What’s the difference between TSA PreCheck and Clear?

These programs aren’t interchangeable, but both can help speed up the security process.

TSA PreCheck

The government runs TSA PreCheck.



In April, the Transportation Security Administration said 89% of PreCheck passengers waited under five minutes. PreCheck is available at more than 200 airports.

You don’t have to take off your shoes, belt or jacket. And you don’t have to take your laptop or liquids out of your bag.

PreCheck allows for shorter security lines and less strict screening.

PreCheck costs $78 for five years.

Clear

A private company owns Clear.

With Clear, you can save time by skipping to the front of TSA PreCheck or regular security lines. Your identity is verified with your eyes or fingerprint. It’s available at 51 airports across the continental U.S.

Clear lets you skip the line entirely since you go through a biometric verification process instead. You get escorted to the front of the line.

Clear is $189 annually, according to NerdWallet.