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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
NEW OFFER: Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 6 months. Plus, earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first 6 months, up to $200 back as a statement credit.
Up to $189 statement credit per year toward a CLEAR Plus membership
The Centurion card also offers a CLEAR Plus membership to cardholders and a limited number of their family members (this is an invitation-only credit card and is extremely difficult to obtain).
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 Centurion® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was 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 American Express® Green Card, 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. Centurion cardholders receive complimentary 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.
![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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