Trusted Traveler Programs Guide 2026
This trusted traveler programs guide helps you choose between Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and NEXUS without paying for the wrong airport shortcut.
The right first move is not the cheapest program. It is the program that matches how you actually travel: international arrivals, domestic security lines, biometric ID lanes, or US-Canada border crossings.
Which trusted traveler program should you get first?
Get Global Entry first if you might travel internationally, because it costs $120 for 5 years and includes TSA PreCheck. Choose TSA PreCheck if you only fly domestically. Add CLEAR+ only when your airport ID-check line is the bottleneck. Choose NEXUS if you regularly cross the US-Canada border.
The biggest 2026 correction: NEXUS is no longer the $50 workaround, and CLEAR+ does not replace TSA PreCheck.
Which trusted traveler program should you choose?
Choose the program that fixes your actual airport problem. Global Entry fixes international re-entry and includes TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck fixes domestic security screening. CLEAR+ fixes the identity-check line at supported airports. NEXUS fixes frequent US-Canada border crossings, but the fee advantage mostly disappeared after the 2024 increase.
| You fly or travel | Get this first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Internationally 1 or more times per year | Global Entry | It includes TSA PreCheck and speeds up US Customs re-entry. |
| Domestic only, 4 or more round trips per year | TSA PreCheck | It saves time at security without paying for customs benefits you will not use. |
| Often out of CLEAR-heavy airports | CLEAR+ plus TSA PreCheck | CLEAR+ helps with ID verification, while PreCheck keeps you in the easier screening lane. |
| US-Canada border regularly | NEXUS | It is built for US-Canada processing and also includes TSA PreCheck benefits for eligible members. |
Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck vs CLEAR+ vs NEXUS
Global Entry is the best first choice for most travelers who may leave the country. TSA PreCheck is cleaner for domestic-only flyers. CLEAR+ is an add-on, not a government trusted traveler replacement. NEXUS is still valuable for Canada-focused travelers, but it is no longer the bargain it used to be.
| Program | Current cost | Valid for | Best for | Key catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Entry | $120 | 5 years | International travelers returning to the US | Requires conditional approval and an interview. |
| TSA PreCheck | Provider-specific. TSA says applicants can get five years of benefits for $85 or less, with online renewals varying by provider. | 5 years | Domestic-only flyers | It does not help with US Customs after international trips. |
| CLEAR+ | $209 per year at renewal | 1 year | Frequent flyers at airports where ID lines are the delay | It does not replace TSA PreCheck or government screening eligibility. |
| NEXUS | $120 per adult applicant | 5 years | Frequent US-Canada border travelers | Interview logistics can be harder, and it is now priced like Global Entry. |
CLEAR+ is not the same thing as TSA PreCheck
The accurate answer: CLEAR+ is a private biometric identity service that helps you move through the document-check portion of airport security at supported locations. TSA PreCheck is a government screening program. The fastest setup is usually CLEAR+ plus TSA PreCheck, not CLEAR+ alone.
How this guide was built
This hub relies on official CBP, TSA, CLEAR, and issuer sources for rules, pricing, family eligibility, renewal timing, and card credits. For this parent page, we are not using forum counts because official program rules are the decision-critical facts.
The real airport-day friction is simple: a traveler can pay for the right program and still lose time if they pick the wrong lane. CLEAR+ can help at the ID podium, TSA PreCheck helps at screening, and Global Entry helps when you come back into the United States.
Is Global Entry worth it if you fly internationally?
Yes. Global Entry is the first trusted traveler program to choose if you travel internationally even once a year. CBP lists the application fee at $120, membership lasts 5 years, and approved Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits at no additional charge.
- What it does: Speeds up US Customs processing when you return from international travel.
- Best for: Travelers who leave the US at least once a year or want one program that covers both re-entry and TSA PreCheck.
- Family detail: Minors can be free when a parent or legal guardian is enrolled, applying, or conditionally approved, based on CBP rules.
- Watch out for: You still need conditional approval and an interview. If nearby appointments are scarce, use Enrollment on Arrival after an international trip.
Read the full Global Entry guide or compare it directly with Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck.
When is TSA PreCheck better than Global Entry?
TSA PreCheck is better when you only fly domestically and want a simpler airport security benefit. TSA says membership lasts 5 years, with pricing varying by enrollment provider. It is not the better first choice if you expect even occasional international travel.
