The 14 Best Credit Cards for CLEAR Membership — Expedited Airport Security [April 2024]

Updated: May 9, 2024, 2:56pm CDT

Edited by:

The 14 Best Credit Cards for CLEAR Membership — Expedited Airport Security [April 2024]

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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 security lines at the airport and other prominent venues.

While the service can be costly, CLEAR can be a timesaver for frequent travelers. This valuable service can be obtained for free or at a discount. Let’s explore how to obtain a CLEAR membership for free or at a discounted price.

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express — Best for Worldwide Lounge Access, Premium Benefits, and Perks
American Express^® Green Card* — Best for Earning Points on Dining, Travel, and Transit
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card — Best for Hilton Loyalists
Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles^® Gold Business American Express Card — Best for Occasional Delta Flyers
Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum Business American Express Card — Best for Frequent Delta Flyers
Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card — Best for Frequent Delta Flyers Who Want Lounge Access
United Club℠ Infinite Card and United Club℠ Business Card — Best for Frequent United Flyers Who Want Lounge Access
United℠ Explorer Card and United℠ Business Card — Best for Occasional United Flyers

*All information about the American Express^® Green Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

What Is CLEAR?

CLEAR is a secure identity platform available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents 18 years or older. A CLEAR membership expedites security screening by accessing your 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, but 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.

Bottom Line:

CLEAR does not come with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. For the best possible travel experience, check out the best cards that offer complimentary Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, then enroll in CLEAR separately.

How Does CLEAR Enrollment Work?

Enrolling in CLEAR is very easy. You can start the process on the CLEAR website by answering a few short questions and paying your membership fee.

On your next trip, make your way to the CLEAR area before security to finish your enrollment. Once there, an agent will finalize your setup by scanning your documents and adding your biometric data (scanning your eyes and fingerprints) to your account.

After that, you will be all set to use CLEAR each time you travel through an airport where it’s available.

What Are the Benefits of a CLEAR Membership?

The biggest benefit of CLEAR is that it allows you to skip the lines completely at airport security.

Instead of waiting in long lines at general security for a TSA agent to verify your ID and boarding pass, you can quickly scan your boarding pass and biometrics at a CLEAR pod and then be escorted to the front of security by a CLEAR agent. Plus, if you have TSA PreCheck, having CLEAR allows you to skip to the front of that line, too.

In addition to airports, CLEAR is available at many stadium locations, allowing you to enter sporting events, concerts, and more much faster than you would otherwise.

The Cost of CLEAR

A full annual CLEAR membership, which includes expedited airport security, is $189 per year. Up to 3 adult family members can be added for an additional $99 each per year. Children under 18 can use the CLEAR lane for free when accompanied by a CLEAR family member.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to avoid paying full price for CLEAR membership. In this article, we’ll cover several options to secure discounted and even complimentary CLEAR memberships.

An annual CLEAR Sports membership, which gives you access to select stadiums throughout the country, is free.

Hot Tip:

A CLEAR Sports member can also bring 1 free guest through the CLEAR lane at stadiums.

Is CLEAR Worth the Cost?

If you travel often, CLEAR is very likely to be worth the price tag based on how much time it can save you at airports.

Given that general security lines can, at times, be over an hour long, being able to skip these lines and head straight through security saves you both time and sanity on hectic travel days.

If you’re wondering if CLEAR is worth it if you already have TSA PreCheck, remember that TSA PreCheck lines can get quite long, too, or not be open at all if the airport is short-staffed. In this case, having both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck ensures you will always have as short a wait as possible.

That said, depending on your credit card, you might not need to pay for an annual CLEAR membership at all.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR Plus

With so many priority security programs available, you might be confused about what the difference is between them all. Here’s a quick overview of the value proposition of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR Plus.

TSA PreCheck is a program that gives you a priority security experience at over 200 U.S. airports. Not only are the TSA PreCheck lines shorter than general security, but those with TSA PreCheck also do not have to remove their shoes, belts, light jackets, or laptops from their bags, so the overall experience is far faster than normal airport security. The price of TSA PreCheck is $85, and your membership is good for 5 years, but many travel credit cards will cover this fee for you.

