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Is CLEAR+ Worth the Cost?
CLEAR can be an affordable convenience if you take advantage of credit card or airline loyalty program discounts.
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us
when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not
influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Updated · 4 min read
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Sam Kemmis is a former NerdWallet travel rewards expert specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs. In a previous professional life, he wrote comedy until a nomadic lifestyle and a lifelong obsession with saving money turned his attention to travel rewards. He is no longer funny. His work has been featured by The Associated Press, The Points Guy and Fast Company. He has spoken about travel rewards at CardCon, the Altitude conference and AwardWallet's "Award Travel 101" podcast. He is based in Ojai, California, and teaches mindfulness meditation because that's what you do in Ojai.
Meghan Coyle is an editor on the Travel Rewards team and the co-host of the Smart Travel podcast. She covers travel credit cards, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. Meghan is based in Los Angeles and has a love-hate relationship with LAX.
Elina Geller is a former NerdWallet travel writer specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs and travel insurance. In 2019, Elina founded TheMissMiles, a travel rewards coaching business. Her work has been featured by AwardWallet. She is a certified public accountant with degrees from the London School of Economics and Fordham University.
Lead Writer
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been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.
A CLEAR+® membership lets paying members bypass part of the security line at some stadiums and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint for identification at airports, which can often be the longest part of the line. If you’re a frequent traveler, using CLEAR+® can save a lot of time at the airport.
If you travel a lot and want the convenience of bypassing the ID check to go straight to screening, then CLEAR+® could be worth it. Although standard membership costs $209 per year, you can reduce the price or even get it for free if you have certain credit cards. NerdWallet readers can get a two-month free trial by signing up through this link.
The standard price for an annual CLEAR+®+ membership is $209. Unlike government programs such asTSA PreCheck and Global Entry that offer several years of membership with a single fee, CLEAR+®s fee is annual.
On the surface, $209 may seem like a big price to pay for a little convenience. But there are several ways to knock that price down to more reasonable territory (see below).
Note: CLEAR+® is available only to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents aged 18 and older with a valid government ID.
Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.
Key facts
2 Month Trial.
Pros
Gets you through airport security faster.
Can be stacked with TSA PreCheck.
Easy and fast enrollment.
Cons
Pricey compared to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.
What are the benefits of CLEAR+ membership?
CLEAR+® uses fingerprints and eye scans instead of traditional ID documents, like driver’s licenses and passports, to verify traveler identification.
There are two parts of an airport security line:
Getting your ID and boarding pass verified.
Passing through the scanners.
CLEAR+® lets you bypass this first part, which is often the longest. Since CLEAR+® is completely separate from TSA PreCheck, it doesn't provide access to the PreCheck line. Once you’ve gone through the CLEAR+® line, a CLEAR employee will escort you straight to the scanner portion of security.
You can, however, stack your CLEAR+® membership with a TSA PreCheck membership if you have both. The CLEAR employee will escort you to the TSA PreCheck security screening, where you can proceed without removing your belt, liquids, laptops, etc.
🤓Nerdy Tip
If you regularly fly out of a busy airport or one that has been known to have long TSA PreCheck lines, CLEAR+® may be a compelling option.
And keep in mind that CLEAR+® is available at more than 70 locations, including airports and stadiums. If you live near smaller airports that lack CLEAR+® kiosks, the service will provide far less benefit for you.
Avis Preferred Plus membership
In addition to breezing through lines at airports and stadiums, CLEAR+® members get complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with the rental car company Avis. Avis Preferred Plus is the middle tier of Avis’ rental car loyalty program. Its perks include:
A free, single-car class upgrade upon availability.
The ability to earn additional bonus points on each rental.
Access to exclusive offers and promotional discounts.
You would typically need to spend $4,000 on qualifying Avis purchases or complete 10 rentals in a calendar year to qualify for Avis Preferred Plus.
How to get a discounted or free CLEAR+® membership
Holding elite status in certain airline loyalty programs or specific credit cards can get you a free or discounted CLEAR+® membership, which normally costs $209 a year.
Save $67 on your first year of membership: Bundle with TSA PreCheck
You can now get CLEAR+® for a discounted rate of $121.05 for your first year of membership, but you'll have to bundle it with TSA PreCheck to do so for a total cost of $209.
If you’re looking to get both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+® anyway, this is a great deal, with the PreCheck portion of the bundle costing $77.95 ($1.20 more than the cheapest option) and saving you $77.95 on your first year of CLEAR membership.
