypass the standard airport security lines for even faster access (especially when you have TSA PreCheck too). You might have seen their kiosks at the airport where they will scan your fingerprint or your eyes to verify your identity. 👀👆🏼 Once verified, members can then proceed directly to the TSA PreCheck or other expedited screening lanes. Whenever I have used CLEAR at my local airport, they then walk me right to the front of the TSA PreCheck line so I can move right through.
To join, you will sign up online, complete the enrollment process, and visit a CLEAR enrollment center to finish your registration. I did this the next time I was at my airport and it was super easy to complete the process at their kiosks! Your CLEAR membership is good for one year, so your credits will typically renew annually.
Cards that offer these credits
Recommended cards that offer complimentary TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits:
💳Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
💳Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
💳Chase Sapphire Reserve®
💳United℠ Explorer Card
💳IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Recommended cards that offer complimentary CLEAR credits:
💳The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
💳The Platinum Card® from American Express
Which one is right for you?
When I was considering what program I wanted to sign up for, it was a no-brainer for our travel style. We travel internationally multiple times a year, so Global Entry was the way to go for us. And we got our TSA PreCheck that way too! The process does take longer for Global Entry, so that is something to consider if you have travels upcoming that you would like to use this benefit for!
If you typically only travel domestically throughout the year, TSA PreCheck would be more than sufficient to help you speed through those airport security lines.
As for CLEAR, is it a nice perk that helps me move even quicker through security? Sure! Is it really necessary or would I spend my money on it? Not in my opinion. 🤷🏻♀️ But since a credit card got me a complimentary membership, I might as well use it!
Side note: I cannot say thank you enough for using my links to apply! I earn a commission for those applications at no cost to you, and it helps keep all the free resources and support coming! 🩷
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
