Membership fees for Clear, the expedited security screening service, are set to increase starting July 1. The annual cost for Clear Plus will rise to $209, up from the previous $199.
While nobody welcomes price hikes, there’s some good news: there are still numerous ways to obtain Clear for free.
A Clear spokesperson noted to Flying Frugal that this marks only the third price adjustment in the company’s 15-year history, which began at $179 in 2010. The spokesperson explained, “This change reflects our ongoing investments in making airport travel faster, safer, and more predictable across our 150+ lanes and 59 airports nationwide.”
Clear has recently enhanced its offerings, including the addition of 45 new lanes and 19 airports, as well as new technologies such as EnVe pods and biometric e-gates. They also allow passengers to upload passports for Real ID readiness and are expanding their technology to stadiums.
Additionally, Clear provides discounted or complimentary memberships for Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members. Elite members from these programs often enjoy free memberships as part of their benefits.
Changes to Statement Credits for Clear Memberships at Amex
Notably, American Express will increase its statement credit for Clear memberships to $209 annually, effective July 1, 2025, for qualifying cardholders using an eligible card.
Eligible Cards include:
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Details for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, American Express Green Card, American Express Corporate Platinum Card, and the Centurion Card were collected independently by The Points Guy. Information on this page has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Cardholders must be enrolled in Clear Plus and use an eligible American Express card for payment to qualify for this benefit. Enrollment in advance is not required—simply pay for your Clear membership with your eligible card to receive the statement credit.
Updated Pricing for United and Delta Elite Members and Their Cardholders
Pricing for Clear memberships will also change for Delta and United members based on their loyalty tiers.
| 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. Cardmember | Platinum, Gold, Silver Medallion Members & eligible Delta SkyMiles Amex Card Members | $169 |
| MileagePlus | SkyMiles | $199 |
Prices for cardholders, basic members, and lower-tier elite members will increase by $20. Starting July 1, adding a second adult to your account will cost $125, while rates for veterans, military, and government employees will remain unchanged at $119 annually.
Final Thoughts
While nobody enjoys hearing about price increases, it’s still possible to secure a complimentary Clear membership through a strategic approach with credit cards or by being a top-tier elite member with airlines.
Additionally, children can use Clear lanes free of charge as long as they are accompanied by a member.
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