Global Entry vs. TSA PRE vs. Clear vs, NEXUS: Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Right Program for You

If you frequently travel by air, you may have heard of airport security programs like Global Entry, TSA Precheck, Clear, and NEXUS. These programs are designed to make the airport security process faster and more convenient for travelers. In this article, we will explain the differences between these airport security programs and help you decide which one is the best option for you.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. It is available to citizens of the United States, as well as citizens of certain other countries. With Global Entry, you can use automated kiosks at select airports to clear immigration and customs quickly and easily.

What is TSA PreCheck? 

TSA PRE is a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program that allows pre-approved travelers to access expedited security screening at participating airports. TSA PRE allows eligible travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case, and keep their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on bag.

What is CLEAR for travel?

Clear is a private company that provides its members with expedited security screening at participating airports. Clear uses biometric identification, such as fingerprints and iris scans, to verify a member's identity. This allows Clear members to bypass traditional ID and boarding pass checkpoints and proceed directly to the TSA security checkpoint.

What is NEXUS for travel?

NEXUS is a joint program between the United States and Canada that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to use expedited lanes at the border crossing between the two countries. NEXUS members can use dedicated lanes at land border crossings, as well as self-serve kiosks and designated airport lanes at participating airports. NEXUS membership also includes Global Entry benefits, so members can use automated kiosks at select airports to clear immigration and customs quickly and easily upon arrival in the United States.

How to decide which program is best for you?

So, the main difference between these four airport security programs is the type of services they provide.

Global Entry is a CBP program that provides expedited clearance for travelers upon arrival in the United States, TSA PRE is a TSA program that provides expedited security screening at participating airports, and Clear is a private company that provides its members with expedited security screening using biometric identification. NEXUS expedites the customs passage between US and Canada.

Consider your travel habits and see which step will add the most convenience in your life. 

Who can apply for each program?

Each program has its own eligibility requirements and application process.

Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens and citizens of certain other countries.

TSA PRE is open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Clear is open to anyone, but you must be invited by a current member or sign up for a 30-day trial.

To apply for NEXUS, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada, and pass a background check and interview. 

How much does each program cost?

Each program also has its own fees and benefits.

Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership, and includes TSA PRE benefits.

TSA PRE is free for Global Entry members, and costs $85 for a five-year membership for non-Global Entry members.

Clear costs $179 per year for an individual membership, or $50 per year for a family membership.

NEXUS membership costs $50 for a five-year membership, and can be used by the member and any family members included on the application. 

Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck

When deciding between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, consider how often you are traveling internationally.

If most of your travel is domestic, TSA PreCheck may be sufficient for your needs as it expedites security checks when entering domestic airport terminals.

If you regularly travel outside of the United States, Global Entry allows you to use automated kiosks at select airports to clear immigration and customs quickly and easily upon your return to the United States. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits in the membership so you can enjoy both perks. 

TSA PreCheck vs CLEAR

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR have slightly different roles and can be used to complement each other. 

TSA PreCheck allows you to take a shorter security line and undergo less strict screening, while CLEAR allows you to use kiosks to skip the security line completely and be escorted to the front of security.

If you were to get one, TSA PreCheck is more versatile as it is available at more airports. CLEAR will allow you to access faster security lines but without TSA PreCheck you still need to remove shoes, electronics, liquids, and outerwear. 

However, if you attend many stadium games which have CLEAR, you may prefer the convenience of using CLEAR at these events to get to the front of the line faster, in addition to using it at airports. 

Global Entry VS NEXUS

NEXUS is for expedited passage between US and Canada while Global Entry is expedited reentry to the US when returning from any country abroad. 

If you are mainly traveling between US and Canada, NEXUS will have the same benefits as you use the same Global Entry kiosks when entering US. You will also be eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits with both (make sure to enter your KTN into your reservation). 

Global Entry is available to citizens of the U.S. and 14 other countries, while Nexus is available to citizens and residents of the U.S. and Canada (and Mexican nationals).

Since Global Entry costs $100 while NEXUS costs $50, signing up for NEXUS is a great way to get Global Entry perks at a discount. However, NEXUS does require an in-person interview so look for proximity to interview locations to your area (along the U.S.-Canada border and at major airports in Canada). 

If you travel often to other international locations outside of Canada, and are not near a NEXUS interview location, Global Entry may be a better fit. 

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. Clear vs. NEXUS

You will also want to check your credit cards perks as many offer membership for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR as a perk. 

In summary, Global Entry, TSA PRE, and Clear are all programs that provide expedited travel services to eligible travelers. Global Entry provides expedited clearance for travelers upon arrival in the United States, TSA PRE provides expedited security screening at participating airports, and Clear provides expedited security screening using biometric identification. NEXUS is a convenient and cost-effective option for frequent travelers between the United States and Canada. Each airport security program has its own eligibility requirements, fees, and benefits, so it's important to carefully consider which one is right for you.