I think we can all agree that the worst part of travel is having to go through airport security. Everything from putting your laptop in a separate bin to taking your shoes off, to doing a weird illumination sign to get through TSA, feels like a nuisance.
If you want to avoid all the checkpoints, you’re in luck. Trusted Traveler Programs and CLEAR can all help get you through the airport a bit faster and with less stress. Less time in security means more time in a fancy airport lounge with a drink in your hand or a snack in your belly. Here’s how to make it happen.
But which one is right for you? Keep reading to find out more about Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR, and other programs to expedite your time going through security.
(Plus, skip to the bottom to learn how you can score some of these programs at zero cost to you.)
First, What Are the Trusted Traveler Programs?
Trusted Traveler Programs, or TTP, allow pre-approved travelers to enjoy modified travel screenings and use expedited lanes at both US airports and when crossing international borders. Essentially, it helps you move through security screenings more efficiently while traveling. These programs are issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
There are a few different programs, but they each have different requirements, paperwork, costs, and approval times. Depending on what you need and how much you travel, you have to figure out which one best matches your travel style. So, if you hate standing in line at TSA or taking your shoes off at the airport, you’ll want to keep reading.
What is TSA PreCheck?
You’ve likely heard of this popular program. TSA PreCheck allows travelers to stroll through security without having to remove shoes, laptops, liquid bags, jackets, and even belts. Though the program is greatly popular and has garnered more than 20 million signups, travelers can get through security in usually about 10 minutes or less in most cases.
Who is TSA PreCheck best for? Most travelers. It’s a great all-around program, no matter how much (or how little) you travel.
How to enroll in TSA PreCheck:
- Choose how you want to enroll. There are three big providers that help with enrollment: CLEAR, IDEMIA, and most recently, Telos. The provider doesn’t really matter, but we recommend searching by your zip code or airport code to see which provider is the closest to you.
- Visit an enrollment center. Enrollment can take as little as 10 minutes and involves fingerprinting, processing your documentation, a photo capture, and payment. Here are the options you can bring to verify your identity and citizenship status.
- Once you’re approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number or KTN. From there you can start adding it to your airline reservations when you travel. Once you’re at the airport, you can look for the signs (and likely shorter lines) pointing to TSA PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck eligibility: US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents
Estimated processing time: Most TSA PreCheck applications are approved in three to five days, but some can take up to 60 days. Play it safe and do it at least 80 days out from your next trip.
What is the cost of TSA PreCheck? Starts at $77.95 for new enrollment. Renewal costs are about the same price.
Valid for: Five years
What is Global Entry?
Next in the ongoing debate of Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR is the highly sought-after Global Entry program. Global Entry works similarly to TSA PreCheck but on an international scale. While TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screenings when departing the US, this program allows for expedited clearance upon landing in the US.
And, you don’t need to be a US citizen to enroll in the program. With Global Entry you’ll enjoy reduced wait times, access to expedited entry, and no paperwork or processing lines.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself losing your mind in the immigration line at a US airport, this is your sign to enroll in Global Entry.
Who is Global Entry best for? People who travel internationally at least four times per year
How to enroll in Global Entry:
- First, you must have a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account. This is needed regardless of your age.
- Log in to your TTP account and fill out the application plus pay a $100 non-refundable fee.
- Once your application has been completed, US Customs and Border Protection will review it. If you are conditionally approved, you will be instructed to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Most applications are approved within about two weeks, but some can take up to a year or longer to be processed.
- Make sure to bring your passport and one other form of ID, like a driver’s license to the interview. If you’re a permanent resident, then you’ll need to bring your machine-readable permanent resident card with you.
Global Entry eligibility: You must be 18 years or older (or have a parent or legal guardian’s consent if you are a minor). You must also be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the US or a citizen of one of the following countries.
Estimated processing time: Once submitted, processing usually takes about two weeks. It should be noted that about 80 percent of applications are approved within that two-week period, but during peak periods, some people can wait for approvals for more than six months.
What is the cost of Global Entry? $100
Valid for: Five years
Extra benefits: Global Entry also comes with TSA PreCheck, so you get the benefits of faster security checks both domestically and internationally.
What is NEXUS?
When searching for the best security programs for travelers, Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR are often the top contenders, but depending on your travel needs, the NEXUS program should be on your radar, too. The program is designed to speed up border crossings into the US and Canada. Program members get to use dedicated processing lanes when traveling via car as well as NEXUS kiosks when traveling by air.
Who is NEXUS best for? Travelers who go between the US and Canada frequently
How to enroll in NEXUS:
- Go to the TTP website and submit an online application. You’ll need to provide personal information including either a passport, driver’s license, or visa number. If you’re a US lawful permanent resident you won’t be required to have a passport.
