Updated October 31, 2026

Global Entry vs CLEAR: different lines, different jobs

Global Entry and CLEAR+ speed up different parts of the airport. Global Entry is a CBP program that speeds up customs when you arrive in the US and includes TSA PreCheck, for $120 every five years. CLEAR+ is a private membership that verifies your identity at the security checkpoint, for $219 a year as listed by CLEAR on October 31, 2026. Many frequent flyers use both.

If you fly abroad, Global Entry covers the arrival line that CLEAR+ doesn't. If you mostly fly within the US, the real comparison is CLEAR+ against TSA PreCheck, or the two together.

Global Entry vs CLEAR at a glance

What does Global Entry do that CLEAR doesn't?

Global Entry is for the moment you land in the US from abroad. CBP describes it as expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers on arrival, and says members are eligible for TSA PreCheck. You apply in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) system, pass a background check and finish with a short interview with a CBP officer.

CLEAR describes CLEAR+ lanes as being at TSA security checkpoints: you scan your boarding pass, verify your identity at a CLEAR pod or eGate, then go on to bag screening. Customs on arrival is CBP's job, so that part of the trip isn't something CLEAR+ covers.

What does CLEAR do that Global Entry doesn't?

CLEAR+ replaces waiting for the ID check at security with a biometric check at its own lane, at the airports where CLEAR operates. Without CLEAR+, Global Entry members go through TSA's own ID check, in the PreCheck lane when their boarding pass shows the PreCheck indicator.

ID check and screening are two different steps. CLEAR+ handles the first one. The screening itself follows TSA's rules for your lane: with the PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass, TSA lets you leave electronics and 3-1-1 liquids in your bag and keep on shoes, belts and light jackets. That's why CLEAR describes CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck as working together.

• Family: CLEAR says members can add up to 3 adults for $125 each per year, and kids 17 and under join free.
• Discounts: CLEAR lists a $125 a year rate for military service members and government employees.
• Beyond airports: CLEAR says its identity service is also used at stadiums and other venues.

How much do Global Entry and CLEAR cost over five years?

Our math, using CBP's fee and CLEAR's listed price on October 31, 2026. CLEAR sets its own prices and they can change, so check its site before you join.

A cheaper route if you rarely fly abroad. CBP's own Global Entry page suggests that travelers who take fewer international flights consider TSA PreCheck plus the free Mobile Passport Control app for arrival.

The bundle on tsa.gov. CLEAR is one of TSA's three PreCheck enrollment providers. TSA's page says that after you enroll in or renew PreCheck online through CLEAR, CLEAR gives you a one-time code to join CLEAR+ for $134 (new enrollment) or $146 (online renewal), described as the price of CLEAR+ minus the cost of PreCheck. That bundle is PreCheck, not Global Entry.

Can visa holders get Global Entry or CLEAR?

Global Entry is open to US citizens and permanent residents, Mexican nationals and citizens of CBP's partner countries, such as India, the UK, Germany, Brazil, Japan and South Korea. Partner country citizens on visas like F-1, H-1B, L-1 or B1/B2 can apply, but CBP excludes some visa categories, including K, M, H-2A, H-2B and H-3.

CLEAR+, per CLEAR, is for people 18 and older with an accepted ID: a REAL ID-compliant US driver's license or state ID, or a passport from the US or one of the countries CLEAR lists, such as Canada, the UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Australia. CLEAR's list doesn't include every nationality, so check it if you'll enroll with a foreign passport.

Not sure which visas count? Our Global Entry overview covers who qualifies, and our guide to US border questions covers what CBP asks any traveler on arrival.

Which should you choose?

Going with Global Entry? The last step is a short interview with a CBP officer about your application, travel and record. Our Global Entry interview guide covers the questions and documents, and Global Entry interview practice lets you rehearse them out loud. If you also cross into Canada, compare NEXUS, which includes Global Entry benefits.

Visaful is an AI mock interview app for US visa interviews: an AI officer asks your visa's questions out loud and shows what to fix.

This is interview practice, not legal advice. For questions about your own case, talk to an immigration attorney. Visaful is not affiliated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, CLEAR or any government agency.