Global Entry gives you an expedited customs experience when returning home to the U.S. after traveling internationally. Instead of standing in a long customs line after your flight lands, you simply scan your credentials at a kiosk, then tell the agent if you have anything to declare, and head on your way. The price of Global Entry is $100, includes TSA PreCheck, and is good for 5 years. But you can get the fee covered with many credit cards.

Lastly, CLEAR Plus allows you to bypass the ID verification and skip to the front of the security line, including both the general security line and the TSA PreCheck security line. It also includes faster entrance into stadiums and areas that participate in the program. The price for CLEAR Plus is $189 per year.

The Best Credit Cards With CLEAR Membership for Expedited Airport Security

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Card	Welcome Offer	CLEAR Benefits	Annual Fee
The Platinum Card^® from American Express	Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.	Up to $189 statement credit per year toward a CLEAR Plus membership	$695 (rates & fees)
The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express	*ELEVATED OFFER:* Earn 150,000 points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months.	Up to $189 statement credit per year toward a CLEAR Plus membership	$695 (rates & fees)
American Express^® Green Card*	Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first 6 months.	Up to $189 statement credit per year toward a CLEAR Plus membership	$150
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*	Earn 180,000 points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.	Up to $189 statement credit per year toward a CLEAR Plus membership	$550
Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card	Earn 40,000 miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.	CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year	$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (rates & fees)
Delta SkyMiles^® Gold Business American Express Card	Earn 55,000 miles after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.	CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year	$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (rates & fees)
Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card	Earn 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.	CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year	$350 (rates & fees)
Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum Business American Express Card	Earn 65,000 miles after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.	CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year	$350 (rates & fees)
Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card	Earn 60,000 miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.	CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year	$650 (rates & fees)
Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card	Earn 75,000 miles after spending $10,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.	CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year	$650 (rates & fees)
United Club℠ Infinite Card	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.	CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year	$525
United Club℠ Business Card	Earn 75,000 bonus miles + 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open	CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year	$450
United℠ Business Card	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.	CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year	$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
United℠ Explorer Card	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.	CLEAR membership discounted price of $149 per year	$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

*All information about the American Express^® Green Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

The Only 4 Credit Cards That Offer Complimentary CLEAR Plus Membership

Just 4 cards offer up to a $189 annual statement credit for a complimentary CLEAR Plus membership: Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, Amex Green card, and Hilton Aspire card.

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome OfferEarn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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 dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

$695 annual fee (rates and fees)
Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, 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, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
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.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
$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. Terms Apply.
$189 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
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 year period for TSA PreCheck^® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck^® official enrollment provider), 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.
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.
$695 annual fee.
Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: See Pay Over Time APR
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

150K OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome OfferEarn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$3,300

Annual Fee

$695

APR

19.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

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.

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Pros

5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
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)

Cons

High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the 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 statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card^®, here.
$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 the 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 the 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.
$695 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.49% - 28.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

American Express^® Green Card

U.P. Rating

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.

All information about American Express^® Green Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Green Card

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.

Welcome OfferEarn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express® Green Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
40,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$880

Annual Fee

$150

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The American Express^® Green Card is an excellent all-around travel rewards card thanks to earning 3x Membership Rewards^® points on eligible travel and transit purchases and at restaurants, access to American Express transfer partners, and a reasonable annual fee.

Pros

3x points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide, on all eligible travel purchases, and transit purchases
Up to $189 per calendar year in statement credits after you pay for a CLEAR^® Plus membership with the Card.
Up to $100 in statement credits annually when you purchase airport lounge access through LoungeBuddy with the Card.

Cons

$150 annual fee
No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express^® Green Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
$189 CLEAR Plus Credit: Receive up to $189 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the American Express^® Green Card.
$100 LoungeBuddy: No airport lounge membership? No problem! Purchase lounge access through the LoungeBuddy app using the American Express^® Green Card and receive up to $100 in statement credits annually.
Payment Flexibility: When it comes to paying your bill, you have options. You can always pay in full. You also have the flexibility to carry a balance with interest or use Plan It^® to split up large purchases into monthly payments with a fixed fee, up to your Pay Over Time Limit. You may be able to keep spending beyond your limit – you’ll just need to pay for any new purchases in full when your bill is due.
Trip Delay Insurance: If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per eligible account per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: No matter where you’re traveling, when you use your American Express^® Green Card there are no foreign transaction fees.
$150 annual fee.
Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: See Pay Over Time APR
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

U.P. Rating

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Welcome OfferEarn 180,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Aspire card from American Express after you use your new card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership.
180,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$900

Annual Fee

$550

APR

20.74% - 29.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.

