CLEAR+® vs. TSA PreCheck®

CLEAR+® and TSA PreCheck® are programs that help travelers move more quickly through airport security. CLEAR+ uses biometric technology to speed up identity verification at participating airports, while TSA PreCheck focuses on expedited security screening.

Compare the two programs to decide whether one—or both—may 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+.

CLEAR+ is a paid membership program that uses biometrics—such as facial recognition or a fingerprint—to streamline the verification process at participating airports and venues. Instead of presenting a physical ID to a TSA agent, members can verify their identity with a facial or eye scan.

Rather than waiting in line, members verify their identification at a kiosk and then can 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. 

The CLEAR+ program is run by a private company and certified by the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents 18 or older can apply for CLEAR+.

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

• Expedited airport security: A CLEAR+ member can skip the line to check their boarding pass and ID. From there, they go to the front of the security line.

• Faster stadium and event access: CLEAR+ members also get expedited entry to arenas and stadiums nationwide. That includes certain events at Capital One Arena via the entrance at 7th and G Streets at Gallery Place.

• Travel benefits and discounts: CLEAR+ members can access CLEAR Perks for deals on flights, gym access, passport services, access to travel insurance, medical transport services and ship-ahead services for luggage and golf clubs.

• Family extras: CLEAR+ includes family-friendly benefits, allowing children under 18 to accompany a member through participating lanes at no charge and offering discounted rates for eligible adult family members.

To enroll in CLEAR+, travelers can begin the application online and complete identity verification at a participating airport location. No advance appointment is generally needed.

A CLEAR+ membership costs $209 per year.

TSA PreCheck is a government program run by the TSA. It offers expedited security screening to low-risk travelers at around 200 airports nationwide. 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.

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.

• Family perks: TSA PreCheck allows children ages 17 and younger to accompany an enrolled parent or guardian through expedited security screening, subject to TSA eligibility requirements.

The TSA PreCheck application process includes submitting information online and attending an in-person enrollment appointment to verify identity and provide biometric information for screening.

1. Apply online. Start by completing the online application. 

2. Schedule an interview. Your in-person interview at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center will include fingerprinting, identification and fee payment.

3. 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.

4. 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

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:

Yes, travelers can use CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck together. 

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. 

Eligible Venture and Venture X cardholders can be reimbursed for the TSA PreCheck portion of the bundle.²

To help you compare travel programs, here are answers to some common questions about CLEAR+ and 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 or Global Entry fee.²