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The 14 Best Credit Cards for CLEAR Membership — Expedited Airport Security [October 2024]

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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 security lines at the airport and other prominent venues.

While the service can be costly, CLEAR can be a timesaver for frequent travelers. This valuable service can be obtained for free or at a discount. Let’s explore how to obtain a CLEAR membership for free or at a discounted price.

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*All information about the American Express® Green Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Card Summary

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Card 

Welcome Offer and Annual Fee

CLEAR Benefits

The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • 80,000 points

    The Platinum Card® from American Express

    Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $695 (rates & fees)

Up to $199 statement credit per year toward a CLEAR Plus membership

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
  • ELEVATED OFFER150,000 points

    The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

    Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • $695 (rates & fees)

Up to $199 statement credit per year toward a CLEAR Plus membership

American Express® Green Card*

  • 40,000 points

    American Express® Green Card

    Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express® Green Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $150

Up to $199 statement credit per year toward a CLEAR Plus membership

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*

  • 175,000 points

    Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

    Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership
  • $550

Up to $199 statement credit per year toward a CLEAR Plus membership

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
  • 50,000 miles

    Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

    Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (rates & fees)

CLEAR membership discounted price of $159 per year

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
  • 60,000 miles

    Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

    Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (rates & fees)

CLEAR membership discounted price of $159 per year

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
  • 60,000 miles

    Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

    Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $350 (rates & fees)

CLEAR membership discounted price of $159 per year

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
  • 70,000 miles

    Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

    Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $350 (rates & fees)

CLEAR membership discounted price of $159 per year

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
  • 70,000 miles

    Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

    Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $650 (rates & fees)

CLEAR membership discounted price of $159 per year

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
  • 80,000 miles

    Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

    Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $650 (rates & fees)

CLEAR membership discounted price of $159 per year

United Club℠ Infinite Card
  • LIMITED TIME OFFER90,000 miles

    United Club℠ Infinite Card

    Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $525

CLEAR membership discounted price of $159 per year

United Club℠ Business Card
  • 50,000 miles

    United Club℠ Business Card

    Earn 50,000 bonus miles + 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • $450

CLEAR membership discounted price of $159 per year

United℠ Business Card
  • 75,000 miles

    United℠ Business Card

    Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99

CLEAR membership discounted price of $159 per year

United℠ Explorer Card
  • LIMITED TIME OFFER60,000 miles

    United℠ Explorer Card

    Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

CLEAR membership discounted price of $159 per year

*All information about the American Express® Green Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

What Is CLEAR?

CLEAR is a secure identity platform available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents 18 years or older. A CLEAR membership expedites security screening by accessing your stored personal biometric information, bypassing 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, but 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.

How Does CLEAR Enrollment Work?

Enrolling in CLEAR is very easy. You can start the process on the CLEAR website by answering a few short questions and paying your membership fee.

On your next trip, make your way to the CLEAR area before security to finish your enrollment. Once there, an agent will finalize your setup by scanning your documents and adding your biometric data (scanning your eyes and fingerprints) to your account.

After that, you will be all set to use CLEAR each time you travel through an airport where it’s available.

What Are the Benefits of a CLEAR Membership?

The biggest benefit of CLEAR is that it allows you to skip the lines completely at airport security.

Instead of waiting in long lines at general security for a TSA agent to verify your ID and boarding pass, you can quickly scan your boarding pass and biometrics at a CLEAR pod and then be escorted to the front of security by a CLEAR agent. Plus, if you have TSA PreCheck, having CLEAR allows you to skip to the front of that line, too.

In addition to airports, CLEAR is available at many stadium locations, allowing you to enter sporting events, concerts, and more much faster than you would otherwise.

The Cost of CLEAR

A full annual CLEAR membership, which includes expedited airport security, is $199 per year. Up to 3 adult family members can be added for an additional $99 each per year. Children under 18 can use the CLEAR lane for free when accompanied by a CLEAR family member.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to avoid paying full price for CLEAR membership. In this article, we’ll cover several options to secure discounted and even complimentary CLEAR memberships.