- What it does: Gives access to the TSA PreCheck screening lane at participating airports and airlines.
- Best for: Domestic-only flyers who take several trips a year and do not want a CBP interview process.
- Family detail: TSA says children 17 and under can join an enrolled adult when TSA PreCheck appears on the child’s boarding pass.
- Watch out for: TSA PreCheck does not speed up customs when you return from another country.
Is CLEAR+ worth adding to TSA PreCheck?
CLEAR+ is worth adding when your usual airport has long ID-check lines and active CLEAR lanes. CLEAR lists CLEAR+ membership renewal at $209 annually. It can pair well with TSA PreCheck, but by itself it does not give you the PreCheck screening lane.
- What it does: Uses biometric identity verification to move you through the document-check step at supported airport locations.
- Best for: Frequent flyers at airports where the ID podium line is the delay, especially during morning and evening business travel banks.
- Family detail: CLEAR says children under 18 can join you in the CLEAR+ lane for free.
- Watch out for: If the X-ray lane is the bottleneck, CLEAR+ alone may not save much time.
Who should choose NEXUS?
Choose NEXUS if you regularly cross the US-Canada border by land, air, or marine routes. CBP lists the NEXUS fee at $120 per adult applicant, with eligible children under 18 admitted free. The old $50 bargain framing is no longer accurate.
- What it does: Speeds eligible travel between the US and Canada and includes TSA PreCheck benefits for eligible members.
- Best for: Travelers who cross into Canada regularly, especially by land border.
- Family detail: Children under 18 must apply, but CBP says they are admitted free if eligible.
- Watch out for: If you rarely visit Canada, Global Entry is usually the cleaner first choice.
Which credit cards pay for trusted traveler programs?
Many premium travel cards reimburse one trusted traveler program application fee every 4 years, often up to $120. The best move is to use one card credit for Global Entry if you may travel internationally, because Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck when approved.
| Card | Covers | Frequency | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application credit, plus a separate CLEAR+ credit on eligible cards. | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years; CLEAR+ credit annually. | Check Current Bonus → |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS up to $120. | Every 4 years. | Check Current Bonus → |
| Capital One Venture X | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck up to $120. | Every 4 years. | Check Current Bonus → |
| United Club Infinite | Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS up to $120. | Every 4 years. | Strong fit for United loyalists. |
For more cards and issuer-by-issuer rules, use the dedicated guide to credit cards that cover Global Entry. Some issuers include NEXUS and some do not, so check the card’s current benefits page before using the credit.
Do kids need their own trusted traveler account?
Yes for Global Entry and NEXUS, but the fee can be waived for eligible minors under CBP rules. TSA PreCheck is different: TSA says children 17 and under can join an enrolled adult when PreCheck appears on the child’s boarding pass. CLEAR+ lets children under 18 join a member in the lane.
| Program | Child rule | Best family takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Global Entry | Minors must have their own account and approval, but eligible minors can be free with a qualifying parent or guardian. | Apply together when possible so the fee waiver can apply. |
| TSA PreCheck | Children 17 and under can join an enrolled adult when TSA PreCheck appears on the child’s boarding pass. | Families should still check each boarding pass before heading to the PreCheck lane. |
| CLEAR+ | Children under 18 can join you in the CLEAR+ lane for free. | Useful for families at CLEAR airports, but it still does not replace screening eligibility. |
| NEXUS | Children under 18 must apply, but eligible children are admitted free. | Strong for US-Canada families who cross the border regularly. |
- You travel internationally at least once a year.
- You want TSA PreCheck included when approved.
- You have a card credit that covers the $120 fee.
- You only fly within the United States.
- You want the simpler airport security benefit.
- You do not want to deal with a CBP interview process.
Trusted traveler programs are not interchangeable. Global Entry is for international re-entry and includes TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck is for domestic airport screening. CLEAR+ is a private biometric ID service. NEXUS is for US-Canada processing and no longer has the old $50 price advantage.
The common mistake is paying for CLEAR+ and assuming your whole security experience changes. CLEAR+ can move you past the ID podium faster, but if you do not also have TSA PreCheck, you may still end up in the standard screening flow after identity verification. For most frequent flyers, the strongest order is Global Entry first, then CLEAR+ only if your home airport makes the ID line painful.
What should you do if Global Entry appointments are hard to find?
