Clear membership costs $189 per year, or $19 per month if you pay monthly

Clear is a biometric identity verification service that lets you skip the ID-check line at airport security and some other venues. The annual membership is $189 if you pay upfront, or $19 per month on a recurring basis — which comes to $228 per year. There is no free trial, though some credit cards and airline loyalty programs offer complimentary memberships as a cardholder benefit.

The price has remained stable for several years, though Clear has occasionally offered promotional rates for new members. These promotions vary by season and are typically advertised on Clear's website or through partner airlines and credit card companies.

Key Takeaways

  • Clear membership costs $189 per year paid upfront, or $19 monthly ($228 per year), with no free trial period.
  • Some American Express cards, United Airlines, and other partners include complimentary Clear membership as a cardholder or loyalty program benefit.
  • Clear works at major U.S. airports and some sports venues and concert halls, not at all airports or international travel.
  • You will need to provide biometric data — fingerprints and a photo — during enrollment, which takes about 10 minutes in person or via video.
  • Membership renews automatically each year unless you cancel, so check your credit card statements if you no longer use it.

What Clear actually does at the airport

Clear does not replace TSA security screening. Instead, it lets you use a separate, faster line to verify your identity before you reach the standard TSA checkpoint. A Clear employee scans your fingerprints and face against the biometric data you provided during enrollment, then directs you to a TSA agent. You still go through the metal detector, X-ray, and all other TSA procedures — Clear just removes the ID-check bottleneck.

This matters most at busy airports during peak hours. At a quiet airport on a slow morning, the time savings may be minimal. At Atlanta, Dallas, or Los Angeles during evening rush, the difference can be 10 to 20 minutes.

Clear operates at most major U.S. airports, including all the busiest ones. The company's website lists which airports have Clear lanes, and the list changes occasionally as new locations open. Clear does not work at international airports outside the United States, and it does not speed up customs or immigration screening when you return from abroad.

Where else you can use Clear

Beyond airports, Clear has expanded to some sports venues and concert halls. You can use your membership to skip entry lines at certain NFL stadiums, NBA arenas, and music venues — the list includes places like Madison Square Garden, SoFi Stadium, and others, though coverage varies. Clear's app shows which venues near you accept the membership.

This secondary use is a bonus for frequent concert or sports attendees, but it is not the primary reason most people buy the membership. Airport security is where Clear delivers the most consistent value.

How to enroll and what information you need

Enrollment requires you to provide a government-issued ID, your fingerprints, and a photo. You can enroll online through Clear's app or website, which triggers a video call with a Clear employee who verifies your identity and captures your biometric data. The process takes about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can enroll in person at a Clear enrollment location, usually found at major airports.

Once enrolled, your biometric data is stored in Clear's system and matched against your identity each time you use the service. Clear publishes a privacy policy explaining how this data is handled, though the collection and storage of fingerprints and facial recognition data is a privacy consideration worth reviewing before you enroll.

Getting Clear free through credit cards and airline programs

Several credit cards and airline loyalty programs include complimentary Clear membership. American Express Platinum and some other premium Amex cards offer a free annual Clear membership as a cardholder benefit. United Airlines' highest-tier frequent flyer status includes Clear. Some other airlines and financial institutions offer it as well, though the list changes.

If you hold one of these cards or reach the may have access to status, you can enroll in Clear at no additional cost. The membership is still subject to annual renewal, so you will need to maintain the card or status to keep the benefit active. Check your card's benefits guide or your airline's website to confirm whether Clear is included.

Canceling your membership

Clear membership renews automatically each year on your billing date. If you no longer use it, you can cancel through the Clear app or website, or by contacting Clear's customer service. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current membership period — you will not receive a refund for the remainder of the year if you cancel mid-cycle.

If you received Clear free through a credit card or airline program, cancellation works the same way. The free membership will stop renewing once your card or status changes, but you should still cancel actively if you want to ensure your biometric data is removed from Clear's system. Check Clear's privacy policy for details on data deletion requests.

Whether Clear is worth the cost

The value of Clear depends on how often you fly and which airports you use. If you fly more than twice a year through a major airport during busy times, the time savings often justify the cost. If you fly once a year through a small airport, it probably does not. If you travel internationally frequently, remember that Clear only works in the United States.

The monthly payment option ($19 per month) costs more per year than paying upfront, so if you think you will use it for a full year, the annual payment is cheaper. If you are uncertain, the monthly option lets you cancel without losing money to an unused annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Clear free if I have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

No. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are separate programs that also speed up airport screening, but they do not include Clear membership. However, some credit cards that offer Clear also offer TSA PreCheck or Global Entry reimbursement, so you might be able to get multiple benefits through one card.

What happens if I move or change my appearance significantly?

Clear's biometric matching is designed to work even with changes like glasses, facial hair, or weight loss. If you move, your membership remains valid nationwide — Clear works at any participating airport. If you have concerns about whether your biometric data will still match, you can contact Clear's support team.

Is my biometric data safe with Clear?

Clear stores your fingerprints and facial photo in encrypted form. The company has published a privacy policy and security practices, though storing biometric data carries inherent privacy considerations. Review Clear's privacy policy before enrolling to understand how your data is used and protected.

Can I use someone else's Clear membership?

No. Clear membership is tied to your biometric data and identity. Only the person enrolled can use the membership. Attempting to use someone else's membership will fail the biometric verification step.

Do I need Clear if I already have TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck lets you keep shoes and light jackets on and leave laptops in your bag, but you still wait in the standard ID-check line. Clear skips that line entirely. Whether you need both depends on how much time you want to save and how often you fly.