You do not need both — they serve different purposes and work together, not as replacements

CLEAR is a biometric identity verification system that uses your eyes and fingerprints to confirm who you are. TSA PreCheck is a background screening program that lets you go through a faster security line. CLEAR gets you to the front of the security queue; TSA PreCheck gets you through a shorter screening process once you reach the checkpoint. You can buy CLEAR alone, TSA PreCheck alone, or both together. Most travelers find TSA PreCheck sufficient. CLEAR is worth considering only if you fly frequently from busy airports and want to skip the line entirely.

The choice depends on how often you fly and whether your credit card or employer covers the cost. If you fly fewer than four times per year, TSA PreCheck alone saves you money and time. If you fly more than eight times per year from a major airport, CLEAR becomes more cost-effective — especially if a benefit covers it.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and lets you keep shoes, belt, and light jacket on during screening at most U.S. airports.
  • CLEAR costs $179 to $189 per year and uses your fingerprints and iris scan to verify your identity, moving you ahead of the regular line.
  • You can use TSA PreCheck without CLEAR, CLEAR without TSA PreCheck, or both together — they are separate programs with different benefits.
  • If you fly fewer than four times per year, TSA PreCheck alone usually saves you enough time and money; CLEAR makes sense mainly for frequent business travelers.
  • Some credit cards and memberships (like United Airlines MileagePlus or American Express Platinum) cover the cost of TSA PreCheck but not CLEAR.

What CLEAR does and what it costs

CLEAR uses biometric technology — your fingerprints and iris (eye) scan — to verify your identity without requiring a physical ID. When you arrive at the airport, you walk to a CLEAR kiosk, scan your iris and fingerprint, and the system confirms who you are. A CLEAR agent then escorts you to the front of the security line, bypassing everyone waiting. The entire process takes about 30 seconds.

CLEAR membership costs $179 per year for an individual, or $189 per year if you add a companion (usually a spouse or dependent). Some employers and credit cards (like American Express Platinum or certain United Airlines cards) reimburse or cover CLEAR membership as a benefit. If you enroll in CLEAR, you also receive TSA PreCheck benefits at no additional cost — the two programs are bundled together in the CLEAR membership.

CLEAR works at most major U.S. airports, but not all. Check the CLEAR website to confirm it operates at your home airport before you buy. CLEAR also works at some cruise ports and sports venues, though the primary use case is air travel.

What TSA PreCheck does and what it costs

TSA PreCheck is a background screening program run by the Transportation Security Administration. Once you are approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you enter when booking flights. At the airport, you go through a dedicated TSA PreCheck security line, which is usually shorter and moves faster than the standard line.

In the TSA PreCheck line, you do not have to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket. You can leave laptops and liquids in your carry-on bag. You go through a standard metal detector instead of an advanced imaging scanner. These small conveniences add up to roughly 5 to 10 minutes saved per trip, depending on airport traffic.

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, or about $16 per year. You renew it every five years. Many credit cards (American Express Gold, Chase Sapphire Reserve, United Airlines cards, and others) reimburse the full TSA PreCheck cost as a cardholder benefit. Some employers also cover it. Check your credit card benefits or employee handbook before paying out of pocket.

When CLEAR and TSA PreCheck work together

If you have both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, CLEAR takes you to the front of the line, and then you use TSA PreCheck benefits during the actual screening. You scan your biometrics at the CLEAR kiosk, skip ahead of everyone, enter the TSA PreCheck lane, and go through the faster screening process. This combination is most useful at very busy airports during peak travel times, where the regular line can stretch 30 to 45 minutes.

If you buy CLEAR, you automatically get TSA PreCheck included, so you do not pay separately. If you buy TSA PreCheck alone, you do not get CLEAR's biometric skip-the-line benefit, but you still get the faster screening process. The two programs complement each other but do not overlap.

CLEAR alone versus TSA PreCheck alone versus both

Choose TSA PreCheck alone if you fly one to four times per year, or if your home airport is not served by CLEAR. The $16-per-year cost is low, and the time savings (5 to 10 minutes per trip) add up. If your credit card covers it, there is no reason not to have it.

Choose CLEAR alone only if you fly very frequently (more than 12 times per year) from a major airport and your employer or credit card covers the cost. Otherwise, the $179 annual fee is hard to justify unless you place a high value on never waiting in line. CLEAR membership includes TSA PreCheck, so you get both benefits.

Choose both if you fly more than eight times per year from a busy airport and you have a credit card or employer benefit that covers CLEAR. The combination gives you the shortest possible security experience. Without a benefit covering CLEAR, the combined cost ($16 for TSA PreCheck plus $179 for CLEAR) is $195 per year, which makes sense only for very frequent travelers.

How to enroll in each program

To enroll in TSA PreCheck, visit the official TSA PreCheck website, create an account, and schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. You will need a valid passport or state ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease). The appointment takes about 10 minutes. You pay the fee at the appointment, and your approval usually comes within two weeks. You receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email, which you use when booking flights.

To enroll in CLEAR, visit the CLEAR website, create an account, and schedule a biometric appointment at an airport or enrollment location. You will need a valid government-issued ID. The appointment takes about five minutes. You pay the fee when ready, and your CLEAR membership is active the same day. You receive a digital CLEAR card in the CLEAR mobile app that you use at the airport.

If you already have TSA PreCheck and want to add CLEAR, you can enroll in CLEAR separately. Your TSA PreCheck does not change, and you will have both benefits active at the same time.

Which airports have CLEAR, and where TSA PreCheck works everywhere

TSA PreCheck works at every airport in the United States that has TSA screening — roughly 500 airports. If your home airport has TSA screening, you can use TSA PreCheck there.

CLEAR operates at about 50 major U.S. airports, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark), Chicago, Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, Boston, Miami, and Washington D.C. (Reagan and Dulles). If you live near a smaller airport, CLEAR may not be available to you. Check the CLEAR website for the full list of participating airports before you enroll.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TSA PreCheck without CLEAR?

Yes. TSA PreCheck is a standalone program. You enter your Known Traveler Number when booking, and you go through the TSA PreCheck security line at the airport. You do not need CLEAR to use TSA PreCheck.

Can I use CLEAR without TSA PreCheck?

Yes. CLEAR membership includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so when you buy CLEAR, you automatically get both. You can use CLEAR's biometric skip-the-line service and also enjoy the faster TSA PreCheck screening process.

Does my credit card cover both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck?

Most premium credit cards cover TSA PreCheck ($78 to $85 per five years), but very few cover CLEAR ($179 per year). American Express Platinum and some United Airlines cards offer CLEAR reimbursement, but check your specific card's benefits guide. Most cards cover only TSA PreCheck.

How long does it take to get approved for each program?

TSA PreCheck approval usually takes one to two weeks after your in-person appointment. CLEAR is active the same day you complete your biometric appointment. If you need security benefits before your next trip, CLEAR is faster.

What happens if I lose my CLEAR membership or TSA PreCheck?

If your CLEAR membership expires, you lose the skip-the-line benefit but keep your TSA PreCheck (if you enrolled separately). If your TSA PreCheck expires, you can no longer use the TSA PreCheck line, but CLEAR members still have TSA PreCheck included in their membership. Renew whichever expires first to avoid losing benefits.