TSA PreCheck vs CLEAR: Which Is Worth It in 2026?
TSA PreCheck vs CLEAR: The Quick Answer
If you fly more than twice a year, TSA PreCheck (about $73–$80 for 5 years; confirm current pricing on tsa.gov) is the single best investment you can make for airport security. If you fly weekly and hate any line at all, CLEAR Plus (about $219/year at the time of writing; confirm on clearme.com) paired with PreCheck can shorten the ID-check step at participating airports.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program run by the Transportation Security Administration. Members get access to dedicated screening lanes where you:
- Keep your shoes on
- Keep your laptop in your bag
- Keep your belt and light jacket on
- Skip the full-body scanner (walk through metal detector instead)
What Is CLEAR Plus?
CLEAR Plus uses biometric verification (fingerprints or iris scan) to verify your identity, letting you skip the ID check line entirely. You go straight to the screening area.
Cost: about $219/year at the time of writing; promotions and some card benefits (for example Amex Platinum) can reduce it. Confirm on clearme.com. Average wait: Under 1 minute for the ID verification step. You still go through standard screening unless you also have PreCheck.PreCheck vs CLEAR: Head-to-Head
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | CLEAR Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | about $73–$80 / 5 years | about $219 / year |
| Annual cost | ~$15–$16 | ~$219 |
| What it skips | Full screening (shoes, laptop, etc.) | ID verification line |
| Dedicated lane | Yes | Yes (at participating airports) |
| Time saved | Varies by airport and time of day | Varies; mostly the ID-check step |
| Airport coverage | 200+ airports | Fewer airports (check clearme.com) |
| Best for | Everyone who flies | Frequent flyers at major hubs |
The Verdict
Get PreCheck first. It's cheaper, available at more airports, and saves more time. If you fly frequently through major hubs and want to eliminate every possible minute of waiting, add CLEAR Plus on top.Cards That Cover Both
Several travel credit cards have reimbursed TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. Benefits change often, so confirm with the issuer:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve (travel credit)
- Amex Platinum (CLEAR Plus credit and a PreCheck/Global Entry credit)
- Capital One Venture X (Global Entry/PreCheck credit)