If you’re reading this, you’re tired of waiting in the TSA line. Following my tips is just not enough to suffer the wait and you want to upgrade. There are a couple options to choose from: TSA Pre-Check, CLEAR Plus, or Global Entry. You might be wondering, what’s the difference between them or if you need all of them. I’m here to help with that. Let’s talk about what each one is, first.

TSA Pre-Check

This essentially lets you keep your clothes on. No need to take off shoes, belts, or jackets. You can also keep your laptop or tablet in your bag.

TSA Pre-Check is $78 when you first enroll and it’s good for 5 years. Once the 5 years is up, it’s up to $70 to renew. The main benefit is it offers a lower wait time (although more and more people are getting TSA Pre-Check).

CLEAR Plus

CLEAR Plus, commonly referred to as just “CLEAR”, will get you through lines even faster than TSA Pre-Check so I’ve been told. Your biometrics will be scanned to verify who you are without having to show your ID.

This program is $199 per year. If you have children traveling with you under the age of 18, they can be included for free. Up to 3 adults can be added for an additional $119 each as opposed to another $199.

Global Entry

This is a program to assist getting through customs quicker for international travel. It can be used at customs on land (driving/by train), at sea (cruising), and at certain airports. It also includes TSA Pre-Check.

Global Entry is $120 and is good for 5 years. It does require an interview at one of the enrollment centers after you apply before getting approved. Applicants under 18 will have the application fee waived when a parent or legal guardian is already a member or if the parent or guardian is concurrently applying for Global Entry.

Mobile Passport Control

This is an app by the U.S. government I came across while writing this post. This is a free app to answer immigration and custom questions after you’ve landed from your international flight.  It’s at a limited amount of airports.

It’s not the same as Global Entry but could be something worth trying if you don’t want to pay $100. This article offers a good comparison between the two: Mobile Passport vs. Global Entry (NerdWallet).

Which One is Best?

We’ve covered the differences, now we’ll talk about which one is best for you and your needs.

If you don’t plan on doing international travel often in the next 5 years, I’d stick with just TSA Pre-Check. If you’re willing to pay another $199 to get through the lines even faster every year, you can add on CLEAR Plus.

However, if you don’t travel that often in general (maybe only once a year), I’d stick with only TSA Pre-Check. $78 for five years seem worth it to me even if you just take one trip a year.

If you want to travel internationally more often, Global Entry is the best option, especially because it includes TSA Pre-Check. You’ll be paying an extra $42 to get through customs faster. Again, even if it’s just one trip a year, that seems worth it.

Adding CLEAR Plus to Global Entry is an option again, if you want to get through general security faster.

I know for me, I’m currently in the process of getting Global Entry since I have a few international trips planned. I’m still debating on CLEAR Plus but for now it’s just Global Entry. I may try my hand at the Mobile Passport Control app also.

Certain credit card companies do offer a benefit for CLEAR PLUS, Global Entry, or TSA Pre-check so definitely check before paying anything.

Which programs do you use or are considering using? Is it worth it? Let your fellow overthinkers know in the comments!