Published on : 13 Mar 2026
TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR in 2026 — three programs, three price points, and right now one of them is partially suspended by the DHS government shutdown. They cost $78, $120, and $209 respectively. One includes the others. One — completely free — is barely mentioned by any comparison guide. This expert breakdown covers exactly what each program does, what it costs, who qualifies, what is happening during the shutdown right now, which credit cards pay for it, and the single recommendation that fits most travelers.
About this guide: TravelTourister’s aviation team has reviewed official TSA, CBP, and CLEAR program documentation for 2026, cross-referenced against National Traveller (March 12, 2026), NerdWallet (updated February 23, 2026), and Upgraded Points (March 6, 2026). All costs, airport counts, and DHS shutdown statuses are current as of March 13, 2026.
Published: March 13, 2026 Last reviewed: March 13, 2026 — updated to reflect current DHS shutdown status Programs compared: TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | CLEAR+ | NEXUS | Mobile Passport Control (free) TSA PreCheck status (March 2026): ✅ Fully operational — lanes running at all participating airports Global Entry status (March 2026): ⚠️ Partially suspended — kiosks non-operational at select airports — CBP using priority lanes at some locations CLEAR+ status (March 2026): ✅ Fully operational — private company, unaffected by DHS shutdown DHS shutdown: Day 27 — February 14, 2026 to present TSA PreCheck cost: $76.95–$85 depending on enrollment provider (5-year membership) Global Entry cost: $120 (5-year membership — includes TSA PreCheck) CLEAR+ cost: $209/year TSA PreCheck airports: 200+ US airports Global Entry airports: 61 US airports (international arrivals) CLEAR+ airports: 60+ airports + stadiums and venues PreCheck members: 20 million (40 million including Global Entry holders) 99% of PreCheck passengers: Wait under 10 minutes — TSA confirmed Best value: Global Entry — $120 includes PreCheck + customs kiosk + $35 more than standalone PreCheck Free alternative: Mobile Passport Control app — CBP official — no fee, no appointment, no background check
Before comparing costs, cards, and wait times, understand what each program solves. They are not competing alternatives — they solve different problems at different points in your airport journey.
TSA PreCheck speeds up the outbound security checkpoint — the queue you face on departure, before your gate. With PreCheck, you use a dedicated lane where:
✈️ Shoes stay on ✈️ Belt stays on ✈️ Laptop stays in your bag ✈️ 3-1-1 liquids stay in your bag ✈️ Light jacket stays on ✈️ You walk through a standard metal detector — not a full-body scanner
What PreCheck does NOT do: It does not help when you return from international travel. It does not speed up customs or immigration. It only works on the departure side of the airport.
Where it works: 200+ US airports, 100 participating airlines. Most major US airports and all major carriers are included.
The real-world difference: During the current DHS shutdown, Houston Hobby’s standard lane averages 90 minutes. The PreCheck lane at the same airport, the same morning, averages 3 minutes. That 87-minute gap is the clearest illustration of PreCheck’s value in 2026.
Global Entry speeds up US Customs and Border Protection processing when you arrive back in the United States from an international trip. It also includes full TSA PreCheck on all domestic departures.
With Global Entry, when you land at a participating US airport after an international flight:
✈️ Skip the standard customs queue (which regularly runs 45–90 minutes at JFK, LAX, MIA, ORD) ✈️ Use a Global Entry kiosk — scan your passport or use facial recognition, complete a customs declaration on screen ✈️ Receive a slip and proceed directly to baggage claim ✈️ Your TSA PreCheck is automatically included — use PreCheck lanes on all domestic departures
What Global Entry does NOT do: It does not help with outbound international departures (PreCheck handles that). It does not speed up international arrivals at airports without Global Entry kiosks (61 US airports covered).
The critical 2026 update: Global Entry kiosks are currently non-operational at select major airports due to the DHS government shutdown. CBP is allowing members to use priority lanes at some locations, but the automated kiosk processing that eliminates customs wait time entirely is inconsistent airport by airport right now. This is an evolving situation — check CBP’s website and your specific arrival airport before your trip.
The key calculation: Global Entry costs $120. TSA PreCheck alone costs $78–$85. For $35–$42 more, Global Entry includes everything PreCheck offers plus the customs benefit. If you travel internationally even once in five years, Global Entry is the mathematically superior choice — assuming the shutdown ends and full kiosk operations resume, which is expected once DHS funding is restored.
