Clear vs. Global Entry: Which Is Right for You?

For any traveler, there is always one part of the trip that can bring anxiety — security checks.

But there are ways to ease the aggravation. Programs like Clear and Global Entry can alleviate worry and help expedite the process. They offer different routes to faster checkpoints at airports, but in different ways.

Global Entry expedites your return to the U.S. after international travel while Clear helps you skip the ID check at TSA security lines before domestic or international flights. Clear verifies your identity via a fingerprint or an eye scan.

Are you trying to decide between Clear and Global Entry? Here's a guide to help you choose which program is right for you.

The short answer is that Clear allows members to verify their identity using biometric scanning ahead of airport security, whereas Global Entry expedites re-entry into the U.S. after international travel.

• Clear allows you to hurry through security lines faster at 50-plus airports around the United States. It lets you quickly access identification documents and verify your identity by scanning your fingerprints or eyes. This process allows you to skip the TSA ID check and go directly to security. Membership starts at $199 for a standard annual membership.

• Global Entry offers a faster route through the U.S. Border Control and Customs process when arriving in the U.S. after international travel via a trusted traveler number. An in-person interview is required before approval, but membership allows expedited clearance via kiosks at some airports. Membership is $120 for five years.

Here's Clear versus Global Entry at a glance:

Once enrolled in Clear, you'll have access to dedicated Clear security lanes staffed by Clear Ambassadors at participating airports. They'll likely be near the TSA PreCheck lines. Here, you'll scan your boarding pass, plus your face or fingerprints, at a Clear kiosk and get whisked directly to the physical security checkpoint by a Clear employee; no photo ID is required.

This lets you skip one of the airport's most lengthy and time-consuming lines — ID verification — to get to your gate faster. You will still have to go through the physical screening line, including metal detectors and bag scanning. However, if you also have TSA PreCheck, you can head to that screening line instead.

» Learn more: Is Clear worth the cost?

Approved members who arrive in participating airports in the U.S. need to:

• Go to Global Entry kiosks before proceeding through customs and border security.

• Scan their passport or approved ID.

• Verify their identity via fingerprint.

• Complete a quick digital customs declaration form.

Travelers do all this without having to stand in long lines at customs.

You'll receive a printed transaction receipt right away and then you can head straight for baggage claim or the exit. It means less time standing in customs lines in the airport once you arrive in the U.S. Plus, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck. » Learn more: What is Global Entry & how do I get it?

Clear: $199

Clear is more expensive than Global Entry at $199 per year. However, you can cancel your Clear membership at any time and be refunded a prorated amount based on how much time remains on your membership.

For $60, you can also add up to three friends or family members to your Clear account. That way, whether they're flying with you or not, they'll have access to Clear benefits.

» Learn more: How to get a Clear membership discount through airline loyalty

Global Entry: $120

Global Entry costs $120 every five years, so where cost is concerned, Global Entry is a clear frontrunner. Plus, it includes TSA PreCheck, which costs $78. So you're getting a whole lot more for a whole lot less than with Clear.

» Learn more: Is Global Entry worth the cost?

Bundling with TSA PreCheck

An interesting wrinkle in the Global Entry versus Clear comparison is the ability that travelers now have to get Clear membership for less when bundled with TSA PreCheck membership. Due to a partnership between the two programs, travelers can now apply for TSA PreCheck through Clear and get membership in both programs for a total of $199.95 ($77.95 for PreCheck, $122 for Clear).

The price for getting TSA PreCheck through Clear is only a few cents cheaper than getting PreCheck on its own through the next cheapest provider, but you'll save $67 on Clear membership if you apply this way. Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck already.

Nonrefundable fees

Clear members who want to cancel their membership can, and if there are at least 30 days left, a prorated refund for the remaining time will be refunded. However, the Global Entry application fee is nonrefundable, even if your application is denied.

Traveling with others

Children under 12 can accompany their guardians through TSA PreCheck lines if the guardians have Global Entry, but anyone without a membership has to wait in the regular lines.

With Clear, it's easy to add others to your Clear account to reap the benefits together. Plus, any family under 18 can join you in the Clear Lane; no fee is required.

» Learn more: A guide to TSA PreCheck with family

Background checks

The Global Entry application involves sharing extensive personal information and completing a full background check with the government, which may make some travelers uncomfortable and disqualify those with criminal histories.

Clear requires less concerning applicants' info but keeps your fingerprints and eye scan on file.

Pros and cons of both

Clear only provides access to quicker identification confirmation lines at a selection of domestic airports, not physical screening lines.

You'd have to combine Clear and TSA PreCheck for faster screening across the board. But that's not only more expensive, but it's also only helpful if the TSA PreCheck line at your regular airport is consistently long or non-existent.

Global Entry, on the other hand, includes TSA PreCheck, which offers more streamlined physical screening lines at more than 200 airports. So if you apply and are approved, you automatically get expedited screening and a shorter route through customs when returning to the U.S. after traveling internationally. Plus, you don't have to take off your shoes or remove liquids from your bags.

That said, additional family members or friends traveling with you will have to apply for their own Global Entry memberships (children under 12 can accompany guardians through TSA PreCheck lines). In contrast, you can easily add people to your Clear account (even if it's for a fee).

The time required to enroll varies between programs, too. For example, while Clear membership is easily applied for online and only requires a few minutes at the airport to scan your biometrics, a Global Entry membership requires much more. It necessitates an online application, a rigorous background check, an in-person interview that may have to be scheduled weeks in advance, and a waiting period of up to 60 days.

One possible mark in Clear's favor is the complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status that comes with membership.

Avis Preferred Plus is the second tier of Avis's loyalty program and includes perks like:

• A free, single-car class upgrade upon availability.

• The ability to earn additional bonus points on each rental.

• Access to exclusive offers and promotional discounts.

You would typically need to spend $4,000 on qualifying Avis purchases or complete 10 car rentals in a calendar year to qualify for Avis Preferred Plus. 

» Learn more: TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry

Apply for Clear

As long as you are at least 18 and have one of these forms of photo ID, you can enroll in Clear.

• Global Entry card.

• U.S. driver's license.

• U.S.-issued permanent resident card.

• U.S. passport or passport card.

• U.S. state-issued ID.

You can enroll online or in-person at any Clear airport location, but you'll have to complete the process in person at an airport and a Clear pod by scanning your eyes or fingerprints to be saved to your profile. That's how security will verify it's you.

Apply for Global Entry

The program is intended for low-risk travelers who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents or select foreign nationals.

To apply, submit an application online. Then, if you are conditionally approved, you can schedule an interview at an enrollment center at a participating airport, a list of which can be found online.

You'll need to bring a valid passport and one other form of photo identification, like a driver's license, with you to the interview.

Once approved, you'll likely receive your Trusted Traveler number in three to five days, though it could take up to 90. That said, don't wait to schedule your interview if you have travel planned; depending on the airport, you could wait weeks or months for an available appointment.

Many travel credit cards reimburse the Global Entry application fee.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

The annual application fee for Clear is currently reimbursed by three cards:

Many travelers learning the differences between Global Entry and Clear often have questions about another popular Trusted Traveler program: TSA PreCheck.

Here is how TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear compare. In addition to considering the details below, keep in mind the new bundling option for TSA PreCheck and Clear mentioned above.

Frequent travelers who have access to an airport with both Clear and Global Entry services might consider securing memberships in both programs. Clear members can use the biometric capabilities to expedite ID checks in conjunction with Global Entry and TSA PreCheck (included) to expedite the security check.

This gives paying members access to ultra-fast trips through airport security.

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