How to Sign Up for CLEAR^®

5 Min Read | Published: June 19, 2024

A person using a mobile phone at the airport.

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See how to sign up for CLEAR^® Plus for expedited airport security screening. You can apply online or in person at an airport.

At-A-Glance

CLEAR^® Plus can help you to move through security faster at more than 55 U.S. airports.
It currently costs $189 per year to join CLEAR plus $99 per person for up to three family members and friends.
You may be able to get the cost of CLEAR reimbursed with the right credit card.

If you’re looking for a way to save time while traveling, CLEAR^® Plus is one option that’s worth exploring. This program can help preapproved travelers expedite the airport security process and could help to reduce the amount of time spent standing in line at select airports. There’s also a free version of CLEAR that can be used for certain stadiums and arenas.

In this article, we’ll look at how CLEAR Plus works, and show you how you can sign up for it. You’ll also see how you could get the cost of CLEAR Plus reimbursed if you have the right credit card.

What Is CLEAR?

CLEAR Plus is a Trusted Traveler Program that can help people get through security lines faster at select U.S. airports. It works by allowing members to verify their identities at biometric kiosks. This helps to streamline the first part of the security screening process. Once you’re through the biometric screening, a Clear Ambassador will escort you to the physical and luggage scanning part of the screening process.¹

CLEAR uses biometric data, and once you enroll, you’ll connect your biometrics, which may be a fingerprint or eye scan to your personal identity.

The paid membership “CLEAR Plus” is required for use at airports, while membership is free for those who are just using it for stadiums and arenas.² This is known as Sports & Events access, and all you’ll need for that is the free CLEAR app.³

Enrollment Process for CLEAR Plus

As long as you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years old, you may be eligible for CLEAR Plus. All you need is a valid photo ID, such as a:

U.S. driver’s license
U.S. passport
U.S. permanent resident card
U.S. passport card
U.S.-issued permanent resident card
State-issued ID
U.S. military ID

You can enroll online by visiting the CLEAR website’s enroll page. Alternatively, you can enroll in person at an airport. If you choose the online route, you’ll still need to complete the process at the airport with a CLEAR ambassador next time you’re there for a flight. Fortunately, the online application is short and only requires basic personal information, like your name, email address, and zip code.⁴

Which Airports Have CLEAR Plus?

CLEAR Plus is currently available at more than 55 U.S. airports.⁵

Here are just a few of the airports where CLEAR locations can be found:

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Minneapolis—Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

See all locations where CLEAR is available by using CLEAR’s location finder.

How Much Does CLEAR Plus Cost?

To join CLEAR Plus you’ll need to pay $189 per year. Please visit the CLEAR website for the most up-to-date information on pricing. If you’d like, you can add up to three friends or family members to your account for $99 per person. Regardless of if you travel with them or solo, they’ll be able to reap the benefits of CLEAR as well. Note that children under 18 are able to use the CLEAR lane for free when they are traveling with a CLEAR Plus member.⁶

Get Reimbursed for CLEAR Plus With the Right Credit Card

Certain credit cards may also offer reimbursement for CLEAR Plus. With The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The American Express^® Green Card, you can get up to $189 back per calendar year on your CLEAR Plus membership.^7,8 Note that terms and conditions apply, and enrollment may be required. Membership is subject to auto-renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether CLEAR Plus is worth the annual investment depends on your budget, preferences, and traveling habits. If CLEAR is available at your home airport or you frequently travel through airports with CLEAR locations, the program can save you time and hassle.⁹

Enrolling at the airport is fast and typically only takes a few minutes. Once enrolled, you can start using CLEAR Lanes right away.¹⁰

While CLEAR is offered through a private company, TSA PreCheck is offered by the government. CLEAR Plus can allow you to skip the physical documentation check while TSA PreCheck offers a shorter physical security line. Depending on your situation, it may make sense to invest in both CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck.¹¹

The Takeaway

CLEAR Plus is an expedited security program that uses biometric screening, instead of physical documents to verify your identity. It can help save you time at select airports. You can sign up for CLEAR Plus online or in-person at the airport. Once you’re a member, you may take advantage of CLEAR at more than 55 airports.

^1,2,6,11 “TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR: Which is Better?,” Bankrate

^3,10 “CLEAR Support & FAQs,” CLEAR

⁴ “Zip Through Airport Security this Year with a CLEAR Membership,” CNN

^5,9 “How Much Is CLEAR? Is It Worth The Cost?,” Forbes

⁷ For more on Offer & Benefit Terms for The Platinum Card^®, click here.

⁸ For more on Offer & Benefit Terms for The American Express^® Green Card, click here.

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Anna Baluch is a personal finance writer from Cleveland, OH. She enjoys helping people from all walks of life make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen on Credit Karma, Forbes, LendingTree, Insurify, and many other publications. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.

All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.

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