TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR: What's the difference?

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If there's one thing everyone can agree on about flying, it's that nobody likes a long security line at the airport. Thankfully, when it comes to paying a little extra to skip the crowds, there are a few options to choose from.

Statement credits for CLEAR®, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees (of up to $100 every four years) have become a standard benefit of many travel rewards cards. Between this and the option to sign up for a TSA PreCheck® and CLEAR Plus bundle, the decision of which program to choose for expedited security at the airport can be a difficult one to make.

If you travel often, these are great benefits that can save you both time and money — but which program does what?

Below, CNBC Select reviews the difference between each travel perk — TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR.

If you rarely travel abroad and don't want to pay for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck is $78 for a five-year membership and gives you expedited security checks at more than 200 select airports in the U.S. If you don't have a U.S. passport, this is the best option.

For anyone who has experienced TSA PreCheck, the process is also less invasive than the standard security screenings. You don't have to remove your shoes, belt, light jacket, laptop or TSA-approved liquids.

To apply, you have to submit an online application and then schedule a 10-minute in-person appointment at one of the many enrollment centers. The appointment includes a background check and fingerprinting.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. after traveling internationally. It basically means getting in the express line at customs and immigration, which can save you time and a potential headache after a long trip.

To apply, you must submit an application, pay a non-refundable $100 fee and complete an in-person interview. If you're approved, your five-year membership includes both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck in the U.S.

To qualify for Global Entry, you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident. Residents of select countries can also qualify, and you can learn more about international application requirements. Applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian's consent to participate in Global Entry. Learn more about eligibility for Global Entry, and be sure to check out Select's how to apply for Global Entry.

Here's a sampling of some popular travel credit cards that waive the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees. Though each of these cards has an annual fee, this travel perk can help offset it — not to mention all the additional rewards you can earn using these cards regularly.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits are worth up to $100 or $78, respectively, and they are typically offered every four or five years, depending on which card you have. You receive the statement credit after you submit and pay for an application, and it can take a few weeks to see the cost credited to your account.

CLEAR® is the newest addition to accelerating airport security screenings. CLEAR uses your eyes and fingertips rather than traditional IDs to verify your identity when you travel. The most expensive program of the three, CLEAR costs $189 for an annual membership that does not include TSA PreCheck. However, you can also enroll in a CLEAR Plus membership bundled with TSA PreCheck.

For new CLEAR Plus members, you only have to pay $199.95 for the bundle the first year ($77.95 for your TSA PreCheck application and a discounted $122 CLEAR Plus membership). After the first year, your CLEAR Plus membership automatically renews at $189 annually.

If you're renewing your TSA PreCheck membership and you don't have a CLEAR Plus membership, you'd only have to pay $190.95 ($68.95 for a 5-year online renewal of TSA PreCheck membership, and $122 for your first year of CLEAR Plus). However, this deal only applies to online renewals — if you renew in person, you have to pay $199.95.

With CLEAR, you can add up to three adult family members for only $50/year each. Kids under 18 are free and don't need to enroll. Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members with status can often receive CLEAR discounts.

To apply, you sign up online and complete an in-person biometric scan. Once you are approved to use CLEAR, your experience going through security at the airport is pretty seamless. You report directly to a CLEAR kiosk and scan your fingerprints or eyes. A representative then escorts you to a security checkpoint.

For sports and music fans, the membership also grants you CLEAR Sports, which allows you to skip the security line when attending many major stadiums and entertainment venues throughout the country, including Staples Center and Madison Square Garden.

Right now, two cards offer statement credits toward the CLEAR® Plus membership fee. With the American Express® Green Card, you can receive up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year toward a membership. Terms apply.

This credit can help offset the Green Card's $150 annual fee (see rates and fees) while you get to enjoy a discounted CLEAR® Plus membership. American Express® Green Card cardholders also earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible travel, transit and at restaurants worldwide and 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.

Additionally, new cardholders who apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express can use their card to get up to $189 in statement credits back per year on their CLEAR® Plus membership when they pay for membership with their Platinum card (subject to auto-renewal). This benefit is also available to those with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Terms apply.

Meanwhile, all Delta SkyMiles American Express and some co-branded United card members can get CLEAR® at a discounted rate of $149 per year ($40 off).

You don't have to be a jet-setter to benefit from any of these three travel programs.

Even if you only fly a few times a year, the hassle of waiting in airport security lines is often enough to justify enrolling in one of them.

Overall, it's generally recommended that you apply for Global Entry rather than TSA PreCheck (as long as you have a U.S. passport). Global Entry, which grants members expedited entry back into the U.S. after traveling internationally, is a five-year membership that also gives you access to TSA PreCheck, for just $22 more.

Although CLEAR offers the added entertainment access perk, its membership cost is substantially higher and you have to regularly fly through one of the 40+ U.S. airports it serves to really benefit. Otherwise, you will still need to purchase TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to have shorter security lines when traveling.

Whichever route you choose, these three programs are designed to minimize the amount of time spent waiting in queues, which is a pretty nice travel perk no matter where you are headed.

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every travel guide is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

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For rates and fees for the American Express Green Card, click here

For rates and fees for the Platinum Card® from American Express, click here

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For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here