If Global Entry appointments are not available near you, submit the application, wait for conditional approval, and check Enrollment on Arrival after an international trip. If you only fly domestically and need benefits sooner, TSA PreCheck may be the practical first step. CLEAR+ can help at supported airports, but it does not replace TSA PreCheck.
Trusted traveler programs FAQ
Is Global Entry worth it if I fly internationally once a year?
Yes. Global Entry is usually worth it if you fly internationally once a year because it costs $120 for 5 years and includes TSA PreCheck when approved. The customs benefit can matter most after long international flights when regular passport control lines are slow.
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
Yes. CBP says approved Global Entry members receive TSA PreCheck benefits at no additional cost. That is why Global Entry is usually the better first choice if you travel internationally, even occasionally. You still need to enter your Known Traveler Number in your airline profile.
Does CLEAR replace TSA PreCheck?
No. CLEAR+ verifies your identity at supported airports, while TSA PreCheck changes the screening lane experience. CLEAR+ can help you reach the front of the ID-check queue, but TSA PreCheck is what usually keeps shoes, laptops, and liquids from becoming the bigger delay.
Do kids need their own Global Entry?
Yes. Children need their own Global Entry account and approval. CBP waives the fee for eligible minors when a parent or legal guardian is enrolled, applying, pending review, or conditionally approved. Families should apply together when possible to avoid paying unnecessary child application fees.
Is NEXUS still cheaper than Global Entry?
No for adults. NEXUS is now $120 per adult applicant, the same headline cost as Global Entry. The better reason to choose NEXUS is frequent US-Canada travel, not price. Eligible children under 18 can still be admitted free under CBP rules.
When should I renew Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
Start checking renewal options about one year before expiration, especially for Global Entry. Renewal timing matters because interview availability can vary by airport. If you travel internationally, keep Global Entry active so your TSA PreCheck benefit does not lapse unexpectedly.
What is a Known Traveler Number and where do I put it?
A Known Traveler Number is the number you add to your airline profile or reservation so TSA PreCheck can appear on your boarding pass when you are eligible. Add it before check-in, then confirm that the PreCheck indicator appears on every boarding pass.
Official sources checked for this guide
| Source | Used For | Last Checked |
|---|---|---|
| CBP Global Entry | Global Entry fee, 5-year membership, application process, and minor fee waiver. | May 2026 |
| CBP Enrollment on Arrival | Global Entry interview backup plan. | May 2026 |
| TSA PreCheck | PreCheck provider pricing, renewals, airport screening benefit, child rules, and 5-year eligibility. | May 2026 |
| CLEAR+ | CLEAR+ annual renewal pricing and service distinction from TSA PreCheck. | May 2026 |
| CLEAR+ membership details | Children under 18 can join a CLEAR+ member in the lane for free. | May 2026 |
| CBP NEXUS | NEXUS adult fee, 5-year membership, and child rules. | May 2026 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Trusted traveler fee credit up to $120 every 4 years. | May 2026 |
| American Express Platinum benefits | Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR+ statement credit language. | May 2026 |
| Capital One benefits | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit up to $120 every 4 years. | May 2026 |
This guide is for airport planning and comparison only. It is not financial, legal, or immigration advice. Trusted traveler rules, provider pricing, family eligibility, card credits, and enrollment availability can change. Always verify current terms with CBP, TSA, CLEAR, the card issuer, or the relevant program before applying or paying.
How JetKonnect reviews this topic: Official sources are used for rules, prices, card credits, and program eligibility. Community reports are used only when they add real airport-day experience and can be verified with dated sources.
Keep planning your airport day
Global Entry Guide
How Global Entry works, who should apply, and how to handle the interview.
Read the guideTSA PreCheck Guide
When PreCheck is enough, what it costs, and how families should think about it.
Read the guideGlobal Entry Credit Cards
See which cards reimburse trusted traveler application fees.
Read the guideWritten for practical airport planning
Built around practical travel decisions, official rules, cited sources, and airport-specific context.
Hank Cai is the founder of JetKonnect, based in Las Vegas, Nevada. With over 75 flights since 1999 and firsthand experience at 85+ lounges across 50 airports, Hank writes JetKonnect guides around real airport decisions, official rules, and practical traveler experience. For how we research and review airport content, read our methodology. For affiliate relationships, see our affiliate disclosure.
Use the card credit before you pay out of pocket.
Many premium travel cards cover Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS. Check your card before you apply.