Certain tools are nonnegotiable when it comes to seamless travel. For me, the ones I regularly turn to are Clear and TSA PreCheck.
Both programs help travelers pass through Transportation Security Administration lines quicker. I’m also a fan of Global Entry, which expedites the customs process upon returning to the U.S. from abroad.
Here’s what to know about each program — and how to get them for free or at a discounted rate.
What are TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear?
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck users can pass through airport security using a dedicated line — without taking off their shoes, belts or light jackets or removing their laptops or liquids from their bags, like passengers in the regular TSA line do. According to the TSA, 99% of TSA PreCheck users wait less than 10 minutes to get through airport security.
Clear
Thanks to biometric identification (via fingerprint or iris scans), Clear users typically do not have to show their IDs anytime during security screening. However, Clear users should still bring their ID when traveling, as the TSA reserves the right to subject all passengers to random ID checks. Clear members are escorted to the front of the line for the security screening machines, either to the front of the TSA PreCheck screening line for those with Clear and TSA PreCheck or to the front of the normal TSA screening line.
Global Entry
Global Entry gives preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the U.S. from abroad. Users can enter the country through automated kiosks at more than 75 airports.
How much do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear cost?
The cost of a five-year membership to TSA PreCheck varies depending on how you apply. Applying through Telos costs $85, with a $70 renewal fee. Meanwhile, applying through Idemia costs $76.75 for a new applicant. Renewal fees through Idemia vary depending on whether you apply in person ($66.75) or online ($58.75).
A five-year Global Entry membership costs $120 but also includes access to TSA PreCheck, making it an enticing two-in-one package for some travelers.
An annual membership to Clear costs $209.
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TSA PreCheck and Global Entry via credit cards
Several cobranded airline, hotel and other credit cards will offer up to $120 in statement credit reimbursement for application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is typically available every four or five years, though you should check the terms for your specific card for the exact frequency.
Some cards that convey reimbursed TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry memberships are:
Here is a full list of credit cards offering this discount.
Your points can pay for TSA PreCheck
Some loyalty programs allow members to use points or miles in exchange for membership fee coverage. However, the return per point is less than TPG’s valuation of these currencies, so this wouldn’t be our top recommendation.
Still, if you wish to go this route, here are a few options for members:
- Orbitz Rewards: Platinum members get a free TSA PreCheck membership every five years.
- Marriott Bonvoy: Redeem 25,000 points for an $85 TSA PreCheck application credit.
- IHG One Rewards: Redeem 30,000 points for an $85 TSA PreCheck application credit.
- United MileagePlus: Redeem 11,000 miles for a TSA PreCheck membership.
Bundled TSA PreCheck and Clear
Clear users can enroll in TSA PreCheck for a bundled rate of $209 by applying for both TSA PreCheck and Clear Plus through Clear. After being approved for both programs, users can expect a $77.95 rebate via Clear.
Clear memberships via credit cards
Unfortunately, not nearly as many credit cards provide a free Clear Plus membership. Some cards that currently offer a statement credit to cover a Clear membership fee are:
Occasionally, American Express will also target cardmembers with Amex Offers covering the cost of Clear, so be sure to look out for those limited-time offers.
The information for the Centurion, Amex Green and Hilton Aspire cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Credit cards that save you money on Clear
If you don’t have a credit card offering a statement credit covering Clear, some additional credit cards reduce the annual cost:
Save on Clear with a frequent flyer membership
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines offer their frequent flyers free or discounted memberships to Clear.
Delta SkyMiles discounts
Top-tier Delta Diamond Medallion members can get Clear for free. Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members can pay a reduced price of $169, as can those with a Delta credit card.
All Delta SkyMiles members without elite status can get a discounted membership for $199 — a $10 discount.
United MileagePlus discounts
United no longer extends free Clear memberships to its Premier 1K members but offers a discounted annual rate of $129.
United Premier Platinum, Gold and Silver members can get Clear for a discounted annual rate of $169. United credit card holders also get this discount.
General United MileagePlus members can access Clear for $199 per year.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan discounts
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can enroll in Clear for a slightly discounted annual rate of $199.
Mileage Plan members who sign up for Clear receive 1,500 bonus miles, plus an additional 1,250 miles each year they renew as an MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K or MVP Gold 100K member.
Clear discounts for families and students
Travelers younger than 18 can pass through Clear with an adult for free, but Clear no longer offers a college student discount. However, Clear does offer family plans that include up to three additional adults on a primary membership for $125 per additional person, per year.
Try Clear for free with a referral code
TPG readers can try a two-month free trial using this link.
Bottom line
Not only do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear help travelers save time, but it’s also possible to get these memberships without paying full price. Before you sign up for one or more of the programs, see if you can get a membership for free or at a reduced cost by using one of these methods.
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