CLEAR® Plus vs. TSA PreCheck®

November 13, 2025|6 min read

CLEAR+® and TSA PreCheck® are programs that help travelers move more quickly through airport security. But there are differences in their cost and the benefits they provide.

Compare the two programs and decide whether one—or both—might be right for you.

What you’ll learn:

CLEAR+ enables travelers to skip the boarding pass and ID check line. TSA PreCheck provides access to a separate expedited security line.
CLEAR+ is a membership offered by CLEAR, a private company that uses biometrics to expedite ID checks before security.
TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
CLEAR offers TSA PreCheck separately or in a bundle with CLEAR+.

What is CLEAR+?

CLEAR+ is a paid membership program that uses biometrics (such as facial recognition or a fingerprint) to offer quick identity verification at more than 55 airports in the U.S. The program is run by a private company and certified by the Department of Homeland Security.

CLEAR+ members verify their identification at a kiosk rather than wait in line for a TSA agent to check their passport or ID. Then they typically head to the front of the regular security line—but not the TSA PreCheck line. So CLEAR+ members may still have to remove things like belts or jackets.

U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents 18 or older can apply for CLEAR+.

What are the benefits of CLEAR+?

According to CLEAR, these are some benefits of being a CLEAR+ member:

Faster airport security experience: A CLEAR+ member can skip the line that checks their boarding pass and ID. From there, they go to the front of the security line.
Faster security experience in stadiums and arenas: CLEAR+ members also get expedited entry to arenas and stadiums throughout the country. That includes certain events at Capital One Arena via the entrance at 7th and G Streets at Gallery Place.
Member perks: CLEAR+ members also have access to CLEAR Perks, a range of benefits that include access to travel insurance, medical transport services, and ship-ahead services for luggage and golf clubs.

How to enroll in CLEAR+

If you’re interested in CLEAR+ membership, you’ll first have to apply online. Then you can complete your enrollment by visiting a CLEAR airport location, where you’ll present your ID and have your biometrics scanned.

A CLEAR+ membership costs $209 per year.

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a government program run by the TSA. It offers expedited security screening to low-risk travelers at around 200 airports across the country. TSA PreCheck status is indicated on the boarding pass and grants access to dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes.

U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents are eligible for TSA PreCheck.

What are the benefits of TSA PreCheck?

As a TSA PreCheck member, you’ll have access to these benefits.

Faster airport security experience: TSA PreCheck doesn’t guarantee expedited navigation through airport security. But 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
Less hassle: When members go through TSA PreCheck security checkpoints, they don’t have to remove things like belts or light jackets. There’s no need to remove laptops and small liquids from their bags either.

How to enroll in TSA PreCheck

Here are the steps to become a TSA PreCheck member:

Apply online. Start by completing the online application.
Schedule an interview. Your in-person interview at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center will include fingerprinting, identification and fee payment.
Receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). According to the TSA, you should receive your KTN in three to five days. In some cases, it can take up to 60 days.
Add your KTN to your reservation. If you add your KTN when booking a flight with a participating airline, your boarding pass will show the TSA PreCheck logo. This gives you access to the expedited TSA PreCheck line.

The cost of TSA PreCheck starts at $76.75, and membership lasts for five years. This fee depends on which TSA enrollment provider partner you use: CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos®.¹ If you pay with an eligible Capital One card, you’ll be reimbursed for the TSA PreCheck fee with a statement credit once every four years.²

CLEAR+ vs. TSA PreCheck: What’s the difference?

While both CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck can help you avoid airport lines, there are some key differences.

Here’s an at-a-glance comparison of CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck:

	CLEAR+ Membership	TSA PreCheck
What it does	Expedites identity verification using biometrics at dedicated kiosks and moves members directly to the front of the security line	Expedites screening with dedicated TSA PreCheck security lanes
Benefits	Skips the line for checking boarding pass and ID Moves to the front of the security line Additional partner benefits through CLEAR Perks	Bypasses the standard security line, using dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes Doesn’t require removal of belts, light jackets, laptops or approved small liquids
Availability	Valid at 55+ airports	Valid at 200+ airports
Use at arenas and stadiums	Yes	No
Membership cost	$209 per year	Starts at $76.75 for a 5-year membership
Family member cost	$125 per person for up to 3 family members $0 for ages 17 and under	Individual membership needed for each family member $0 for ages 17 and under

Using CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck together

Travelers can sign up for both CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck. In fact, CLEAR offers a bundle for the first year of CLEAR+. It includes a one-year CLEAR+ membership and a five-year TSA PreCheck membership for $209. Both new enrollments and renewals of a current TSA PreCheck membership are eligible. And eligible Venture and Venture X cardholders can be reimbursed for the TSA PreCheck portion of the bundle.²

CLEAR vs. TSA PreCheck FAQ

To help you compare travel programs, here are answers to some common questions about CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck:

Is CLEAR+ better than TSA PreCheck?

Whether CLEAR Plus or TSA PreCheck® is better for you will depend on your needs and preferences. CLEAR Plus can help you get to the front of the screening line faster without having to show your ID. TSA PreCheck® can help expedite the actual security screening.

Some travelers use CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck® together.

Is a background check required for CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck requires a background check, but CLEAR+ doesn’t.

What if the airport doesn’t have CLEAR+?

CLEAR+ is available at over 55 airports throughout the U.S. If the service isn’t offered at the airport you’re traveling from, you may be able to use TSA PreCheck if you opted for the bundle.

Key takeaways: CLEAR+ vs. TSA PreCheck

CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck are programs that help travelers get through airport security more quickly. CLEAR+ enables them to skip the boarding pass and ID check line. TSA PreCheck gives them access to an expedited security line.

While you’re thinking about travel, you might consider a Venture or Venture X travel rewards card. With both, you’ll earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and get up to a $120 credit for your TSA PreCheck fee.²

Footnotes

Learn more about FDIC insurance coverage.

¹Pricing is accurate as of 7/1/2025. Please refer to each respective program for current pricing information.

²To receive a statement credit up to $120, you must use your Venture, Venture X, Venture X Business or Spark Miles card to either complete the Global Entry application and pay the application fee, or complete the TSA PreCheck® application and pay the application fee. Credit will appear within 1-2 billing cycles, and will apply to whichever program is applied for first. One statement credit per account every four years, and your account must be open and in good standing when the credit is applied. Refer to the Application or Account Terms for additional details.

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