Price through NerdWallet
2 Month Trial.
Renews at $209 per year. Availability
150+ CLEAR+ Lanes at 59 airports nationwide.
How to Get CLEAR for Free
You can get a CLEAR+ membership covered through the right airline elite status or travel card.
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Assistant Assigning Editor If you are a frequent traveler, anything that improves the airport experience is worth exploring, especially if that means spending less time waiting in line at airport security. The Transportation Security Administration runs TSA PreCheck, which can be a huge time saver, but there’s another option as well: CLEAR.
The difference between TSA PreCheck and CLEAR is that PreCheck helps speed through the physical screening portion of airport security. TSA PreCheck members don't need to remove their belts or electronics from their bags, but they'll still have to wait in line to show their ID.
CLEAR, on the other hand, is a fast pass through the security line. Travelers with a CLEAR+® membership use their fingerprints or an eye scan, instead of showing a photo identification to get through the ID check. A CLEAR+® membership has an annual fee of $209 (you won’t get it automatically for having Global Entry or TSA PreCheck).
The good news is that there are many ways to get CLEAR+® for free. NerdWallet readers can get a two-month free trial by signing up through this link. Here are the ways to enjoy complimentary CLEAR+® membership.
Free CLEAR+® membership via airline partnerships
Delta and United offer CLEAR+® discounts to their loyalty program members and credit card holders. But if you want CLEAR+® for free, the airlines have something for their top elite members.
Delta Diamond Medallion members and United Premier 1K members receive CLEAR+® for free. Free membership can be renewed each year that you have the top associated status with the airline loyalty program.
» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
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Complimentary CLEAR+® membership via credit card perks
Certain cardholders receive statement credits that'll reimburse for a CLEAR+® membership. Use the associated credit card to pay for CLEAR+® and the enrollment fee will be refunded to your account as a statement credit.
Cards that offer CLEAR+® membership credits include:
CLEAR+® membership lasts for one year, then it needs to be renewed. Like those who receive free CLEAR+® membership through elite status, credit card holders can take advantage of their perk each year that they use the card to pay for membership.
Free CLEAR+® membership via free trial
Even if you don't have airline elite status or a credit card that can help you get free CLEAR+® membership, there is a way to test it by signing up for a free trial, which is sometimes offered as a seasonal promotion. For example, in the past, CLEAR has offered two-month trials for new members so they can experience the service before signing up for the annual membership.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Get a two-month free trial of CLEAR+® membership (renews at $209 thereafter) when you sign up through NerdWallet. You don't need to have any elite status or hold any specific credit card — just sign up through this link. Another way to experience CLEAR for free is to take advantage of the Guest Pass program. CLEAR+® members occasionally can give a guest pass to someone to try it out without payment.
Which airports have CLEAR?
While the list may continue to grow, it is helpful to check its website to see where CLEAR is operating. It includes more than airports. You can also find CLEAR checkpoints at arenas for faster access to the venue.
Why would you want CLEAR+®?
If you want to skip security lines, CLEAR+® can help you save time at airports, especially if you can pair it with a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership. And if you can get CLEAR+® for free, it’s even better.
You can get CLEAR+® for free if you know where to look
Whether you have the right credit card, the right elite status or the right time to take a trip where you can test it out, CLEAR+® membership can help you save time when passing through the airport.
You can even use it when visiting certain arenas to attend entertainment or sports events.
The benefits of CLEAR+® are that you generally won’t need to show identification when passing through security since you'll use an iris or fingerprint scan. Instead of waiting, use your time at an airport lounge, get additional steps in perusing the airport shops or simply enjoy the view.
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.
All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2025:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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