The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.

So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.

Pros

14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
7x points per $1 on select travel and at U.S. restaurants
3x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

High annual fee of $550

Read Full Review

Earn 180,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Aspire card from American Express after you use your new card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Plus, enjoy a free Weekend Night Reward within your first year and every year after renewal.
Earn 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants.
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your card.
Enjoy up to $400 in Hilton Resort Credits (up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually) on your card each anniversary year when you stay at participating resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
Enjoy complimentary Diamond status.
$550 annual fee.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.74% - 29.74% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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:

You can sign up for a qualifying Delta discounted CLEAR membership.

United Airlines-Branded Credit Cards

United-branded credit cardholders also receive a discounted membership. Instead of the $189 annual membership fee, United cardholders pay just $149.

Some United-branded cards that offer this discount include:

Enroll in CLEAR as a United cardholder online.

Additional Ways To Secure Complimentary or Discounted CLEAR Membership

Complimentary CLEAR Membership

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Medallion Elite Status

CLEAR membership is complimentary for frequent Delta SkyMiles travelers with Diamond Medallion elite or Delta 360° status.

United Airlines MileagePlus Premier Elite Status

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

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.

United Premier Silver, Gold, and Platinum elite status members can also qualify for the same $149 discounted membership.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75k, and MVP Gold 100k members qualify for a discounted price of $179. Elite members will also receive 1,500 miles when enrolling in CLEAR for the first time and 1,250 miles each year upon renewal.

Frequent Flyer Program Member

Even if you don’t have elite status with a frequent flyer program, you can qualify for a discounted CLEAR membership if you’re a member.

Sign up for a Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus frequent flyer program account, or use your current account number if you’re already a member and pay just $179 per year for CLEAR.

Active Duty Military and Veterans

U.S. active-duty military and veterans can receive a CLEAR membership for just $99. To secure the discounted rate, bring your veteran ID card or a valid U.S. military ID to the airport (if your license does not already denote it).

Government Rate

Federal, state, and local government employees are eligible for a discounted CLEAR 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.

What Is CLEAR Sports?

CLEAR Sports offers fast and free entry to stadiums and arenas nationwide. Simply download the app, fill out your details, and then head to the designated CLEAR lane at the stadium entrance.

CLEAR is now available at over 15 sporting venues throughout the U.S.

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, and referrals, CLEAR can be secured affordably. It’s worth signing up if it’s a benefit you can use 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.
The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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

What is CLEAR?

CLEAR is an expedited security program that allows you to bypass the lines for 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.

How much does CLEAR cost?

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.

How can I get a free CLEAR membership?

There are a few ways to receive a complimentary CLEAR membership. The Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, Amex Green card, and Hilton Aspire 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.

Does the Amex Platinum card come with CLEAR?

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.

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About Christine Krzyszton

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.

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The 14 Best Credit Cards for CLEAR Membership — Expedited Airport Security [April 2024]

Table of Contents

Upgraded Points: Expertise You Can Trust

The U.P. Rating System

What Is CLEAR?

How Does CLEAR Enrollment Work?

What Are the Benefits of a CLEAR Membership?

The Cost of CLEAR

Is CLEAR Worth the Cost?

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR Plus

The Best Credit Cards With CLEAR Membership for Expedited Airport Security

The Only 4 Credit Cards That Offer Complimentary CLEAR Plus Membership

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

The Best Credit Cards for Discounted CLEAR Membership

Delta Air Lines-Branded Credit Cards

United Airlines-Branded Credit Cards

Additional Ways To Secure Complimentary or Discounted CLEAR Membership

Complimentary CLEAR Membership

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Medallion Elite Status

United Airlines MileagePlus Premier Elite Status

Refer a Friend

Discounted CLEAR Membership

Frequent Flyer Elite Status

Frequent Flyer Program Member

Active Duty Military and Veterans

Government Rate

Where Can I Use CLEAR?

Which Sports Venues Have CLEAR?

What Is CLEAR Sports?

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CLEAR?

How much does CLEAR cost?

How can I get a free CLEAR membership?

Does the Amex Platinum card come with CLEAR?

About Christine Krzyszton