- Pay the $50 nonrefundable fee.
- Both the US and Canada will conduct a risk assessment and conditionally approve you. This could take six to 12 weeks, but sometimes even longer, but you can track it on the dashboard of your TTP account.
- Once conditionally approved, schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center.
- If you meet all requirements and are officially approved, your NEXUS card will arrive in the mail.
Nexus eligibility: US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, Canadian residents, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals.
Estimated processing time: Applications in the US are usually approved within two weeks. In Canada, some people have reported that it can take about 30 days.
What is the cost of Nexus? $50
Valid for: Five years
Extra benefits: When entering the US, NEXUS members can also use Global Entry airport kiosks at no additional cost. But, keep in mind that if you’re traveling into Canada or the US with non-NEXUS members, you’ll have to use the regular lanes. NEXUS also includes TSA PreCheck, if you are eligible.
What is SENTRI?
SENTRI may be one of the lesser-known TTPs but it might be of some use to you if you visit Mexico or Canada often. SENTRI stands for Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection program.
Consider this program when considering Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR, if you’re a traveler looking for expedited entry to the US when arriving by vehicle from Mexico or Canada. However, note that the program is mostly geared toward those visiting Mexico frequently and that’s why most of the enrollment centers are near the southern US border.
Who is SENTRI best for? Travelers who often go between the US and Mexico
How to enroll in SENTRI:
- Create a TTP account.
- Complete the online application and pay the $122.25 nonrefundable fee.
- Once you submit the application it will be conditionally approved by US Customs and Border Protection. And, if it is, you’ll need to schedule an interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Center.
- Make sure you bring a valid passport and one other form of identification to the interview. Lawful permanent residents must bring their resident cards. Be sure to bring your vehicle registration and evidence of US automobile insurance.
SENTRI eligibility: US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, and all foreign nationals
Estimated processing time: SENTRI has one of the longest processing times, usually taking around 10-12 months to process if everything goes to plan.
What is the cost of SENTRI? $122.25 and may include TSA PreCheck
It should also be noted that if you’re traveling by car, every passenger must have their own SENTRI pass to enjoy expedited processing.
Valid for: Five years
Extra benefits: Once you’re enrolled in SENTRI, you’ll also be able to enjoy Global Entry and TSA PreCheck perks, if you’re also eligible for those. SENTRI cardholders can use the Global Entry kiosks when going through customs. Keep in mind that Mexican nationals who have SENTRI will have to apply for Global Entry separately.
What about CLEAR?
So you’ve gotten to this point and are wondering, where does CLEAR factor into the Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR debate? CLEAR is not considered a Trusted Traveler Program because it’s not an official government program. Instead, CLEAR is owned by a private company.
And, while it works similarly to TSA PreCheck, there are a few key differences. While PreCheck allows you to go through a shorter security line, CLEAR helps you skip the line entirely. With CLEAR, you approach a kiosk and verify your ID and boarding pass and then they use biometric technology to confirm it’s you. Once you’re done at the kiosk, an agent takes you to the front of the line.
What is the cost of CLEAR? Skipping the line can also cost a pretty penny. While TSA PreCheck is only about $78 for five years, CLEAR costs $199 per year. If you apply for both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck as a bundle, it’ll still cost you $199 but you’ll get CLEAR for a year and TSA PreCheck for five.
One program is not necessarily better than the other, each program is not available at every airport, so choose the one that’s most convenient for you, depending on where you fly from most often.
Extra benefits: If having both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck is of interest to you, the major benefit is that when you enroll via CLEAR, you can get TSA PreCheck without an appointment. You can simply go to any participating CLEAR enrollment location and complete it in minutes.
Still don’t know which one to choose?
So which program comes out on top between Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR as well as NEXUS and SENTRI? It’s truly personal, and if you’re still up in the air, you can use this handy search engine created by the Department of Homeland Security to figure out which program is the best for you.
Are there any discounts?
While there might not be a coupon code for these programs, a lot of credit cards now provide application fee reimbursements when you sign up. In fact, you may have one in your wallet right now that can get you up to $100 back.
Getting reimbursed for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck is much more common, while NEXUS and SENTRI reimbursements are a bit harder to come by.
Some of the cards that offer reimbursement on NEXUS applications include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Aeroplan Credit Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card, and more.
There are more than 35 credit cards that credit back TSA PreCheck and Global Entry applications. Some of these include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and many more.
First, do a quick search to see if any of the cards you have in your wallet can get you the reimbursement right now. If not, it might be time to take advantage of opening a new travel credit card and score a sweet intro bonus while doing it because we all know, the more perks, the merrier.
