Clear is an excellent solution if you want to travel frequently and would like to forgo security lines, plus its costs are more reasonable than Global Entry; many credit cards cover application fees for this service.
Global Entry is a government program that allows members to bypass immigration lines when returning to the US after international flights, in addition to providing TSA PreCheck benefits.
Cost
Clear and Global Entry are both services designed to expedite various aspects of airport security processes more quickly. Global Entry is part of Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler Program; while Clear offers membership-based security expediting.
Global Entry requires a more extensive background check than Clear, and may exclude applicants with certain criminal histories. Furthermore, its fee of $100 every five years is non-refundable even if you are rejected; while Clear requires an annual membership fee of $189. This service can be used at over 50 airports and 21 stadiums/arenas across the US to bypass TSA ID checks directly to security.
Clear members can bypass security at certain airports by scanning their eyes and fingerprints at kiosks in the terminal, saving time at the start of their travel process. If there is a Clear pod available at their airport of travel, this can save them even more time; otherwise they still must wait in regular TSA security lines where shoes, belts, laptops, liquids etc must be removed before going through TSA checkpoint.
Global Entry may be the better option for travelers who often travel internationally, as it enables you to bypass both TSA PreCheck and full security screening lines at airports. While it costs slightly more, many travelers find the convenience worth paying extra – indeed, some travel credit cards may even cover its cost as statement credits!
Both programs require applicants to disclose a considerable amount of personal information, including fingerprints and face scans, which makes some travelers wary about whether the US government can adequately safeguard such sensitive data – with Global Entry having already been compromised in terms of data breaches in its past history.
Decisions between Clear and Global Entry depend entirely upon your own travel habits and which security steps you wish to expedite. Both options offer relief during trips while helping get to their destinations more quickly; each has unique benefits that may help make up your mind for you.
Requirements
Clear and Global Entry are both trusted traveler programs designed to expedite airport security procedures more quickly for travelers. Both require applicants to undergo background checks prior to being approved membership; however, there are some important distinctions between the two that could influence your decision about which or both programs to join.
Global Entry requires more extensive personal information and an in-depth background check conducted by the government before accepting applicants, which may be more time-consuming and stressful than Clear’s less intrusive fingerprint and eye scan verification process. Global Entry also disqualifies people with criminal backgrounds more quickly. Clear uses fingerprint verification instead, making the application process less invasive and more convenient for some travelers.
Global Entry and Clear both offer travelers ways to save time at airports, but each program comes with unique advantages. Global Entry may cost more than Clear but includes TSA PreCheck membership that may come in handy when travelling internationally; additionally, Global Entry membership can help expedite customs clearance more quickly upon returning from international flights.
If you travel internationally frequently, Global Entry might be your best bet, while Clear may be cheaper and available at more airports.
Global Entry and Clear both have annual membership fees, but many credit cards provide coverage of these costs. For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve provides a $100 statement credit every four years towards Global Entry application and renewal fees – you could also find cards covering costs related to Trusted Traveler programs such as Clear.
Benefits
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear are three popular ways to expedite airport security checkpoint processes more quickly, providing travelers with timesaving benefits and advantages at airport security checkpoints. Each option offers different timesaving benefits and advantages; but which is the right option for you? Clear is a member-only service which enables travelers to bypass ID verification lines directly into security lines; currently 43 airports support the service, while additional ones are added monthly – meaning it works with any airline and works for international as well as domestic flights.
Clear members can avoid ID checkpoints and also take advantage of other perks, like priority access to Avis car rental and exclusive hotel room discounts. Furthermore, family members can all take advantage of membership. Unlike TSA PreCheck, Clear does not require appointments so members can use it right away!
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are both well-recognized trusted traveler programs, but which one is right for you? Global Entry provides both TSA PreCheck and expedited US customs when returning from international flights, making it more expensive than Clear but may be worthwhile if you frequently fly internationally; additionally certain credit cards offer discounts towards Global Entry membership.
Clear is more expensive than TSA PreCheck, but still provides front-of-the-line privileges at select airports. Perfect for frequent flyers who wish to reduce stress at the airport while saving time, its base price of $189 annually makes this program affordable and Delta and United offer discounts through this program – while some credit card holders may even qualify for no application fee waiver!
Global Entry requires a more extensive application and background check process than Visa, with long wait times for interviews. Therefore, it is recommended to apply before departing on your first international journey in order to be approved while still within the country and avoid potential delays.
Conclusions
Clear and Global Entry membership programs offer time-saving membership programs designed to expedite airport security checkpoints more quickly, but each has distinct advantages for travelers. You should weigh your options to decide which best meets your travel needs based on benefits, application requirements, fees and deadlines; both may even allow you to cover their application costs through travel credit cards.
Both programs can save time at the airport by enabling you to bypass regular security lines for dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes instead. Furthermore, Clear is more expensive than Global Entry at $189 annually but available in more airports; cancellation of membership at any time results in a prorated refund based on how much time remains on its contract and adding family members costs $60 extra per person.
Global Entry’s application process is more in-depth than Clear’s; you must attend a face-to-face interview at an established location and submit fingerprints, photographs and documents as part of the application. Interviews for Global Entry can be found at most major airports as well as some U.S. land ports of entry.
Global Entry can be well worth its price if you travel internationally frequently. Not only can it reduce wait times for TSA PreCheck at US airports, but it can also speed up reentry into the US after overseas trips.
Global Entry can be expensive; to save money you could apply for NEXUS instead, which is available to citizens of 14 other countries and offers similar benefits at half the price – without needing an interview!
Global Entry and NEXUS membership programs are well worth their cost if you prefer avoiding long lines at airports. You can learn more about them as membership programs on their respective websites, along with their application processes and eligibility requirements.