Clear costs $189 per year for the basic membership, or $19.99 per month if you pay monthly
Clear is a biometric identity service that lets you skip security lines at airports and some other venues by scanning your eyes or fingerprints instead of showing ID. The annual membership costs $189, which works out to about $16 per month. If you prefer to pay monthly without a commitment, the cost is $19.99 per month — about $240 per year total.
Clear also offers a premium tier called Clear+ that bundles membership with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. If you choose Clear+ with TSA PreCheck, you pay $189 for Clear plus $85 for five years of TSA PreCheck, totaling $274 upfront. If you choose Clear+ with Global Entry, you pay $189 for Clear plus $100 for five years of Global Entry, totaling $289 upfront. These bundled prices are slightly cheaper than buying each service separately.
Some employers and health insurance plans cover Clear membership as a benefit, so the cost to you may be zero. United Airlines also offers Clear free to its highest-tier frequent flyer members. Check your employer's benefits portal or your airline's loyalty program to see if you already have access.
Key Takeaways
- Clear's basic annual membership is $189 per year, or $19.99 per month without a contract.
- Clear+ bundles Clear with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and costs $274 or $289 upfront, which is cheaper than buying them separately.
- Some employers, health plans, and airlines cover Clear membership at no cost to members.
- Clear works at about 60 U.S. airports plus some sports venues and concert halls, so check whether your home airport participates before purchasing.
What Clear actually does at the airport
Clear scans your eyes or fingerprints at a kiosk, confirms your identity, and lets you skip the ID-check line at airport security. You still go through the metal detector and bag screening like everyone else — Clear only removes the step where you show your passport or driver's license to a TSA officer. At most airports, this saves 5 to 15 minutes during normal hours, though the time saved varies widely depending on how busy the airport is and what time you travel.
Clear is not the same as TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck lets you keep your shoes and belt on and leave liquids in your bag, which speeds up the screening itself. Clear speeds up the line before screening. You can have both: Clear gets you to the front, and TSA PreCheck makes the screening faster once you're there. Many travelers buy both for maximum speed.
Where Clear works and where it doesn't
Clear operates at about 60 U.S. airports, including major hubs like Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York (JFK and LaGuardia), Chicago, and Dallas. It does not work at every airport — smaller regional airports often do not have Clear kiosks. Before you buy, check the Clear website's airport list to confirm your home airport and any frequent destinations are included.
Clear also works at some sports venues (including stadiums for NFL, NBA, and NHL teams), concert halls, and theme parks, but airport access is the main reason most people buy it. If you travel infrequently or mostly use airports without Clear, the membership may not be worth the cost.
How to cancel Clear if you change your mind
You can cancel your Clear membership at any time through the Clear app or website. If you paid annually, Clear does not refund unused months — you lose the remaining balance. If you pay monthly, you can cancel after any month without penalty. This means the annual plan is only cheaper if you use Clear regularly throughout the year.
If your employer or airline covers Clear, canceling your membership may not be possible through the normal process — you would need to contact your employer's benefits administrator or your airline's customer service instead.
Clear vs. TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry
| Service | Cost | Duration | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear | $189/year or $19.99/month | Annual or month-to-month | Biometric ID check; skip the ID line at security |
| TSA PreCheck | $85 | 5 years | Expedited screening; keep shoes and belt on |
| Global Entry | $100 | 5 years | Expedited customs screening when returning to the U.S.; includes TSA PreCheck |
| Clear + TSA PreCheck | $274 upfront | 1 year Clear + 5 years TSA PreCheck | Both services combined |
| Clear + Global Entry | $289 upfront | 1 year Clear + 5 years Global Entry | Both services combined |
The choice depends on how often you fly and whether you travel internationally. If you fly once or twice a year domestically, TSA PreCheck alone ($85 for five years) is the better value. If you fly frequently or internationally, Global Entry ($100 for five years) is worth it because it includes TSA PreCheck and speeds up customs lines. Clear makes sense if you fly multiple times per month and value skipping the ID line enough to pay $189 per year.
Hidden costs and things to know before buying
Clear requires a valid government ID and a background check, which is free but takes a few days to process. You will also need to enroll in person at an airport kiosk or a Clear enrollment center — you cannot sign up entirely online. Enrollment takes about 10 minutes and happens during your first Clear visit.
If you lose access to your biometric data (for example, if you have an eye injury or significant fingerprint damage), Clear may not work for you temporarily. You can still use a backup ID method at most airports, but this defeats the purpose of the membership. Clear does not refund for temporary inability to use the service.
Clear's parent company, Alclear, also sells your anonymized travel data to third parties for research purposes. If this concerns you, this is something to know before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Clear work internationally?
Clear only works at U.S. airports and venues. It does not work in other countries. If you travel internationally, Global Entry is more useful because it speeds up the customs line when you return to the U.S., whereas Clear only helps you leave.
Can I use Clear if I don't have a passport?
Yes. Clear works with any valid government ID, including a driver's license. You do not need a passport to enroll or use the service.
What happens if I forget to use Clear and go through the regular line?
Nothing. You simply miss the benefit that day. Your membership stays active and you can use Clear on your next trip. There is no penalty for not using it.
Is Clear worth it if I only fly a few times a year?
Probably not. At $189 per year, you need to fly enough times to save at least 10 to 15 minutes per trip to break even on the cost. If you fly fewer than four times per year, TSA PreCheck alone is a better value.
Can I add family members to my Clear membership?
No. Each person needs their own membership. There is no family plan or discount for multiple members. If you travel with a spouse or children regularly, the cost multiplies.