To take advantage of this deal, you'll need to begin your application online and complete it at an airport thatcurrently offers TSA PreCheck enrollment through CLEAR+®.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Get a two-month free trial when you sign up through NerdWallet NerdWallet offers a two-month free trial of CLEAR+® membership (renews at $209 thereafter). You don't need to have any elite status or hold any specific credit card — just sign up through this link.
Save money based on your United, Delta, Alaska or Hawaiian frequent flyer status
CLEAR partners with Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus and Atmos Rewards to offer discounted annual rates for members.
Entry-level members in each loyalty program (they're free to join) get a $10 discount off the actual price of CLEAR+®, knocking the price down to $199 a year, but further discounts vary depending on which program you're a member of and your status.
If you have elite status with Delta or United, you get a bigger discount of $40 off, or $169 per year. You're also eligible for this discount if you hold a Delta AmEx card or a United credit card.
Atmos Rewards elites don't get any additional discounts, but they can receive 1,500 miles when they enroll, and 1,250 miles when they renew or reinstate their membership at the $199 rate.
If you are a Delta Diamond or 360 elite, CLEAR+® is entirely free. United's Premier 1K status gets you an $80 discount — or $129 a year — and Global Services members get free membership.
You do not need to enroll in this benefit. All you need to do is pay for your CLEAR+® membership using your card and the statement credit should appear on your bill within 2-4 weeks.
CLEAR often runs sales and other discount codes, some of which can be stacked with the options described above.
What is CLEAR Sports and how does it work?
Unlike the regular CLEAR+® membership, CLEAR Sports is free and offered at some sports stadiums, allowing you to enter stadiums faster.
You can enroll in CLEAR Sports by downloading the CLEAR app and tapping “Sports & Events” on the main screen. You’ll then need to log in or enroll with a selfie to unlock your QR code.
When you arrive at the stadium, visit the CLEAR lane and show your QR code and you’ll be granted entry.
How does CLEAR+® enrollment work?
Unlike TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which can be a slog to sign up for, getting started with CLEAR+® is a relative snap. Just sign up and pay online, then complete registration by uploading your passport information in the CLEAR app or visiting a CLEAR location the next time you travel.
If you plan on completing registration in-person, you don't need to make an appointment in advance. That said, give yourself some extra time at the airport before your flight to make sure everything goes smoothly with registration.
Is CLEAR+® worth it?
At first glance, $209 per year is a big price tag for cut-in-line privileges at some airports. You can knock a bit off the price if you’re a Delta or United member, and even more so if you have elite status with either airline.
If you hold the American Express Platinum Card®, the American Express® Green Card or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the cost of CLEAR+® will be covered for you. Terms apply.
In the end, whether CLEAR+®is worth it to you depends on several factors:
Do you fly a lot? Even someone who takes 10 round-trip flights per year is still spending just a little over $7 per use at the lower $149/year price.
Does CLEAR+® support your home airport (and preferred terminal)? If not, it’s almost certainly not worth it.
Do you have the American Express Platinum Card®, American Express® Green Card or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express? Enrolling in CLEAR+® is a smart move since you’ll get an annual statement credit for the full cost of membership. Terms apply.
Are you planning to apply for TSA PreCheck anyway? Bundling the two by applying for PreCheck through CLEAR+® can save you money on both.
Nerdy Perspective
Which credit card do you use to get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card® . PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card® . PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Caitlin Mims
Travel Editor
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card®.
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card®.
Caitlin Mims
Travel Editor
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card® . PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card® . PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Caitlin Mims
Travel Editor
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card®.
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card®.
Caitlin Mims
Travel Editor
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
I got Global Entry through the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . If you have or open a certain checking account, this card has no annual fee, so this is one of the only opportunities to get TSA PreCheck/Global Entry without paying an annual fee. (Note: For nonmembers, the annual fee is $95.) I'd highly recommend Global Entry. It saves me time by getting me into the PreCheck line before the flight and a super fast customs line when coming back from international trips.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card® . PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
There are so many credit cards that now offer a credit for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The card I use will depend on what's in my wallet each 4 or 5 years when my membership is up for renewal. Most recently it was the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , but I've also used the American Express Platinum Card® . PreCheck has saved me countless hours at my home airport in Tampa, and having a dedicated Global Entry line to skip customs when I get home from traveling abroad really makes the arrival stress-free.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Caitlin Mims
Travel Editor
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card®.
I use TSA PreCheck every time it’s available. If an airport isn’t busy, it doesn’t always save a lot of time, but it’s so convenient not having to take anything out of my bag. Several cards in my wallet have statement credits to cover the cost of PreCheck, and I generally choose which card to use based on what’s closest to me when it’s time to renew. Most recently I used the American Express Platinum Card®.
Caitlin Mims
Travel Editor
To view rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The American Express® Green Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.
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