The short answer
Flying only within the U.S.?
Get TSA PreCheck. It's the cheapest at $79.75 with IDEMIA, and kids 17 and under come along free.
Any international trip in 5 years?
Get Global Entry. For $120 you get PreCheck plus faster U.S. customs; the extra cost works out to about $7–$8 a year over PreCheck.
Crossing a land border often?
NEXUS (Canada) or SENTRI (Mexico) is $120 and adds dedicated border lanes. CLEAR is a separate private ID service, not a government program.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | NEXUS | SENTRI | CLEAR+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run by | TSA (enroll via IDEMIA, Telos or CLEAR) | U.S. Customs and Border Protection | CBP and Canada Border Services Agency | CBP | CLEAR, a private company |
| Fee | $79.75 IDEMIA · $84.95 CLEAR · $85.00 Telos | $120 | $120 | $120 | Set by CLEAR (not a government fee) |
| Valid for | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | Annual membership |
| TSA PreCheck lanes | Yes | Yes, included | Yes, for eligible members | Yes, for eligible members | No: CLEAR verifies ID only; pair with PreCheck |
| Faster re-entry to the U.S. | No | Yes, at participating U.S. airports | Yes, U.S.–Canada | Yes, U.S.–Mexico land border | No |
| In-person step | Short visit for fingerprints and photo | CBP interview, or Enrollment on Arrival | Interview at a NEXUS center | Interview at a SENTRI center | Visit a CLEAR pod |
| Kids | 17 and under ride free with an enrolled parent | No fee for minors when a parent applies or is a member | Apply individually | Apply individually | Per CLEAR's terms |
| Best for | Domestic-only flyers | Anyone flying abroad even occasionally | Frequent U.S.–Canada travel | Frequent U.S.–Mexico driving | Very frequent flyers at CLEAR airports |
Checked October 28, 2026. TSA PreCheck fees and the kids rule: tsa.gov/precheck. Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI ($120 each since Oct 1, 2024; minors free with a parent for Global Entry): CBP fee announcement, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI. CLEAR+ is a private membership; tsa.gov notes CLEAR issues a CLEAR+ code for $134 after PreCheck enrollment. Fees change: confirm before you pay.
TSA PreCheck fees by provider
- TSA PreCheck · IDEMIA
$79.75 new, 5 years
Lowest new-enrollment fee of the three providers listed on tsa.gov.
541 sites on tsa.gov’s list
Enroll with IDEMIA tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov - TSA PreCheck · Telos
$85.00 new, 5 years
Most listed sites are inside Office Depot and OfficeMax stores.
514 sites on tsa.gov’s list
Enroll with Telos tsaprecheckbytelos.tsa.dhs.gov - TSA PreCheck · CLEAR
$84.95 new, 5 years
Evening and weekend hours, no appointment needed (per tsa.gov). Most listed sites are in Staples stores.
349 sites on tsa.gov’s list
Enroll with CLEAR tsaprecheckbyclear.tsa.dhs.gov
Fees as listed on tsa.gov/precheck, checked October 28, 2026. Non-refundable. Renewal prices differ by provider.
How enrollment works
Apply online
Pre-enroll with one of the three TSA providers (PreCheck), or on ttp.dhs.gov for Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI.
Visit an enrollment site
A short in-person visit for fingerprints, a photo and an ID check, or a CBP interview for Global Entry.
Use your KTN
Add your Known Traveler Number (or PASSID) to every airline booking to get PreCheck on your boarding pass.
Independent guide, not a government site. WalkInPassport is not affiliated with TSA, CBP, DHS, the U.S. Department of State, IDEMIA, Telos or CLEAR, and we never take applications or payments. You apply and pay only on the official sites linked here.
FAQ
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
New TSA PreCheck enrollment costs $79.75 with IDEMIA, $84.95 with CLEAR or $85.00 with Telos, for 5 years, per tsa.gov (checked October 28, 2026). The fee is non-refundable.
Is Global Entry worth it over TSA PreCheck?
Global Entry costs $120 for 5 years and includes TSA PreCheck, plus faster U.S. customs when you come home from abroad. If you will fly internationally at all in the next 5 years, it is usually the better value; the trade-off is a CBP interview.
How long does TSA PreCheck approval take?
TSA says most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number within 3 to 5 days of enrolling, though it can take up to 60 days.
Do I need an appointment for TSA PreCheck enrollment?
Each provider sets its own rules. Tsa.gov says CLEAR locations need no appointment and offer evening and weekend hours; IDEMIA and Telos let you book a time online. Check the provider link for hours.
Can I do the Global Entry interview without an appointment?
Yes, through Enrollment on Arrival: conditionally approved applicants can complete the interview when they land from an international trip at participating airports. Otherwise, book a slot at an enrollment center on ttp.dhs.gov.
TSA PreCheck sites: tsa.gov enrollment centers, last checked October 28, 2026 (1,404 sites). Global Entry centers: CBP Trusted Traveler Programs scheduler, last checked October 28, 2026. Fees last checked October 28, 2026. Tsa.gov does not publish hours for individual sites, so use the provider link for hours and booking.