CLEAR+ is fundamentally different from PreCheck and Global Entry. It is not a government program. It is a private service run by CLEAR (Alclear LLC), and it solves a different problem entirely.
At airports with CLEAR, there are two parts to the security process:
CLEAR+ handles step 1 using biometrics — your eyes or fingerprints. A CLEAR kiosk scans your biometrics, confirms your identity instantly, and a CLEAR employee escorts you to the front of the security queue — bypassing everyone else waiting, including PreCheck members.
Then you still go through normal TSA physical screening. If you have PreCheck, you go through the PreCheck physical screening. If you do not have PreCheck, you go through standard screening (shoes off, laptop out, etc.).
The critical point most guides miss: CLEAR+ bypasses the identity check line — but you still physically go through security. PreCheck speeds up the physical security process — but you still wait in the PreCheck queue for your turn. Together, CLEAR+ and PreCheck are the fastest possible combination — CLEAR+ gets you to the front of the PreCheck line, then PreCheck gets you through physical screening in 3 minutes with your shoes on.
CLEAR+ availability: 60+ airports and a growing number of stadiums and entertainment venues (sporting events, concerts). This is significantly fewer locations than PreCheck’s 200+ — check clearme.com for current locations before assuming it is available at your airport.
The new CLEAR+ offer (2026): When you enroll in CLEAR+, you can now add TSA PreCheck for $79.95 — bundled together for $209 total for your first year. This effectively gives you PreCheck free as part of the CLEAR+ bundle for year one.
NEXUS is a joint US-Canada Trusted Traveler Program for travelers who regularly cross between the US and Canada.
✈️ Cost: $50 for 5 years — cheapest trusted traveler program available ✈️ Includes: TSA PreCheck at US airports + CATSA (Canadian security) benefits + expedited land border crossing ✈️ Who it is for: Travelers who frequently cross the US-Canada border by air, land, or sea ✈️ Who qualifies: US citizens, US permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents ✈️ Processing time: Longer than PreCheck — requires in-person interview at a NEXUS enrollment center
The underrated value: If you are Canadian and cross the border regularly, NEXUS at $50 beats PreCheck at $78 on cost, includes the same security lane benefit in the US, and adds Canadian border processing. It is almost never mentioned in comparison guides because it is Canada-specific — but for your Canadian audience, it is the best value trusted traveler program available.
This is the program almost no comparison guide mentions, and it is completely free.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a CBP-official app (available iOS and Android) that allows US citizens and Canadian citizens to submit their passport information and customs declaration from their phone before reaching the customs checkpoint at selected US airports.
✈️ Cost: Free — no application fee, no background check, no enrollment appointment ✈️ Who qualifies: US citizens, US nationals, Canadian citizens (visitor status) ✈️ How it works: Download the CBP official app → fill in your passport and customs information on your phone → scan the QR code at a dedicated MPC lane → bypass the standard international arrivals queue ✈️ Airports: Available at 30+ US international airports including JFK, LAX, MIA, ORD, ATL, SFO, SEA, BOS, DFW, IAH, EWR, MCO ✈️ Wait time: Typically 5–15 minutes — significantly faster than standard customs queue (45–90 minutes) but slower than Global Entry kiosks (2–5 minutes when operational)
The honest comparison:
MPC is not as fast as Global Entry. But it is free, requires no background check, and is available to anyone with a smartphone. For occasional international travelers who do not want to pay $120 or wait for a Global Entry interview appointment, MPC is the practical middle option nobody talks about.
| Program | Cost | Duration | Includes | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Passport Control | Free | No expiry | Expedited customs lane (30+ airports) | $0 |
| NEXUS | $50 | 5 years | PreCheck + CATSA + land border | $10/year |
| TSA PreCheck | $76.95–$85 | 5 years | PreCheck lanes at 200+ airports | ~$16/year |
| Global Entry | $120 | 5 years | PreCheck + customs kiosk at 61 airports | $24/year |
| CLEAR+ | $209 | 1 year | Biometric identity bypass at 60+ airports | $209/year |
| CLEAR+ + PreCheck bundle | $209 | CLEAR 1yr + PreCheck 5yr | Both programs combined | Varies |
The math that matters:
PreCheck at $16/year — if it saves you 30 minutes per security checkpoint across 4 round trips per year, that is 4 hours of waiting eliminated annually for $16. Almost every frequent traveler considers this worthwhile.
