One of the downsides of travel can be navigating through airport security. The process often involves waiting in long lines to have your ID checked, removing items from your luggage, taking items off your body, and reassembling yourself and your belongings when you’re done.
With Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, entering and departing the airport has become faster and less stressful. The addition of CLEAR expedited airport security membership can also help you bypass airport and other prominent venue security lines.
While the service can be expensive, CLEAR can be a time-saver for the frequent traveler.
It would be beneficial if travelers could secure such a valuable service for free or at a discount — but is that even possible? Yes! Let’s explore how to get CLEAR membership complimentary or at a discounted price.
What Is CLEAR?
CLEAR is a secure identity platform available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents 18 years or older. CLEAR membership expedites security screening by accessing your pre-stored personal biometric information, allowing you to bypass regular TSA security and even TSA PreCheck lines.
The primary function of CLEAR is to expedite you through the ID process at airport security. You do not get to skip TSA security entirely — the service expedites the ID portion of security screening and eliminates waiting in those lines.
Additional uses are added regularly, including using CLEAR to access sports stadiums for events.
Bottom Line: CLEAR does not come with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. For the best possible travel experience, check out the best cards that offer complimentary Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, then enroll in CLEAR separately.
The Cost of CLEAR
A full annual CLEAR membership, which includes expedited airport security, is $189 per year. You can add up to 3 adult family members for an additional $50 each per year. Children under 18 can use the CLEAR lane for free when accompanied by a CLEAR family member.
Fortunately, you’ll rarely have to pay the total price for CLEAR membership. We’ll cover several options to secure discounted and even complimentary CLEAR memberships later in this article.
There is no cost for an annual CLEAR Sports membership, which gives you access to select stadiums throughout the country.
Hot Tip: A CLEAR Sports member can also bring 1 free guest through the CLEAR lane at stadiums.
Where Can I Use CLEAR?
CLEAR is available at more than 50 airports, stadiums, and public venues across the U.S.
You’ll find CLEAR currently in the following cities:
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Lauderdale
- Greenville-Spartanburg
- Houston
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Newark
- Oakland
- Ontario
- Orlando
- Palm Beach
- Palm Springs
- Phoenix
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- St. Louis
- White Plains
- Washington, D.C.
To find a CLEAR location near you or one you can utilize during your travels, use this CLEAR locator link.
CLEAR membership eliminates having to stand in long TSA security lines. Image Credit: CLEAR
The ONLY Credit Cards That Offer Complimentary CLEAR Membership
At this time, there are 3 cards with the promise of complimentary CLEAR membership:
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Platinum card! (The current public offer is 80,000.)
The Best Credit Cards for Discounted CLEAR Membership
There are several ways to avoid paying the full $189 annual CLEAR membership fee.
Let’s start by looking at which credit cards offer a discount on the cost of CLEAR membership.
Delta Air Lines-branded Credit Cards
Delta has created a strong partnership with CLEAR and offers discounted memberships through its Delta-branded credit cards.
Usually, CLEAR membership costs $189 per year. However, cardholders of any of these Delta-branded credit cards will pay a discounted price of $109 per year:
You can sign up for a qualifying Delta discounted CLEAR membership.
American Express® Green Card
If you hold the Amex Green card, you can receive a statement credit of up to $189 each calendar year when you use the card to pay for your CLEAR membership.
United Airlines-branded Credit Cards
United-branded credit cardholders also receive a discounted membership. Instead of the $189 annual membership fee, United cardholders pay just $109.
Some United branded cards that offer this discount include:
Enroll in CLEAR as a United cardholder online.
Additional Ways To Secure Complimentary or Discounted CLEAR Membership
You should never have to pay full price for CLEAR membership. Image Credit: CLEAR
Complimentary CLEAR Membership
Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Medallion Elite Status
CLEAR membership is complimentary for those frequent Delta SkyMiles travelers with Diamond Medallion elite or Delta 360° status.
United Airlines MileagePlus Premier Elite Status
United MileagePlus Premier 1K and Global Services elite status members receive a complimentary CLEAR membership.
Refer a Friend
If you have an existing CLEAR membership, you can refer a friend for a free trial membership and, in return, receive additional free months on your membership.
Even if you have a complimentary membership, you may also receive offers to refer friends to receive as many as 6 free trial months.
Discounted CLEAR Membership
Frequent Flyer Elite Status
Both Delta and United offer discounted CLEAR membership to their elite members.
Instead of the $189 annual membership, Delta Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medallion members can purchase the same membership for a discounted price of $109.
United Premier Silver, Gold, and Platinum elite status members can also qualify for the same $109 discounted membership.
Frequent Flyer Program Member
Even if you don’t have elite status with a frequent flyer program, you can qualify for discounted CLEAR membership if you are simply a member.
Sign up for a Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus frequent flyer program account, or use your current account number if you’re already a member and pay just $119 per year for CLEAR.
Student Membership
Have a valid school email address and student ID? You can save big on your CLEAR membership. CLEAR student membership costs $60 per year for up to 4 years if you qualify.
Active Duty Military and Veterans
U.S. active duty military and veterans can receive a CLEAR membership for just $99. Make sure to bring your Veteran ID card or a valid U.S. Military ID to the airport (if your license does not denote it already) to secure the discounted rate.
Government Rate
Federal, State, and local government employees are eligible for a discounted rate. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Final Thoughts
Having a CLEAR membership can be a real advantage for helping you get through security quickly. However, you should never have to pay full price for CLEAR membership.
Through credit card discounts, statement credits, frequent flyer programs, referrals, and student discounts, it’s possible to secure CLEAR affordably if it’s a benefit you can utilize to make your travel more efficient.
The information regarding the Centurion® Card from American Express, American Express® Green Card, and United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
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