What's the difference between Clear and Global Entry?

Clear® and Global Entry® are popular options for regular travelers looking for a smooth, stress-free journey.

Clear lets you verify your identity using biometric data from your eyes or fingerprint. Global Entry expedites your process through customs when returning to the US.

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Read everything you need to know about Clear and Global Entry — including the pros and cons of these trusted traveler programs, and how to become a member.

What is Clear?

Clear is an identity verification process used to speed up airport security for travelers.

Instead of waiting in line and showing your documents to a TSA agent, you can head to a designated Clear line at the airport to complete your identity checks using your fingerprint or eyes.

After verifying your identity, you can go to the front of the regular airport security screening line.

You can access Clear at many popular airports across the US, such as John F. Kennedy Airport in New York and LAX in Los Angeles. It’s also possible to use this type of identity verification at big stadiums in the US.

There are a few pros and cons to using Clear machines on your travels.

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Available at 50 airports¹ No random airport security checks if you’re a Clear member Some credit cards will reimburse your application fee, or provide you with a discount	Clear isn’t available at certain hours of the day It doesn't include TSA PreCheck It costs 189 USD for a 1-year membership

Clear benefits

Clear offers a range of benefits for its members.

By using Clear machines to check your identity, you can avoid waiting in long TSA lines at the airport. You can also skip to the front of the regular security line, helping you save time on your trip.

Clear members also won’t be subject to random security checks, so you know you’ll be able to quickly pass through ID verification and security.

Everyone who uses Clear knows how it works, meaning there isn’t typically anyone holding up the line at Clear machines — and Clear attendants are on hand to help you enjoy a smooth journey.

How to apply to Clear

It’s possible to complete the first half of your application online and finish it at a Clear location. You can also complete your full application at a Clear location — it’s up to you.

Unlike Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, you don’t need to make an interview appointment to complete your application, and Clear doesn’t perform a background check on prospective members.

The final stage of your application involves a full ID check, and a Clear official will also attach your biometrics to your new Clear account.

US citizens over 18 years old can apply for Clear. You’ll need a valid form of ID, such as a US driver’s license or a US passport.

How much does Clear cost?

Clear costs 189 USD for a 1-year membership. However, Clear partners with some airlines to reduce costs for new members, including discounts from Delta® SkyMiles and United® MileagePlus.

You can also get your application fee reimbursed by some credit card companies.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a popular trusted traveler program for people across the US.

This program is run by US Customs and Border Protection. You can avoid the long airport security lines when returning to the US and enjoy an expedited US customs process when you travel from certain airports.

A Global Entry membership also includes the benefits of TSA PreCheck, another trusted traveler program. This means Global Entry members can easily pass through US customs, and also experience shorter lines at airport security.

There are a few pros and cons of Global Entry.

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Expedited US customs process Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck Receive reimbursement from your credit card company for the application fee	Every member of your family needs their own membership Interviews for Global Entry applications can often be booked up in advance

Global Entry benefits

Global Entry is a beneficial program for people across the US. It lets low-risk travelers speed up their journey through US customs, offering numerous advantages for frequent flyers.

You can use a Global Entry kiosk to complete all necessary checks when returning to the US after a trip abroad. This means you can avoid waiting in line for a US customs officer to physically check your documents.

Global Entry is available at over 70 airports across the US, giving you chance to use your membership whenever you come back into the country.²

Global Entry application process

To apply for Global Entry, you must first complete an online application form. After you’ve been approved, you need to make an appointment at a Global Entry enrollment center for a brief interview.

It can sometimes be hard to book an interview for Global Entry, particularly if you apply at a busy time.

During your interview, you’ll go through a full ID check and you’ll be asked a few questions about your travel history or your application. US customs officers will also take your fingerprints on record.

You can complete this interview process when you return from your first trip after applying for Global Entry. This is called Enrollment on Arrival, and it’s available at any participating US airports.

How much does Global Entry cost?

Global Entry costs 100 USD for a 5-year membership. Each renewal also costs 100 USD, and it’s important to remember that all members of your family need their own membership.

Which is better? Clear vs Global Entry

There are a few key differences between Clear and Global Entry, including advantages, disadvantages, and specific application processes for both programs.