Global Entry at $24/year — for $8/year more than PreCheck, you eliminate 45–90 minute customs queues every time you return from international travel. If you travel internationally twice per year, Global Entry saves 1.5–3 hours of standing in customs queues for $8 extra per year.
CLEAR+ at $209/year — this is a premium product. It makes the most sense for very frequent travelers (10+ trips per year) at airports where both CLEAR and PreCheck lanes exist, or for travelers at airports where the standard lane is severely congested (such as Hobby during the current DHS shutdown).
The DHS government shutdown (February 14–present, Day 27) has directly affected trusted traveler programs. Here is the precise current status of each:
On February 22, 2026, DHS announced a temporary suspension of both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Within hours, the PreCheck suspension was reversed. TSA walked back the announcement — PreCheck lanes continued operating at airports across the country, with agents differentiating between PreCheck and standard passengers as normal.
PreCheck is fully operational today. The 3-minute vs 90-minute gap at Hobby Airport this week is real and confirmed. PreCheck is delivering its full value during the shutdown — arguably more value than ever, given the severity of standard lane wait times caused by 19–53% officer absence rates at major hubs.
Global Entry kiosks are non-operational at select major airports. CBP is allowing members to use priority lanes at some locations, but the automated kiosk processing is inconsistent. The program’s core time-saving benefit for international arrivals cannot be relied upon at all airports right now.
What this means practically: ✈️ If you already have Global Entry: Check your specific arrival airport’s current status before your trip. At airports where kiosks are down, ask a CBP agent about priority lane access for Global Entry members. ✈️ If you are considering applying: The shutdown has also suspended new Global Entry enrollment appointments at some locations. The program will return to full operation when DHS funding is restored. Your 5-year membership clock does not start until you are approved and activate the program — so applying now and being approved after the shutdown resolves means you lose no membership time. ✈️ Your TSA PreCheck benefits from Global Entry are unaffected — you can still use PreCheck lanes on domestic departures even while the customs kiosk component is suspended.
CLEAR+ is operated by a private company — Alclear LLC — and is completely unaffected by the DHS government shutdown. CLEAR+ lanes are running normally at all 60+ locations. This is one of the key arguments for CLEAR+ during the shutdown period: as a private service, it cannot be suspended by a government funding lapse.
NEXUS enrollment centers at some border crossing locations have reduced hours during the shutdown. Existing NEXUS members retain their benefits. New applications may face processing delays.
MPC is a CBP app-based program that requires minimal staffing. It is operating normally. For international travelers who do not have Global Entry, MPC is more valuable right now than usual — with Global Entry kiosks down at some airports, MPC’s dedicated lane is one of the few ways to bypass the standard customs queue.
This is where most travelers leave money on the table. Multiple credit cards reimburse the full application fee for one or more of these programs.
| Card | Credit Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Up to $120 | Once every 4 years |
| Amex Platinum | Up to $120 (Global Entry) or $85 (PreCheck) | Once every 4–4.5 years |
| Capital One Venture X | Up to $120 | Once every 4 years |
| Capital One Venture | Up to $120 | Once every 4 years |
| Capital One Spark Miles | Up to $120 | Once every 4 years |
| Bank of America Premium Rewards | Up to $100 | Once every 4 years |
| United Explorer Card | Up to $100 | — |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold/Platinum/Reserve Amex | Up to $100–$120 | — |
The move: Apply for Global Entry ($120), pay with a card that offers the $120 credit. Your Global Entry — which includes PreCheck — is effectively free. This is the single most recommended combination across every major personal finance and travel site.
| Card | Credit Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum | Up to $199/year | Applies to CLEAR+ annual membership |
| Amex Business Platinum | Up to $199/year | Same benefit |
| Amex Green Card | Up to $199/year | Can offset card’s annual fee |
| Hilton Honors Aspire | Up to $120/year | Partial offset |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex | Discounted rate $159/year | $40 off standard price |
| United Club Infinite | Discounted rate | Check current terms |
The Amex Platinum triple play: Amex Platinum offers a credit for Global Entry (includes PreCheck) every 4–5 years AND up to $199/year toward CLEAR+. If you hold Amex Platinum, you can have all three programs — Global Entry (with PreCheck) + CLEAR+ — for effectively $0 in program fees on top of the card’s annual fee.
