Prices are going up for membership with the security screening company Clear. Beginning July 1, membership in the expedited security program Clear Plus, will go up to $209 a year (it had been $199).
No one wants to see price increases, but the good news is that there are still lots of ways to get Clear for free.
A Clear spokesperson reminded TPG that this is only the third price adjustment in its 15-year history (started at $179 in 2010).,” … and reflects our continued investment in making airport travel faster, safer, and more predictable across our 150+ lanes and network of 59 airports nationwide.”
Clear pointed out several recent enhancements to membership, including adding 45 lanes and 19 airports, new technology like their EnVe pods and biometric e-gates, letting passengers upload passports to get Real ID-ready and expanding the technology into areas like stadiums.
Remember that Clear offers discounted or even free membership for Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members. Some top-tier elite members even get a free membership as a perk of their status.
In addition, several credit cards give a statement credit for Clear memberships.
Statement credits for Clear memberships going up at Amex
In fact, the company told us that, “starting July 1, 2025, American Express will increase the statement credits to $209 per year when paying for an auto-renewing Clear Plus Membership with an eligible American Express Card.”
Eligible Cards include:
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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.
Card Members must be enrolled in a Clear Plus Membership and use an eligible American Express Card as the form of payment to receive this benefit.
You don’t need to enroll for this benefit through American Express in advance, simply use your eligible credit card to pay for a Clear membership and get a statement credit as reimbursement.
Here’s how to use this benefit.
New pricing for United and Delta elites and cardholders
Delta and United pricing will also update according to the member’s loyalty tier.
Here’s a handy chart showing the various membership perks for different elite levels. As you can see, Delta Diamond Medallions and 360s get free membership, with other elite tiers getting reduced membership fees.
|
United |
Delta |
Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
United Global Services |
Diamond Medallion & Delta 360°™ |
Complimentary (no change) |
|
Premier 1k |
n/a |
$129 (no change) |
|
Premier Silver/Platinum/Gold or United U.S. Credit Cardmember |
Platinum, Gold, Silver Medallion Members & eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members |
$169 |
|
MileagePlus |
SkyMiles |
$199 |
Prices for cardholders, basic members and lower-level elite members have all gone up by $20.
Also on July 1, adding a second adult to your account will cost $125. Separately, the veteran/military/government employee rates will remain the same at $119 per person per year.
Related: Clear testing out new biometric screening gates
Bottom line
We never like to hear of price increases and weaker discounts.
Still, it will remain possible to get a complimentary Clear membership with the right credit card strategy (or being a top-tier elite with a few airlines).
Remember that children still can use Clear lanes for free, as long as they are traveling with an adult with a membership.
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