TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs NEXUS vs CLEAR: Which trusted traveler program is best?
Complete 2026 comparison of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and CLEAR: costs, renewal times, international customs lanes, and family traveler benefits.
On this page · 6 sections
1. Trusted Traveler Programs: Side-by-Side Comparison
Choosing the right security expedited program depends on your flight frequency and international travel patterns:
| Program | Cost (5 Yrs) | Domestic Screening | Int'l Customs | Canada CATSA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | $78 ($70 renew) | ✓ Expedited | ✕ Standard | ✕ No |
| Global Entry | $120 | ✓ Includes PreCheck | ✓ Expedited Kiosks | ✕ No |
| NEXUS | $120 | ✓ Includes PreCheck | ✓ Includes Global Entry | ✓ CATSA Verified |
| CLEAR Plus | $199 / yr | ID line only | ✕ No | ✕ No |
2. TSA PreCheck: The Standard for Domestic Flyers
TSA PreCheck eliminates the biggest pain points of airport screening: you keep your shoes, light jacket, and belt on, and laptops and 3-1-1 liquids stay inside your carry-on. Average wait times are under 5 minutes at over 200 U.S. airports.
3. Global Entry: For International Travelers
Global Entry includes all TSA PreCheck benefits plus facial-recognition kiosk processing at U.S. Customs and Border Protection entry ports. It eliminates paperwork and bypasses passport control lines when returning to the United States from abroad.
4. NEXUS: The Ultimate Value Package
If you live near the northern border or fly to Canada, NEXUS provides the highest value in aviation travel: full Global Entry, full TSA PreCheck, dedicated land border lanes, and access to Canadian CATSA Verified Traveler lines across Canadian airports.
5. CLEAR Plus: Private Biometric Line Jumping
CLEAR is a private subscription service using iris and fingerprint scans to escort you to the front of the security line. When paired with TSA PreCheck, travelers get both zero ID wait times and expedited physical X-ray screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does Global Entry automatically include TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Every approved Global Entry member receives a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that grants full TSA PreCheck benefits at all participating U.S. airports.
Can my children use the TSA PreCheck lane with me?
Yes. Children aged 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass without restriction. Children aged 13–17 can join if the PreCheck indicator appears on their own boarding pass on the same reservation.
Is CLEAR a replacement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
No. CLEAR only verifies your identity to bypass the standard ID queue; it does not grant expedited physical screening (shoes on, 3-1-1 liquids inside bag) unless paired with TSA PreCheck.
Why is NEXUS cheaper than Global Entry?
NEXUS is a joint bi-national program co-administered by CBP and CBSA. At $120 for 5 years, it includes Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and Canadian airport expedited screening (CATSA Verified Traveler).
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