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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, deta...
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
Juan has been involved in credit cards, loyalty, travel, and personal finance for more than 10 years. He has worked for several outlets including The Points Guy and Forbes and was previously Editor-in...
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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 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.
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, 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 — 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.
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 $70 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. In this article, we’ll cover several options to secure discounted and even complimentary CLEAR memberships.
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.
The Best Credit Cards with CLEAR Membership for Expedited Airport Security
Limited Time Offer: Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Plus, earn an additional 5,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/23.
CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99. (rates and fees)
Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/23.
CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year
Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/2023.
CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year
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 undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.
This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
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
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 $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
5x points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit)
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
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 with American Express Travel when you pay with 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, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
$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: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
$100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 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.
$300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. 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.
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!
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.
5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
Up to $200 annual airline fee credit on your selected qualifying airline
Statement credits on select purchases with your card
35% airline bonus when using Pay With Points (up to 1,000,000 bonus points per calendar year)
Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
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)
Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your 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 everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your 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.
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 $149 per year:
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, United, and Alaska 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 $149.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points
Frequently Asked Questions
CLEAR is an expedited security program that allows you to bypass the lines associated with 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.
Full CLEAR membership costs $189 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.
There are a few ways to receive complimentary CLEAR membership. The Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, and Amex Green card each offer a $189 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.
Yes. The Amex Platinum card comes with a statement credit of up to $189 for CLEAR Plus membership fee reimbursement. The card also offers a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement.
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.
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.
14 comments
Josh
August 17, 2020
The student price is incorrect – it is $50/year for up to 4 years.
Hi Trisha. It’s a quick process. You’ll just approach the CLEAR entrance and tell them you’ve registered online. They’ll take your fingerprints, scan your eyes, verify your identity and you’re on your way. I wouldn’t allow more than 15 extra minutes but it shouldn’t take more than 5-10.
Hi Trisha,
It’s a quick process at the airport once you’ve created your account. It takes less than 5 minutes in most cases.
Kathie Allen
January 09, 2023
A couple of weeks ago I was traveling to Hawaii from Houston and the clear representative said they were offering 2 free weeks to try clear. As I was signing up she said oh you get a year free with your Capital One credit card. They couldn’t get my DL to scan properly so she told me to come do it on my next trip. Today my husband attempted to sign up at the same airport and was told he had to pay the $188.
Babblespeak
January 22, 2023
Flew out of San Juan on 1/8/23. They have Clear there.
Keri Stooksbury
January 22, 2023
Thanks for reading! We’ve updated the locations and have included a map, as well.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
![The 14 Best Credit Cards for CLEAR Membership – Expedited Airport Security [2023]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-Platinum-Upgraded-Points-LLC-16-Large.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1420&height=650&fit=crop)
14 comments
Josh
August 17, 2020
The student price is incorrect – it is $50/year for up to 4 years.
Christine Krzyszton
August 17, 2020
Hi Josh. Thanks for the heads up. I updated and clarified the verbiage to reflect that information.
Tk
June 06, 2022
Looks like the free 2 months link isn’t working anymore?
Christine Krzyszton
June 06, 2022
Thanks, Tk. Just updated it.
Jp
September 29, 2022
Is free 2 months link active? Not working.
Christine Krzyszton
September 29, 2022
Hi Jp. I just tried it and it worked for me. You can also try this other link: https://enroll.clearme.com/enroll/?p=GBREXTRIAL&gclid=CjwKCAjwhNWZBhB_EiwAPzlhNh5CpXL9_PaYVFm_faIzEcf99svhD1o76aKz9Nr3jPUFSivGqhipRhoCLZcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Maggie F
October 15, 2022
How much is it to add a family member if you are a student?
Jarrod West
October 21, 2022
Hi Maggie,
You can add up to 3 family members for $60 each.
Trisha
November 11, 2022
Hi. Do you know how long the process takes to verify at the airport (after you sign-up/create an account)?
Christine Krzyszton
November 11, 2022
Hi Trisha. It’s a quick process. You’ll just approach the CLEAR entrance and tell them you’ve registered online. They’ll take your fingerprints, scan your eyes, verify your identity and you’re on your way. I wouldn’t allow more than 15 extra minutes but it shouldn’t take more than 5-10.
Katie Seemann
November 11, 2022
Hi Trisha,
It’s a quick process at the airport once you’ve created your account. It takes less than 5 minutes in most cases.
Kathie Allen
January 09, 2023
A couple of weeks ago I was traveling to Hawaii from Houston and the clear representative said they were offering 2 free weeks to try clear. As I was signing up she said oh you get a year free with your Capital One credit card. They couldn’t get my DL to scan properly so she told me to come do it on my next trip. Today my husband attempted to sign up at the same airport and was told he had to pay the $188.
Babblespeak
January 22, 2023
Flew out of San Juan on 1/8/23. They have Clear there.
Keri Stooksbury
January 22, 2023
Thanks for reading! We’ve updated the locations and have included a map, as well.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
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