Answer these three questions:
Question 1: Do you ever travel internationally?
If YES → Apply for Global Entry ($120). It includes PreCheck automatically. The $35–$42 premium over standalone PreCheck is the best value upgrade in US travel. Pay with a credit card that offers a $120 statement credit and your cost is $0.
If NO (domestic only) → Apply for TSA PreCheck ($76.95–$85). Fully operational. Saves 30–87 minutes per security checkpoint. Costs ~$16/year over five years.
Question 2: Are you Canadian or do you regularly cross the US-Canada border?
If YES → Consider NEXUS ($50 for 5 years) before PreCheck or Global Entry. At $10/year it is the cheapest trusted traveler program available and includes PreCheck benefits in the US. Note: NEXUS requires in-person interview at a NEXUS enrollment center.
Question 3: Do you fly 10+ times per year from airports where CLEAR operates?
If YES → Add CLEAR+ on top of Global Entry or PreCheck. The combination — CLEAR gets you to the front of the PreCheck lane, PreCheck gets you through physical screening fast — is the fastest possible airport experience available to any civilian traveler.
If NO → CLEAR+ at $209/year is hard to justify unless your card covers it. Use the Amex Platinum credit if you have it.
Approval time: 3–5 days for most applicants. Some applications require additional review — up to 60 days. Renewal: Available up to 6 months before expiration. Online renewal via Idemia costs $58.75.
Current note (March 2026): New enrollment appointments may have longer wait times at some locations due to the DHS shutdown. Online applications and conditional approvals are still processing. In-person interview scheduling may be delayed at select locations.
Enrollment on arrival: If you are conditionally approved and have not yet done your interview, you can request an enrollment-on-arrival interview when you land at a Global Entry airport from an international trip. A CBP officer will process your interview at the airport.
CLEAR+ + PreCheck bundle: Enroll in CLEAR+ and then apply for PreCheck within 7 days → pay $209 total for both programs in year one → receive a $79.95 refund credit for PreCheck cost.
Given the DHS shutdown context, here is the optimal combination for each traveler type:
Domestic-only traveler, 4+ trips/year: → TSA PreCheck only — $78, pays for itself in time saved at the first trip. Fully operational. 3 minutes vs 90 minutes at Hobby right now.
International traveler, any frequency: → Global Entry (includes PreCheck) — $120, pay with rewards card for $0 cost. When shutdown ends, full kiosk benefit resumes. PreCheck works now regardless.
Frequent flyer, 10+ trips/year, Amex Platinum holder: → Global Entry + CLEAR+ — both covered by Amex Platinum credits. Fastest possible airport experience available. CLEAR+ fully operational now regardless of shutdown.
Canadian traveler, regular US-Canada crossings: → NEXUS — $50 for 5 years, cheaper than PreCheck, includes PreCheck benefits in US, adds Canadian security and border benefits.
Occasional traveler, no interest in paying fees: → Mobile Passport Control (free) for international arrivals + standard lane for domestic. No benefit now compared to PreCheck, but MPC meaningfully shortens international customs queue at no cost.
Three paid programs. One free option. Different problems solved at different points in the airport.
TSA PreCheck solves the outbound security queue — the line you face before your gate. At $16/year over five years, it is the most cost-effective time purchase in US air travel, and the DHS shutdown has made it more valuable than ever: the gap between PreCheck and standard lanes is wider right now than at any point in recent memory.
Global Entry solves both the outbound security queue AND the inbound customs queue — for $35 more than standalone PreCheck over five years. For any traveler who flies internationally, Global Entry is the correct choice. Pay with a rewards card and your cost is zero.
CLEAR+ solves the identity verification step at the start of the security process — getting you to the front of the queue entirely. At $209/year it is a premium product. Amex Platinum cardholders get it for free. For everyone else, it is worth the cost only at very high travel frequency or at airports with severe standard-lane congestion.
Mobile Passport Control is free, requires no enrollment, and meaningfully shortens international customs queues at 30+ US airports. Use it immediately — tonight, before your next international trip — whether or not you have Global Entry.
The single best move for most readers: Apply for Global Entry today at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov, pay the $120 fee with your Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum, and add your Known Traveler Number to every future booking. You have eliminated your two biggest airport time-wasters — the security queue and customs — for a net cost of $0.
Posted By : Vinay
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