Global Entry ($120 for 5 years) gives you both Customs fast-lane on international arrival AND TSA PreCheck for free — best for anyone who flies internationally once every 5 years. TSA PreCheck ($78) is enough if you only fly domestic. CLEAR ($199/year) is a separate biometric service that complements PreCheck — pricier but skips ID-check lines.
If you fly at all, one of these programs probably pays for itself. Here's the decision matrix.
The 30-Second Answer
- You fly internationally even once every 5 years? → Global Entry ($120 for 5 years) — includes TSA PreCheck for free
- Only fly domestic? → TSA PreCheck ($78 for 5 years)
- Fly 30+ times a year? → Add CLEAR ($199/year) on top of either above
- Premium travel credit card holder? → All three are reimbursed by Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, etc.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | CLEAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $78 / 5 years | $120 / 5 years | $199 / year |
| TSA security fast lane (domestic) | ✅ | ✅ (included) | ❌ Different — skips ID check only |
| Customs/Immigration fast lane (international arrival) | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| NEXUS/SENTRI (Canada/Mexico land) | ❌ | Add-on apply separately | ❌ |
| Shoes/belt/laptop stay on | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Kids under 12 use parent's benefit | ✅ (no separate enrollment) | ❌ Kids need own enrollment | Family pricing available |
| In-person interview required | Yes (10 min) | Yes (15 min) | Yes (5 min at airport) |
| Number of US airports | 200+ | ~80 international airports | 50+ |
| Credit card reimbursement | Most premium cards | Most premium cards | Some premium cards |
Decision Framework
For most travelers who fly internationally even occasionally → Global Entry is the no-brainer. $120 / 5 years = $2/month. Includes TSA PreCheck. Skips Customs lines on return.
For domestic-only travelers → TSA PreCheck for $78. Pays for itself if you fly 4+ times a year.
For high-frequency flyers at busy airports → Add CLEAR on top. CLEAR doesn't skip security — it skips the ID-check line by using biometrics. At airports like ATL, ORD, LAX where ID lines are long, this saves 20+ minutes per trip.
Cards That Reimburse
| Card | Annual fee | Reimbursement |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | $100 every 4 years |
| Amex Platinum (personal or business) | $695 | $120 every 4 years + CLEAR $199 |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | $120 every 4 years |
| United Club Infinite | $525 | $120 every 4 years |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve | $650 | $100 every 4 years |
| Citi Executive AAdvantage | $595 | $120 every 4 years |
How to Enroll
- Apply online at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
- Wait for conditional approval (1-3 months currently)
- Book an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center OR use "Enrollment on Arrival" at most international airports (free, no appointment, takes 10-15 min after Customs)
- Receive card by mail in 5-10 business days post-interview
Need a Last-Minute Trip Without These?
Call +1 (833) 546-3547 — we book your travel, and remind you of ID and program details at the same time.