	Clear	Global Entry
Advantages	Clear machines already have your data saved Available at 50 airports Children under 18 years old can come with you	Includes TSA PreCheck Any age can apply for Global Entry Available at over 70 airports
Disadvantages	There are fewer credit card reimbursement options, compared to Global Entry A more expensive option	Lines can still be long if lots of Global Entry members travel at the same time Application interviews are often booked up
Cost	189 USD for 1 year	100 USD for 5 years
Application	You can apply online and then interview in person, or complete the full application process at a Clear location	Complete an online application and then book an interview at a Global Entry enrollment center
Are application fees covered by some credit cards?	Yes — some credit card companies will reimburse your Clear membership fee	Yes — some credit card companies will fully reimburse the Global Entry application fee

What to consider before applying for a program

There are a few things to consider before applying for a trusted traveler program such as Clear or Global Entry.

You may want to think about the cost of each program. You can easily add other members to your Clear membership, and children under 18 years old can come with you through the Clear machines for free.³

However, if you choose Global Entry, your family members will need to apply for a membership of their own.

It’s also important to think about where you can find Global Entry kiosks and Clear machines. For example, you can find Clear at 50 airports across the US, and Global Entry is available at over 70 airports — so it’s a good idea to check that your local airport is included.

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Should you get both Clear and Global Entry?

You may be wondering if it’s worth getting both Clear and Global Entry to speed up your travels.

Global Entry aims to save you time at customs and immigration when you come back into the US, whereas Clear can speed up your journey through security.

This means that it could be beneficial to get both Clear and Global Entry if you’re a frequent traveler.

TSA Precheck vs Global Entry vs Clear

TSA PreCheck® is another trusted traveler program for people across the US. This program lets you go through security without removing your shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, or jackets.

Each program offers a selection of features, benefits, and limitations.

	TSA PreCheck	Global Entry	Clear
Features	Aimed at domestic travelers Use dedicated TSA PreCheck lines to speed up the security process	Expedited US customs and security process Available when coming back to the US	Uses biometric data to verify your identity Clear attendants can help you on your journey
Pros	Budget-friendly option at 78 USD Children included in your membership	Includes TSA PreCheck Avoid waiting for a TSA agent to check your documents	Reduces waiting time Clear members aren’t subject to random security checks
Cons	TSA PreCheck members may still experience security checks Application approval can take longer during busy times	Costs 100 USD Application approval can take longer during busy times Children need their own membership	Costs 189 USD Membership only lasts 1 year

Which credit cards reimburse application fees?

Many credit card companies will reimburse your Clear or Global Entry membership fee. We’ve put together a few popular options.

Clear

Global Entry

American Express® Green Card (150 USD annual fee) American Express Platinum Card: (695 USD annual fee)⁵

Aeroplan® (95 USD annual fee)⁴ American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card (75 USD annual fee)⁵ Bank of America® Premium Rewards Card (95 USD annual fee)⁶ Capital One® Venture X Rewards (395 USD annual fee)⁷ Chase® Sapphire Reserve (550 USD annual fee)⁴ HSBC® Premier World Elite Mastercard (195 USD annual fee)⁸ IHG® Rewards Premier (99 USD annual fee)⁹ United Explorer Card (95 USD annual fee, waived the first year)⁴

Common questions

If you’re thinking of getting Global Entry or Clear, there are a few FAQs to consider before making your decision.

Do you need Clear if you have Global Entry?

Clear and Global Entry are different programs that deal with different stages of security, so it can be helpful to have both memberships to complement each other.

This is because Global Entry focuses on speeding up your experience of US customs, immigration, and security, whereas Clear aids ID verification at the airport.

Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?

Yes, Global Entry includes all the features of TSA PreCheck. This means Global Entry may be a better choice for frequent international travelers.

Can you use Clear for international travel?

Yes, you can use Clear for international travel. A Clear machine will scan your biometric data so that you don’t have to wait for your ID to be checked, and a Clear assistant can show you to the front of the regular security line once you’ve completed all necessary checks.

Is Clear better than TSA PreCheck?

Clear and TSA PreCheck both have advantages and disadvantages. TSA PreCheck may be better if you only travel within the US, as it’s aimed at domestic travelers. It’s also cheaper than Clear for a longer membership.

However, Clear offers many benefits for domestic and international travelers, including stress-free, simple options for both ID verification and security.

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Both Global Entry and Clear are common trusted traveler programs — and each has its benefits for frequent travelers across the US.

Clear speeds up the airport ID verification process, and Global Entry can help you speed through US customs and security whenever you fly.

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Sources:

1. Bank Rate
2. CBP
3. Clear
4. Chase
5. American Express
6. Bank of America
7. Capital One
8. HSBC
9. IHG

Sources checked on 04.27.2023