The cost of Clear is going up for some members, but remember that you can get it for 'free'

No one wants to hear "The price is going up."

Whether that's at the supermarket or an expedited airport security line, paying a higher price than you used to pay doesn't make anyone happy.

Unfortunately, that's the reality for some Clear members. Those who receive a discounted price on their annual Clear memberships will see a price increase starting Feb. 1.

There's good news, however: You still can get an annual Clear membership for free.

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Discounted Clear prices are going up

In May 2022, Clear raised its annual membership price from $179 to $189. That's the standard price for an adult membership for one person.

However, Clear offers discounted memberships for members of Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus. Depending on your elite status in these programs, you could even receive a free membership to Clear. But, coming soon, the discounted rate you get just for being a Delta or United member is on the rise.

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both

Starting Feb. 1, discounted membership pricing will change as follows, according to a spokesperson for Clear:

• General Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members: The new price is $179 per year. Previously, these members enjoyed a discounted price of $119 per year. These members also receive a complimentary 14-day trial of Clear.
• Delta Silver, Gold and Platinum Medallion members: $149 per year. Previously, these members enjoyed a discounted price of $109 per year.
• United Premier Silver, Gold and Platinum members: $149 per year. Previously, these members enjoyed a discounted price of $109 per year.
• Delta Air Lines and United Airlines credit card holders: $149 per year. Previously, these members enjoyed a discounted price of $109 per year.
• Delta Diamond Medallion and 360º members: You will continue to enjoy a complimentary membership.
• United Premier 1K and Global Services members: You will continue to enjoy a complimentary membership.

Unless you have top-tier elite status with Delta Air Lines or United Airlines, the discount you see on your next account renewal will be less of a discount than last year. New pricing goes into effect on Feb. 1, but you won't see these higher prices until your next account renewal. If you have been meaning to join and want the lower rates for being a Delta or United member, you'll want to act pretty quickly.

You can still get Clear for free

Remember that you can get a Clear membership for free just by having the right credit card in your wallet. The following cards will reimburse you for up to $189 per year in Clear membership costs:

• American Express® Green Card.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express.
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

Luckily, you don't need to enroll for this benefit in advance. Use your eligible card to pay for a Clear membership and receive a statement credit as reimbursement. You can receive up to $189 per year in credits on each card. Here's how to use this benefit.

Adding a second adult to your account costs $60 per year. By using the discounted prices above and one of these American Express cards to pay for the charge, you could cover the discounted membership of one adult and most of the cost for a second adult on the same family plan with Clear. And children under 18 can use Clear with their parent(s) at no extra charge.

The information for the Amex Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

By receiving a free or heavily discounted Clear membership, you and your partner could both access Clear lanes at a growing number of airports and stadiums across the U.S.

Related: From airport screening to a stadium near you: How to get and use Clear to avoid lines

Bottom line

Hearing that your discounted membership will be "less discounted" in the future isn't good news. That said, it's still possible to receive a complimentary membership to Clear each year — or to get a membership for two adults at a very cheap price, depending on what's in your wallet and what airline status you have.

And children still can use Clear lanes for free, as long as they're with an adult who has a paid membership. That isn't changing, even though adult prices continue to increase.