Clear just increased its annual price for users by $10
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
As of Aug. 1, the annual price of Clear is up $10 and will now cost $199 — marking the second price increase the service has seen in 14 years.
The expedited airport security program is currently available at 58 airports across the U.S. and can also be used at stadiums and other large venues.
The service has more than 22 million members nationwide.
The secure identity platform uses members' biometric data, including fingerprint and iris scans, to automate identity verification during the Transportation Security Administration screening process. Instead of waiting for a TSA agent to manually review their license or passport, Clear members can access a separate, dedicated security lane with separate check-in kiosks.
With the Aug. 1 price increase, Clear now costs $199 annually; some premium credit cards cover the cost entirely or at a discounted rate.
American Express confirmed an increased Clear Plus statement credit of $199 is also effective as of Aug. 1. This specifically applies to The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, the American Express® Green Card, the American Express Corporate Platinum Card® and the Centurion Card from American Express. (Enrollment is required and subject to auto-renewal.)
The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, American Express Green Card, American Express Corporate Platinum Card and the Centurion 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.
As of April, Clear users can enroll in TSA PreCheck for a bundled rate of $199 instead of paying $78 for TSA PreCheck alone. To get that price, travelers must apply for both TSA PreCheck and a Clear Plus membership on the Clear website. After they complete the process and are approved, Clear will issue a rebate of $77.95.
A variety of airlines also offer their frequent flyer members discounted Clear rates.
In addition to the price increase, Clear has launched Clear Perks, which a Clear spokesperson said are "aimed at enhancing the travel experience," including "luggage delivery to home or hotel and recovery of lost items at the airport through Clear Scout, assisted by our ambassadors."
Users can contact Clear Ambassadors via text or phone to recover lost items at the airport, such as IDs and phones, via Clear Scout.
"If you forget anything beyond airport security, our Ambassadors will search for your lost item and help get it back to you," the spokesperson said. "If your item is found, our Ambassador will give you your item outside airport security, checking your ID and the item description. If you're no longer at the airport, we'll ship it to you."
Additional services include discounts at existing airport services, specifically:
- 15% discount at RushMyPassport for expedited passport processing within three business days
- 50% off your first round-trip shipment at Ship&Play for airport luggage shipping services
- 20% discount at airport meet-and-greet service Royal Airport Concierge
- 15% off annual membership at Medjet for global medical transfers from hospitals to home
Bottom line
The annual price of Clear has been increased and now costs $199. If you'd rather avoid this fee, certain credit cards offer perks that cover the cost entirely or make you eligible for a discounted rate.
American Express, for example, offers a credit statement for the full amount of a Clear Plus statement if you hold The Platinum Card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, the American Express Green Card, the American Express Corporate Platinum Card and the Centurion Card from American Express. (Enrollment is required and subject to auto-renewal.)
You might also be able to access the program for free or at a reduced rate if you hold status with an airline.
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