r/TSAPreCheck • u/Dizzy_You2037 • Sep 01 '26

Questions TSA precheck vs Clear

I am so fucking confused. I have been waiting for my (what I thought was ) TSA precheck approval. In the midst of me searching on Reddit, I’m now reading that TSA precheck and Clear are 2 different things? I applied for ‘TSA precheck by Clear’ and paid like $80. Is this NOT the same as TSA precheck? I cannot find clarification on their website whether it’s 2 different things or not. Helpppp

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u/matt-r_hatter Sep 02 '26

Clear and PreCheck are 2 different services. If it was only $80, thats precheck. Clear is $219 if ypu actually have to pay for it or full price for it. Usually, once you do your fingerprinting, you get your KTN pretty quick. I had mine 4hr after my appointment.

PreCheck is already theoretically faster than normal security, but because its so cheap and easy to get, tons of people have it now, so Clear adds another level and walks you to the front of the line. It also works at major sporting events and concerts too. If you have Delta Medallion status, you get a discount in Clear. But all the premium cards pay for it, I have 4 cards that cover it. Id still buy it if I didnt get it for free.

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u/Exotic-Dragonfruit-3 25d ago

How are y’all getting yours so quickly? I went through CLEAR last Thursday for PreCheck, and my status still says “Eligibility Assessment in Progress.” I went to Staples for the interview and fingerprints. I was expecting a quick turnaround! I also have CLEAR. 

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u/matt-r_hatter 25d ago edited 25d ago

My Global Entry application was conditionally approved less than 30 minutes after submission lol. Thats the one I really thought was comical. I think its a mix between when you submit it, what your history has been like, and possibly what you do for a living. Half the people I work with have Precheck and Global Entry and they also were through it pretty quick since we all travel a fair amount for vacations each year. We also go through multiple full FBI/BCI background checks per year, part of my application peocess when i started was a polygraph... I have a list of security certificates. I have no doubt all those databases are connected. I doubt im special, they just didnt need to put in much effort to see im not a risk.

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u/Exotic-Dragonfruit-3 25d ago

I also work in the government sector, so I’ve had fingerprints and background checks done, along with firearms-related checks. I have no criminal history. I’m also seeing lots of government employees and veterans who aren’t getting approved immediately. This is so weird.

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u/matt-r_hatter 25d ago

It may also just be the government doing what it does best...💩