An annual CLEAR Sports membership, which gives you access to select stadiums throughout the country, is free.

Hot Tip:

A CLEAR Sports member can also bring 1 free guest through the CLEAR lane at stadiums.

Is CLEAR Worth the Cost?

If you travel often, CLEAR is very likely to be worth the price tag based on how much time it can save you at airports.

Given that general security lines can, at times, be over an hour long, being able to skip these lines and head straight through security saves you both time and sanity on hectic travel days.

If you’re wondering if CLEAR is worth it if you already have TSA PreCheck, remember that TSA PreCheck lines can get quite long, too, or not be open at all if the airport is short-staffed. In this case, having both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck ensures you will always have as short a wait as possible.

That said, depending on your credit card, you might not need to pay for an annual CLEAR membership at all.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR Plus

With so many priority security programs available, you might be confused about what the difference is between them all. Here’s a quick overview of the value proposition of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR Plus.

TSA PreCheck is a program that gives you a priority security experience at over 200 U.S. airports. Not only are the TSA PreCheck lines shorter than general security, but those with TSA PreCheck also do not have to remove their shoes, belts, light jackets, or laptops from their bags, so the overall experience is far faster than normal airport security. The price of TSA PreCheck is $85, and your membership is good for 5 years, but many travel credit cards will cover this fee for you.

Global Entry gives you an expedited customs experience when returning home to the U.S. after traveling internationally. Instead of standing in a long customs line after your flight lands, you simply scan your credentials at a kiosk, then tell the agent if you have anything to declare, and head on your way. The price of Global Entry is $120 (as of October 1, 2024), includes TSA PreCheck, and is good for 5 years. But you can get the fee covered with many credit cards.

Lastly, CLEAR Plus allows you to bypass the ID verification and skip to the front of the security line, including both the general security line and the TSA PreCheck security line. It also includes faster entrance into stadiums and areas that participate in the program. The price for CLEAR Plus is $199 per year.

The Only 4 Credit Cards That Offer Complimentary CLEAR Plus Membership

Just 4 cards offer up to a $199 annual statement credit for a complimentary CLEAR Plus membership: Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, Amex Green card, and Hilton Aspire card.

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points
$1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Cons
  • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Card Highlights
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

ELEVATED OFFER
The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 points
$3,300
$695
18.74% - 27.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
  • Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
  • Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
Cons
  • High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
  • Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Card Highlights
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • $695 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 18.74% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

American Express® Green Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.

All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express® Green Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
40,000 points
$880
$150
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The American Express® Green Card is an excellent all-around travel rewards card thanks to earning 3x Membership Rewards® points on eligible travel and transit purchases and at restaurants, access to American Express transfer partners, and a reasonable annual fee.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide, on all eligible travel purchases, and transit purchases
  • Up to $199 per calendar year in statement credits after you pay for a CLEAR® Plus membership with the Card.
  • Up to $100 in statement credits annually when you purchase airport lounge access through LoungeBuddy with the Card.
Cons
  • $150 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express® Green Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel, including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases, including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
  • $199 CLEAR Plus Credit: Receive up to $199 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the American Express® Green Card.
  • $100 LoungeBuddy: No airport lounge membership? No problem! Purchase lounge access through the LoungeBuddy app using the American Express® Green Card and receive up to $100 in statement credits annually.
  • Payment Flexibility: When it comes to paying your bill, you have options. You can always pay in full. You also have the flexibility to carry a balance with interest or use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly payments with a fixed fee, up to your Pay Over Time Limit. You may be able to keep spending beyond your limit – you’ll just need to pay for any new purchases in full when your bill is due.
  • Trip Delay Insurance: If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per eligible account per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: No matter where you’re traveling, when you use your American Express® Green Card there are no foreign transaction fees.
  • $150 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership
175,000 points
$875
$550
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.


Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.

The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.

