TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry: Pick, Apply, and Never Take Shoes Off Again

  1. Compare what PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS and CLEAR actually skip
    20 min

    Open this entry when the four paid options blur together and a booking is coming up. Three are federal trusted-traveler programs administered by TSA and CBP; CLEAR Plus is a private subscription layered on top of whichever lane you already use, not an alternative to either.

    Copy the table below into your notes, then re-check the two figures that move — the PreCheck fee varies by enrollment provider and CLEAR raises its price often — on tsa.gov/precheck and the CBP FAQ linked here.

    TSA PreCheckGlobal EntryNEXUSCLEAR Plus
    Security laneDedicated PreCheck lane — shoes, belts and light jackets stay on; laptops and liquids stay in the bagEverything PreCheck includes, same lanes and rulesEverything PreCheck includes, plus Canadian preclearance and US–Canada land and marine lanesBiometric pod skipping the ID-check line only; the screening lane behind it stays standard or PreCheck as usual
    US customs on arrivalNot includedIncluded — facial-comparison kiosks or the mobile appIncluded, treated like Global EntryNot included
    Fee and term$76.75–$85 for 5 years, depending on provider$120 for 5 years$120 for 5 years$219 per year

    Bundles to flag: Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI each include full PreCheck benefits automatically — one application covers both sides of the airport. CLEAR bundles nothing and confers no legal status; it only accelerates the identity check ahead of whatever lane your existing membership earns.