CLEAR® Plus vs. TSA PreCheck®

CLEAR® Plus and TSA PreCheck® are programs that help travelers move more quickly through airport security. 

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

What you’ll learn:

• CLEAR Plus lets travelers skip the boarding pass and ID check line. TSA PreCheck® provides access to a separate expedited security line.

• CLEAR Plus 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 Plus.

CLEAR Plus is run by a private company and certified by the Department of Homeland Security. The program uses biometrics to offer quick entry into more than 55 airports in the U.S.

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

According to CLEAR, these are some benefits of being a CLEAR Plus member.

• Faster airport security experience: A CLEAR Plus 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 Plus members also get expedited entry to arenas and stadiums throughout the country. 

• Member benefits: CLEAR Plus 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.

People interested in CLEAR Plus membership first have to apply online. Then they complete their enrollment by visiting a CLEAR airport location, where they present their ID and have their biometrics scanned.

TSA PreCheck® is a government program that offers faster security screening in the airport. TSA PreCheck® is available for flights departing from many U.S. airports.

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 their shoes, belts or light jackets. There’s no need to remove laptops and small liquids from their bags, either.

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.

If you pay with an eligible Capital One card, you’ll be reimbursed for the TSA PreCheck® fee with a statement credit of up to $120 once every four years.²

While both CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck® can help you move through airport security faster, there are some key differences. They include:

1. Process: CLEAR Plus allows members to bypass the ID checkpoint and scan their biometrics at a kiosk before getting in the security line. TSA PreCheck® can speed up members’  time at airport security by sending them to an expedited line.

2. Availability: TSA PreCheck® is available at more than 200 airports with more than 90 airlines. CLEAR Plus is an option in more than 55 airports. CLEAR Plus is also used to expedite security screening at arenas and stadiums.

3. Organization: CLEAR is a privately owned company that’s certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Security Act. TSA PreCheck® is run by the U.S. government.

4. Membership cost: A CLEAR Plus membership costs $199 per year. The fee for TSA PreCheck® starts at $76.75. This fee depends on which TSA enrollment provider partner you use, CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos®.¹

5. Membership length: CLEAR Plus is a one-year membership. A TSA PreCheck® membership lasts for five years.

Here’s an at-a-glance look at some differences between CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck®.

Travelers can sign up for CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck®. In fact, CLEAR offers a bundle for the first year of CLEAR Plus. It includes a one-year CLEAR Plus membership and a five-year TSA PreCheck® membership for $199. 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

To help you compare travel programs, here are answers to some common questions about CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck®.

CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck® are programs that help travelers get through airport security more quickly. CLEAR Plus lets them 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