If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ve probably asked yourself whether it’s worth applying for TSA PreCheck in order to skip the standard airport security lines, and if you travel internationally on a regular basis, you might wonder if it’s worth applying for Global Entry so you can access the time-saving Global Entry kiosks when you return to the U.S.

Is getting Global Entry worth it?

Global Entry can be worth it as it saves you a lot of time and hassle when returning from an international trip. It also includes all TSA PreCheck benefits.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR® differences

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR can all help you save time at the airport, but each program has unique benefits and strengths.

TSA PreCheck starts at the lowest price point of the three options and could be a good fit for those who travel domestically to make security a little easier but offers fewer benefits for international travel or non-airport venues.

Global Entry provides the most value to those who regularly travel internationally with its expedited returns through customs and immigration. This program includes full TSA PreCheck benefits and requires you to be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident.

CLEAR uses biometric technology instead of traditional I.D. verification to speed up the security screening process at airports, as well as some stadiums and entertainment venues. CLEAR starts at the highest price point of the three options.

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR have different pricing structures, but there are ways to receive statement credits for each program and offset their costs.

Remember, you must pay for your membership with your qualifying card to be eligible for the statement credit. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry last five years while CLEAR memberships must be renewed annually.

What is better, CLEAR or Global Entry?

CLEAR and Global Entry are very different programs because CLEAR saves you time going through security screenings, while Global Entry saves you time at customs and immigration upon arrival in the U.S. after traveling internationally.

Which cards offer TSA PreCheck/Global Entry statement credits

Here's a sampling of some popular travel credit cards that offer statement credits for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees. Though each of these cards has an annual fee, this travel perk can help offset it — not to mention all the additional rewards you can earn using these cards regularly.

5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

N/A for purchases and balance transfers

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

Unlimited 2X miles on all eligible purchases, and 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booked via Capital One Travel portal

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

2x miles per $1 spent on United purchases, dining and hotel stays; 1x mile on all other purchases

Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Rewards totals incorporate the miles earned from the welcome bonus

Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus

On the American Express secure site

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits are commonly worth up to $120 or $85, respectively, and they are typically offered every four or five years, depending on which card you have. You receive the statement credit after you submit and pay for an application, and it can take a few weeks to see the cost credited to your account.

You can bundle with a 5-year TSA PreCheck membership for the same $199 cost. Military and government employee discounts available. Discounts available for select airline loyalty program members.

CLEAR® is a newer addition to accelerating airport security screenings. CLEAR uses your eyes and fingertips rather than traditional IDs to verify your identity when you travel. The most expensive program of the three, CLEAR costs $199 for an annual membership that does not include TSA PreCheck. However, you can also enroll in a CLEAR Plus membership bundled with TSA PreCheck.

New CLEAR Plus members only have to pay $199 for the TSA PreCheck bundle for the first year ($77.95 for your TSA PreCheck application and a discounted $121.05 CLEAR Plus membership), so you're essentially getting your TSA PreCheck application fee waived. After the first year, your CLEAR Plus membership automatically renews at $199 annually.

If you're renewing your TSA PreCheck membership and you don't have a CLEAR Plus membership, you can get the same discounted price, $199 for the first year ($68.95 for a 5-year online renewal of TSA PreCheck membership, and $130.05 for your first year of CLEAR Plus).

With CLEAR, you can add up to three adult family members for only $119 per year each. Kids under 18 are free and don't need to enroll. Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members with status can often receive CLEAR discounts. CLEAR also offers discounts for military service members and government employees.

To apply, you sign up online and complete an in-person biometric scan. Once you are approved to use CLEAR, your experience going through security at the airport is pretty seamless. You report directly to a CLEAR kiosk and scan your fingerprints or eyes. A representative then escorts you to a security checkpoint.

For sports and music fans, the membership also grants you CLEAR Sports, which allows you to skip the security line when attending many major stadiums and entertainment venues throughout the country, including Staples Center and Madison Square Garden.

Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?

Global Entry members automatically receive TSA PreCheck expedited security benefits as part of their membership.

Which is better: Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?

Trying to decide between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck? What you really need to do is ask yourself how often you plan to travel internationally.

If the majority of your travel is within the United States, TSA PreCheck is probably the better choice for you. Once you’re enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you’ll be able to use your Trusted Traveler status to access expedited security lines at over 200 airports in the United States.

If you regularly travel outside of the United States, you should consider Global Entry, which will include TSA PreCheck anyway. Not only will you get all of the benefits of TSA PreCheck, but you’ll also be able to access an expedited customs process when you return to the United States after traveling abroad.

This chart can help you break down their differences and similarities:

If you’re still not sure, the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Program website can help you figure out which Trusted Traveler program is best for you.

Compare travel insurance options

As of Oct. 1, 2024, children under 18 years old won't pay an application fee when the parent/guardian is a member of a valid trusted traveler program (Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS) or is applying at the same time.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. after traveling internationally. It basically means getting in the express line at customs and immigration, which can save you time and a potential headache after a long trip.

To apply, you must submit an application, pay a non-refundable $120 fee and complete an in-person interview. If approved, your five-year membership includes both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck in the U.S. Those 18 or younger get their fee waived if their parent or guardian is already a member.

To qualify for Global Entry, you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident. Residents of select countries can also qualify, and you can learn more about international application requirements. Applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian's consent to participate in Global Entry. Learn more about eligibility for Global Entry, and be sure to check out CNBC Select's guide on how to apply for Global Entry.