CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are separate programs, and you do not need one to use the other

CLEAR is a biometric identity verification program that lets you skip the document-checking line at airport security. TSA PreCheck is a background vetting program that lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, leave laptops and liquids in your bag, and use a shorter screening line. They work at different checkpoints in the security process, and each one costs money separately. You can buy CLEAR without TSA PreCheck, TSA PreCheck without CLEAR, or both together.

The practical difference: if you have only CLEAR, you move past the ID checker faster but then go through standard security screening. If you have only TSA PreCheck, you skip some screening steps but still wait in the regular ID line. If you have both, you skip the ID line and the screening line, and you go through a faster screening process. Many frequent travelers buy both because the combined cost and time savings add up over a year.

Key Takeaways

  • CLEAR uses fingerprint or iris scanning to verify your identity at the ID checkpoint; TSA PreCheck uses a background check to let you through a faster screening lane.
  • You can purchase CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, or both independently — neither one requires the other.
  • CLEAR costs around $189 per year for an individual membership; TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years.
  • CLEAR membership includes a TSA PreCheck benefit for some cardholders, so check your membership type before paying twice.
  • Both programs are optional; standard security screening works for all travelers, and both programs speed up the process rather than change it.

How CLEAR works at the airport

When you arrive at security with a CLEAR membership, you enter a separate lane before the document checker. A CLEAR agent scans your fingerprint or iris, confirms your identity in seconds, and you move directly to the TSA screening checkpoint. You skip the line where people wait to show their ID and boarding pass. This saves time especially at busy airports and during peak travel hours.

CLEAR is available at over 50 U.S. airports, though not all terminals at every airport have it. You can check whether your airport has CLEAR on the CLEAR website before you travel. The membership is tied to your biometric data, so you enroll once and use it every time you fly from a CLEAR-equipped airport.

How TSA PreCheck works at the airport

TSA PreCheck is a background vetting program. Once you are approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you enter when you book flights. At security, you go through a dedicated PreCheck lane where the screening is faster: you do not remove shoes, belts, or light jackets; you do not take out laptops or liquids; and you go through standard metal detection instead of advanced imaging. The line itself is usually shorter because fewer people have PreCheck than have standard screening.

TSA PreCheck is available at most major U.S. airports. You explore through the TSA website, pay the fee, and attend an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and answer background questions. Approval takes a few weeks, and your membership lasts five years.

When CLEAR includes TSA PreCheck

Some CLEAR membership tiers automatically include a TSA PreCheck benefit. If you buy CLEAR through certain credit card companies or membership programs, you may receive TSA PreCheck at no extra cost. Check your CLEAR membership documents or contact CLEAR customer service to confirm whether your membership includes this benefit.

If your CLEAR membership does include TSA PreCheck, you will receive a Known Traveler Number to use when booking flights. You do not need to pay for TSA PreCheck separately. If your membership does not include it and you want both programs, you can purchase TSA PreCheck through the TSA website independently.

Cost comparison and which combination makes sense

CLEAR costs approximately $189 per year for an individual membership. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership, which works out to roughly $16 per year. If you fly frequently — more than a few times per year — buying both programs usually pays for itself in time saved. If you fly once or twice a year, TSA PreCheck alone may be enough.

Some travelers buy CLEAR for business trips and use TSA PreCheck for occasional personal travel. Others buy both for every trip. The choice depends on how much you value the time saved and how often you travel. Neither program is necessary; standard security screening works for all travelers and follows the same safety standards.

How to enroll in each program

To enroll in CLEAR, visit the CLEAR website, create an account, and schedule a biometric enrollment appointment at a CLEAR enrollment location (usually located inside airport security areas). Bring a valid government ID and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency. The appointment takes about five minutes. You pay the annual membership fee and receive access when ready.

To enroll in TSA PreCheck, visit the TSA website, complete the online process, and schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center. Bring a valid government ID, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and proof of your current address. The appointment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You pay the five-year fee, and approval takes a few weeks. Once approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number by email.

What happens if you have only one program

If you have CLEAR but not TSA PreCheck, you skip the ID line but go through standard security screening. You remove shoes, belts, and jackets; take out laptops and liquids; and go through advanced imaging. This is still faster than the full standard process because you avoid the ID checkpoint wait.

If you have TSA PreCheck but not CLEAR, you wait in the regular ID line but then move to a faster screening lane where you keep most items on. You still show your ID and boarding pass to a TSA agent, but the screening itself is quicker. Both options work; the combination of both programs straightforward eliminates both waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use CLEAR at every airport?

CLEAR is available at over 50 U.S. airports, but not all airports have it, and not all terminals at participating airports have CLEAR lanes. Check the CLEAR website or your CLEAR app before you travel to confirm whether your airport has CLEAR service.

Do I need to renew CLEAR and TSA PreCheck at the same time?

No. CLEAR renews annually, and TSA PreCheck renews every five years. You can renew them on different schedules. Set calendar reminders for each renewal date so you do not accidentally let either membership lapse before your next trip.

What if I lose my CLEAR biometric data or TSA PreCheck number?

Your CLEAR biometric data is stored securely and cannot be lost. If you forget your CLEAR membership number, you can look it up in your CLEAR app or account. If you lose your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number, you can find it on your TSA PreCheck approval letter or by logging into your TSA PreCheck account online.

Can I transfer my CLEAR or TSA PreCheck membership to someone else?

No. Both memberships are tied to your biometric data or background check and cannot be transferred. Each person who wants to use CLEAR or TSA PreCheck must enroll separately and pay their own membership fee.

Do CLEAR and TSA PreCheck work for international flights?

CLEAR works for domestic U.S. flights and some international flights departing from the United States. TSA PreCheck works for all flights, including international flights, as long as you are departing from a U.S. airport. Check your specific flight and airport to confirm CLEAR availability for international travel.