So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
  • 7x points per $1 on select travel and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3x points per $1 on all other eligible purchases
Cons
    • High annual fee of $550
Card Highlights
  • Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership
  • Earn 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio
  • Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for eligible travel purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
  • Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Earn 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for other eligible purchases on your card
  • Enjoy up to $400 in Hilton Resort Credits (up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually) on your card each anniversary year when you stay at participating resorts within the Hilton portfolio
  • Enjoy complimentary Diamond status
  • $550 annual fee
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Best Credit Cards for Discounted CLEAR Membership

There are several ways to avoid paying the full $199 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 $199 per year. However, cardholders of any of these Delta-branded credit cards will pay a discounted price of $159 per year:

You can sign up for a qualifying Delta discounted CLEAR membership.

United Airlines-Branded Credit Cards

United-branded credit cardholders also receive a discounted membership. Instead of the $199 annual membership fee, United cardholders pay just $159.

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

Complimentary CLEAR Membership

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Medallion Elite Status

CLEAR membership is complimentary for 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

Delta, United, and Alaska offer discounted CLEAR membership to their elite members.

Instead of the $199 annual membership, Delta Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medallion members can purchase the same membership for a discounted price of $159.

United Premier Silver, Gold, and Platinum elite status members can also qualify for the same $159 discounted membership.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75k, and MVP Gold 100k members qualify for a discounted price of $189. Elite members will also receive 1,500 miles when enrolling in CLEAR for the first time and 1,250 miles each year upon renewal.

Frequent Flyer Program Member

Even if you don’t have elite status with a frequent flyer program, you can qualify for a discounted CLEAR membership if you’re 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 $189 per year for CLEAR.

Active Duty Military and Veterans

U.S. active-duty military and veterans can receive a CLEAR membership for just $99. To secure the discounted rate, bring your veteran ID card or a valid U.S. military ID to the airport (if your license does not already denote it).

Government Rate

Federal, state, and local government employees are eligible for a discounted CLEAR rate. Contact memberservices@clearme.com for more information.

Where Can I Use CLEAR?

CLEAR is available at more than 100 airports, stadiums, and public venues across the U.S.

Our map above indicates what airports offer a CLEAR checkpoint; a full listing can be found in our complete guide to CLEAR.

Which Sports Venues Have CLEAR?

To find a CLEAR location near you or one you can utilize during your travels, use this CLEAR locator link.

What Is CLEAR Sports?

CLEAR Sports offers fast and free entry to stadiums and arenas nationwide. Simply download the app, fill out your details, and then head to the designated CLEAR lane at the stadium entrance.

CLEAR is now available at over 15 sporting venues throughout the U.S.

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, and referrals, CLEAR can be secured affordably. It’s worth signing up if it’s a benefit you can use to make your travel more efficient.

The information regarding the American Express® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CLEAR?

CLEAR is an expedited security program that allows you to bypass the lines for checking your ID at airports, sporting venues, and other participating facilities where security screening is necessary. CLEAR stores your personal biometrics and subsequently allows you to be screened using just your eyes or fingerprints. No card ID is necessary. To use CLEAR, you must be a member.

How much does CLEAR cost?

Full CLEAR membership costs $199 per year but there are several ways to receive a discounted, even complimentary, membership. There is no cost for a CLEAR Sports membership that gives access to participating stadiums.

How can I get a free CLEAR membership?

There are a few ways to receive a complimentary CLEAR membership. The Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, Amex Green card, and Hilton Aspire card each offer a $199 statement credit for CLEAR Plus membership reimbursement. Delta Diamond Medallion and Delta 360° elite members and United 1K Premier and Global Services elite members receive complimentary CLEAR membership. You may also receive a free short-term trial CLEAR membership when referred by someone who currently has a CLEAR membership.

Does the Amex Platinum card come with CLEAR?

Yes. The Amex Platinum card comes with a statement credit of up to $199 for CLEAR Plus membership fee reimbursement. The card also offers a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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