Popular airport screening service CLEAR is upping its annual subscription fee for the first time since it was introduced to the market over a decade ago.
Luckily, though, there are numerous ways by which you can score a CLEAR membership for free.
Let’s take a look at the details of this price increase, including when it will take place, and look at ways to pay less — or nothing at all — for your membership.
What Is CLEAR?
If you’re not already familiar, CLEAR connects your biometric information with your identity. In other words, instead of presenting your standard ID and your boarding pass, you can scan your eyes or fingerprints.
This allows you to bypass the general (or TSA PreCheck) identity check lines and head right into the TSA screening line ahead of most other passengers.
Hot Tip: If you want to learn more about this service and what it can offer to you as a traveler, read our thorough guide covering everything you need to know about CLEAR.
Details of Membership Price Increase
CLEAR recently expanded to airports in Ontario and Palm Springs. Image Credit: CLEARStarting on May 19, 2022, the annual membership price of CLEAR will increase by $10 from $179 to $189.
There is some good news, though: Silver through Platinum Medallion members with Delta and Premier Silver through Platinum members with United can purchase an annual membership for $109, and general Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members can purchase it for $119 annually. These rates won’t be changing when CLEAR hikes its membership fee toward the end of the month.
How To Get CLEAR Complimentary
While you may be disappointed to learn that CLEAR will soon cost $189 per year, there are a number of credit cards that can help you get CLEAR at a deeply discounted rate.
Namely, if you hold The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, or the Centurion® Card from American Express you’ll receive a $189 CLEAR credit each year your card remains active, meaning your CLEAR membership would cost just $10 annually (enrollment required).
Further, those with the American Express® Green Card will receive a $100 annual CLEAR credit, which brings the annual fee down to just $89. And if you’re a member of Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus and hold the Amex Green card, your membership will cost just $19 annually.
Hot Tip: Delta Diamond Medallion members and United Global Services and Premier 1K members receive a free membership upon enrollment.
Final Thoughts
CLEAR is an excellent service that is now available at 40+ airports and 15 stadiums throughout the U.S. that can help you get through security in a flash. While consumers never want to see prices go up, the fee increase is admittedly minimal, and those with select credit cards or airline elite status can continue to benefit from statement credits and reduced fees.
The information regarding the Centurion® Card from American Express and American Express® Green card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
Featured Image Credit:
CLEAR
